The symptoms of MDS, also known as Myelodysplastic Syndromes Myelodysplastic Syndromes: (my-eh-lo-diss-PLASS-tik SIN-dromez) A group of disorders where the bone marrow does not work well, and the bone marrow cells fail to make enough healthy blood cells. Myelo refers to the bone marrow. Dysplastic means abnormal growth or development. People with MDS have low blood cell count for at… , vary from person to person. Specific symptoms depend on which blood cell types are affected and how low blood counts have fallen.
Low Red Blood Cell Counts
A low red blood cell red blood cell: The most numerous type of blood cell in healthy people. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that picks up oxygen in the lungs and brings it to cells in all parts of the body. Also called erythrocyte, RBC. count is called anemia anemia: (uh-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which there is a shortage of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This causes a low red blood cell count. Symptoms of anemia are fatigue and tiredness. . If you have a low red blood cell count, you may:
- Feel a little tired or very tired
- Feel less alert or have trouble concentrating
- Have a loss of appetite or lose weight
- Have paler-than-normal skin
- Have trouble breathing
- Have rapid heartbeat
- Have difficulty exercising or climbing stairs
Anemia is often the first symptom that a person with MDS develops. It is what usually alerts the doctor that something may be wrong. In the early stages of MDS, a person may have very mild symptoms or none at all. As red cell counts go lower, more symptoms develop.
Low White Blood Cell Counts
A low white blood cell white blood cell: Cells in the body that fight disease and infection by attacking and killing germs. There are several types of white blood cells including neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Each type of cell fights a different kind of germ. Also called WBC, leukocyte. count is called neutropenia neutropenia: (noo-truh-PEE-nee-uh) A condition in which there is a shortage of neutrophils in the bloodstream. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell. This results in a low white blood cell count. . If you have a low white blood cell count, you may:
- Have repeated fevers and infections
- Get bladder infections that make it painful to urinate or make you urinate more often
- Get lung infections that cause coughing and difficulty breathing
- Get mouth sores
- Get sinus infections and a stuffy nose
- Get skin infections
In general, a low white cell count lowers an MDS patient’s ability to fight bacterial infections. A fever often accompanies these infections and may be a first sign that there is a problem.
Low Platelet Counts
A low platelet platelet: The smallest type of blood cell. Platelets help the blood to clot and stop bleeding. Also called a thrombocyte. count is called thrombocytopenia thrombocytopenia: (throm-buh-sie-tuh-PEE-nee-uh) A condition in which there is a shortage of platelets in the bloodstream. This results in a low platelet count. Bleeding and bruising often occur with thrombocytopenia. . If you have a low platelet count, you may:
- Bruise or bleed more easily, even from minor scrapes and bumps
- Get heavier than normal menstrual periods
- Get nose bleeds
- Get tiny, flat red spots under your skin (petechiae) caused by bleeding
- Have bleeding gums, especially after dental work or from brushing your teeth.
If platelet counts are not too low, there may be no obvious symptoms. In rare cases, the number of platelets can gdrop so low that dangerous internal bleeding occurs.
Bleeding that will not stop is a medical emergency. An MDS patient needs to seek immediate medical help if they have bleeding that can’t be stopped by usual methods, such as applying pressure to the area.