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Blood Disorders

Internal Medicine, Physical Therapy, Pediatrics & Pulmonology located in San Antonio, TX

When left untreated, blood disorders can cause serious medical problems. At San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine, with three locations in San Antonio, Texas, the expert primary care physicians diagnose and treat blood disorders to reduce unpleasant or life-threatening complications. Call the office to learn more or use the online scheduler today.


What are blood disorders?

Blood disorders develop when your blood doesn’t function the way it’s designed. Such disorders can cause serious complications when left untreated. Examples of blood disorders include:

  • Anemia
  • Leukocytosis
  • Hemophilia 
  • Thalassemia
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Polycythemia vera
  • Von Willebrand disease
  • Thrombocytopenia 

These and other conditions might develop because of genetics, diseases, medications, or nutrient deficiencies. They can affect your red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.

What are the symptoms of blood disorders?

If you have a blood disorder, you may notice some of the following symptoms:

  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fever
  • Frequent infections
  • Headaches
  • Blood clots
  • Easy bruising
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding in women
  • Rash
  • Itchy skin

See your doctor at the first sign of a bleeding disorder. Early detection and treatment of blood disorders are the best ways to keep unpleasant symptoms at bay and maintain exceptional health. 

What are the risk factors for blood disorders?

While anyone can develop blood disorders, common risk factors for developing them include:

  • Some medications
  • Medical conditions
  • Severe or ongoing stress
  • Viral infections
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Inflammation
  • Malnutrition
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Burns
  • Lupus
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Family history of blood disorders

Blood disorders could appear because of more than one risk factor. Ask your doctor about the possible side effects of medications before taking them. 

Eat a well-balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and drink plenty of water.

How does my provider diagnose blood disorders?

Your primary care specialist reviews your medical history, symptoms, dietary patterns, and other lifestyle habits to find out if you have blood disorders. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and often order several blood tests. In some cases, they may recommend a bone marrow biopsy.

How are blood disorders treated?

Your San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine provider personalizes a  treatment plan to treat blood disorders. They may recommend watchful waiting, changing your diet, trying dietary supplements, or taking medications. You might need blood transfusions, growth factor supplementation, coagulation factor support, or bone marrow transplantation.

Your provider monitors you during your treatment to ensure it’s working properly and makes changes to your regimen whenever necessary. 

To learn more about treatments for blood disorders and to find out if they’re right for you, call the San Antonio Premier Internal Medicine office or use the online scheduling tool today.