Aplastic anemia occurs as a result of damage to stem cells in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue in your bones. Many diseases and conditions can damage the stem cells in the bone marrow. As a result, the bone marrow makes fewer red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

The most common cause of bone marrow damage is when your immune system attacks and destroys the stem cells in your bone marrow, which is a type of autoimmune disease. The genes you inherit from your parents, some medications, and certain environmental toxins can also cause aplastic anemia.

Aplastic anemia can develop suddenly or slowly and can be mild or severe. Signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia include fatigue, infections that last a long time, and easy bruising or bleeding. The low blood cell count also increases the risk of complications such as bleeding, leukemia, or other serious blood disorders. Without treatment, aplastic anemia can lead to serious medical conditions such as arrhythmia and heart failure. To diagnose aplastic anemia, your doctor will order tests to determine if you have low cells in your bone marrow and blood.

Treatments may include drugs to suppress your immune system, blood transfusions, or a blood and bone marrow transplant. A blood and bone marrow transplant can cure the condition in some people. Removing a known cause of aplastic anemia, such as exposure to a toxin, can also cure the condition. Because people with aplastic anemia are more likely to develop blood disorders, your doctor will monitor your condition and screen you for blood disorders regularly. If you are taking medications to suppress your immune system, you should also take measures to prevent infection and flu, including taking medications and getting vaccines such as an annual flu shot