4. Infections
Individuals with myelodysplastic syndrome are more prone to infections because the bone marrow in their body does not produce enough healthy white blood cells that are responsible for fighting infections.
White blood cells help the body defend against bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents.
In myelodysplastic syndrome, the bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells. These abnormal blood cells are less effective at fighting infections.
As a result, individuals with myelodysplastic syndrome are more susceptible to infections. Once they are infected, they are less able to fight off the infection. This can lead to severe or chronic infections.
3. Pain In The Bones
Individuals with myelodysplastic syndrome can experience pain in the bones. This is caused by a buildup of non-functioning and damaged cells in the bone marrow.
When the bone marrow grows larger due to an excess of abnormal white blood cells, this can cause either a sharp or dull pain to occur. Anemia can also cause some pain in the chest since there are decreased oxygen levels in the body.
2. Feeling Of Fullness Below The Ribs
The feeling of fullness below the ribs can be caused by an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen can put pressure on the surrounding organs and tissues, causing a feeling of fullness or discomfort below the ribs.
The spleen is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, near the ribs. It helps to filter blood, remove old or abnormal red blood cells, and fight infections. The abnormal blood cells produced in the bone marrow can accumulate in the spleen and cause it to enlarge.
1. Petechiae
Low platelet count can cause petechiae. These are small, round spots that develop on the skin or mucous membranes due to bleeding from small blood vessels just under the skin. They can also appear as red or purple spots on the skin.
Individuals with myelodysplastic syndrome may have bleeding disorders that can increase the risk of petechiae.
Treatments
Delayed treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome can have irreversible effects. The myelodysplastic syndrome can progress to acute leukemia, a more aggressive and life-threatening form of blood cancer.
Since myelodysplastic syndrome causes a decrease in the number of white blood cells produced by the bone marrow, the body won’t be able to fight infections. This could eventually lead to serious health complications.
Delayed treatment of the disease can also impair the quality of life of the patient. Therefore, it is crucial to treat myelodysplastic syndrome in order to prevent or delay these complications and improve the quality of life for patients with the condition.
Below are the myelodysplastic syndrome treatments worth knowing about.
8. Transfusion Therapy
Transfusion therapy is a type of supportive care that could be given to an individual with myelodysplastic syndrome.
Transfusion therapy can provide the patient with additional red blood cells to help relieve the symptoms of anemia and improve the oxygen supply to the body. It can also help manage symptoms related to low platelet counts.
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