Dyscrasia is a word used to describe a nonspecific disease or disorder, specifically of the blood. If it is a nonspecific blood disorder or disease, it is termed as blood dyscrasia.
Before the advent of modern medicinal research and advancement, dyscrasia was used to refer to the imbalance in bodily fluids. These bodily fluids could be blood, lymph, bile, and phlegm.
Famous Greek physician, Halen, viewed health as a balance in the composition of body fluids namely blood, phlegm, bile, and lymph. Any disproportionate presence was seen as an imbalance and hence termed as a disease.
Blood dyscrasia is a medical condition that affects the cellular or plasma content of a cell, bone marrow, or lymphatic node. Some of the examples of blood dyscrasia are as follows:
- Cancers like leukemia
- Blood clotting disorder
- Anaemias
SYMPTOMS OF DYSCRASIA
Symptoms of blood dyscrasia can vary as everyone has a different body type. The symptoms usually revolve around the number of blood cells – whether deficient or in excess. Or it could consist of excessive build-up in lymph nodes or spleen.
– Reduction in white blood cells – White blood cells are the fighter blood cells of our body. They fight against any invaders in our bodies. If there is a reduction in these cells, it can make the body prone to any diseases or infections. Shortness of breath, frequent and painful urination, headaches, and fatigue, etc, are some indications of blood dyscrasia if there is a reduction of white blood cells.
– Absence of red blood cells – Red blood cells are responsible for the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen all over the body. If the red blood cells are reduced, then it means there is less amount of hemoglobin. If there is no carrier for oxygen in the body, then the body can suffocate. It can lead to palpitations, rapid heartbeat or pale skin, etc.
– Reduction of platelet cells – Platelet cells are responsible for stopping bleeding. It also helps in blood clotting at the time of injury. If there is a reduction in platelet cells, it may cause bruising on the body, bleeding from the bladder, heavy menstruation, and bleeding from the nose, etc.
CAUSES OF BLOOD DYSCRASIA
Since the term dyscrasia itself is very unspecific, the reasons for this medical condition are not yet known. However, some factors can lead to dyscrasia:
- Cancers like leukemia, or several myelomas can contribute to the disease
- Consumption of hard drugs
- Environmental factors like exposure to certain radiations
- Genetics – Any specific gene mutations or genetic predispositions may cause dyscrasia
DIAGNOSIS OF BLOOD DYSCRASIA
The diagnosis of this mystery medical condition aka blood dyscrasia involves several steps depending on different body types. Other factors like environment and family medical history could also impact the diagnosis. Reduction of blood clotting is important. Sometimes, the treatment used for blood clot reduction is used for this disorder too. Time is a crucial factor in the treatment of this disease.
