Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical products company. Committed to bringing out the best in medicine
Contact usWorldwide
HomeAbout MerckProductsNewsroomInvestor InformationCareersResearchLicensingThe Merck Manuals

The Merck Manual--Second Home Edition logo
 
click here to go to the Index click here to go to the Table of Contents click here to go to the search page click here for purchasing information
Chapter 170. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Blood Disorders
Topics: Introduction | Symptoms | Diagnosis
 
green line

Symptoms

Symptoms of blood disorders are often vague and nonspecific, that is, they could indicate a disorder of almost any part of the body. Such symptoms include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, fever, weight loss, pain, dizziness, fainting, excessive bleeding, easy bruising, and very small red or purple spots on the skin.

Although no single symptom unmistakably indicates a blood disorder, certain groups of symptoms suggest the possibility. Such groups of symptoms most commonly relate to decreases in blood cells, such as a reduced number of red blood cells (anemia), a reduced number of white blood cells (leukopenia), or a reduced number of platelets (thrombocytopenia). For example, a person who has weakness and shortness of breath may have anemia. A person who has fever and infection may have too few white blood cells. A person who bleeds or bruises easily may have too few platelets.

Occasionally, symptoms may relate to increased numbers of blood cells. For example, people with thickened (more viscous) blood due to increased numbers of red blood cells or white blood cells may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, and confusion.

Finally, disorders of factors responsible for normal blood clotting may result in insufficient blood clotting (manifesting as bruising or bleeding) or formation of abnormal blood clots (producing warm, painful areas in the legs or sudden shortness of breath or chest pain).

Site MapPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseCopyright 1995-2004 Merck & Co., Inc.