Anemia/Low Blood Counts Specialist

What are anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukemia?

All of these disorders are related to having a low blood count, or not enough of certain kinds of blood cells:

• Anemia: low red blood cell count, which carries oxygen to the body
• Thrombocytopenia: low clotting cell count, called platelets
• Leukopenia: low immune system cell — or white blood cell — count

These are just a few of the conditions associated with a low blood count that are treated at Cancer and Blood Care Specialists. All of these types of disorders have potential complications that need to be monitored and treated appropriately.  

How do I get anemia or another low blood count condition?

There are many reasons why you may have a low blood count.

For anemia, the most common causes are blood loss (like in childbirth, or injury) or a diet lacking in iron.

For thrombocytopenia and leukopenia, blood loss is also a major reason for being short on healthy cells.

There are also many conditions that contribute to low blood count. These include:

• Inherited blood disorders
• Blood cell destroying disorders
• Blood cancers
• Side effects of some drugs

What are some signs or symptoms I may have a low blood count condition?

The signs that you may have low blood count depend on the type of blood cell that is lacking. However, some common symptoms for having a low blood count can be:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Bruising
• Lack of concentration
• Frequent infections
• Irregular heartbeat
• Lightheadedness

When someone has these symptoms, often a simple series of blood tests can confirm a low blood count and help with the diagnosis of a specific low blood count condition.

How can anemia or other low blood count conditions be treated?

Because there are around 400 different kinds of anemia — and there are many different causes for low blood counts — treatment plans are varied.

The team at Cancer and Blood Care Specialists are experienced in treating a wide range of low blood count disorders, and can help create an individualized plan of care for treating your exact condition.

Some of the possible treatment options that may be available to you are:

• Nutrition counseling
• Dietary Supplements
• Drug therapy
• Blood product replacement

If you suspect you have a low blood count, call or book your appointment online to begin an individualized treatment plan at Cancer and Blood Care Specialists.