Blood Disorders

Blood disorders are a broad family of conditions that affect the cells or the liquid part of blood (plasma) and prevent it from doing its jobs — carrying oxygen, fighting infection and clotting properly.

Main groups

• Anaemia — the blood doesn't carry enough oxygen, usually from low iron, vitamin B12 or folate, or from an inherited condition like thalassaemia or sickle-cell disease.
• Clotting problems — either clotting too much (blood clots, strokes, DVT) or too little (bleeding disorders such as haemophilia).
• White cell and immune problems — frequent infections, or low white cells from chemotherapy and other causes.
• Blood cancers — leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma.
• Platelet problems — easy bruising or bleeding when platelets are low or don't work.

Common symptoms

• Persistent tiredness or pallor.
• Shortness of breath on exertion.
• Easy bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or heavy periods.
• Repeated infections or fevers that don't settle.
• Unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or swollen lymph nodes.

India context

Iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common blood disorder in India — found in over half of women of reproductive age. Inherited disorders (thalassaemia, sickle-cell disease) are significant in specific communities and regions. A Complete Blood Count is usually the first test; further tests depend on the pattern. Many blood disorders are highly treatable when found early.