Blood disorders

Blood disorders range from mild to life-threatening, and it is important to see a health professional if you suspect you may have one. Learn more about them here.

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Thalassaemia

This inherited blood disorder prevents someone from making enough haemoglobin to carry oxygen around the body. Find out more about the types and symptoms of thalassaemia.

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Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a blood disorder that increases the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications. Learn more here.

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Full blood count (FBC)

A full blood count checks red and white blood cells and platelets to detect infections, anaemia and clotting problems and more.

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Nosebleed

Most nosebleeds do not last long and are very mild. Find out what can cause nosebleeds and what to do if you or your child has a nosebleed.

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Sickle cell anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia is the most common and serious form of sickle cell disease. Read more about sickle cell anaemia and how it is treated.

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Neutropenia

Neutropenia is a condition with low neutrophil (white blood cell) levels, increasing infection risk. Seek help if you have neutropenia and a fever.

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How to meet your iron needs - infographic

Need help getting enough iron? Check out this infographic to ensure you get an adequate iron intake with a balanced diet.

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Blood clots

Blood clots can cause different problems depending on where they are in your body. A blood clot can affect your heart, lung or brain, which could be life-threatening. Learn how to recognise the signs and symptoms of a blood clot.

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Thrombocytopenia

Learn about thrombocytopenia (also spelt thrombocytopaenia) — low levels of platelets in your blood, which can cause bleeding problems.

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Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS)

Learn about TTS, a blood-clotting syndrome linked to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria). This vaccine is no longer available in Australia.

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Blood transfusion

Blood transfusion is a safe procedure. Find out about the different types, why you might need a blood transfusion and what happens when you receive it.

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Prolonged erection

Prolonged erection (priapism) occurs when blood is trapped in the penis, causing pain. Learn the causes, treatment and how to prevent complications.

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Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a common type of leukaemia that often progresses slowly without any symptoms and often doesn’t need treatment.

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G6PD deficiency

G6PD deficiency or 'favism' is a genetic disorder. It leads to red blood cell breakdown upon exposure to certain triggers, but can be managed.

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Fifth disease (slapped cheek disease)

Fifth disease or 'slapped cheek disease' is a mild viral illness marked by a red rash that makes children's cheeks look like they've been slapped.

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Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is serious. If a blood clot gets stuck in your lungs it can cause problems with your heart and breathing. Learn the symptoms.

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Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1)

Human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) can infect your blood. Learn more about how it spreads and the diseases it causes.

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Iron deficiency

Iron is an essential mineral for your body. Low iron levels can cause anaemia. Read about how iron deficiency can lead to health problems.

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Anaemia medicines

Anaemia medicine is mostly used to treat iron-deficiency anaemia. Learn how this medicine works, who takes it and associated side effects.

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Haemophilia

Haemophilia is a disorder that stops blood from clotting properly. This makes bleeding hard to control. Learn more about how haemophilia is managed.

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The role of a haematologist

A haematologist is a specialist doctor who treats people with conditions that affect the blood, such as leukaemia, blood clots or haemophilia.

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Heavy periods

Heavy periods (menorrhagia) are common. Here's what you can do for heavy periods, starting with a doctor's visit, medicines and surgery.

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Anaemia

Anaemia is a lack of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs around the body. It's important to treat the cause of the anaemia.

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Foods high in iron

The best sources of iron are animal-based foods like meat and eggs (called 'haem iron'), but many plant-based foods also contain (non-haem) iron.

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Von Willebrand disease

Von Willebrand disease is a genetic bleeding disorder where people have a blood clotting factor is either absent, low or defective.

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Blood and blood vessels

Blood flows through blood vessels to carry oxygen, nutrients and waste around the body. Find out about different types of vessels and role of blood.

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Lupus

Lupus is a disease where your immune system attacks your own normal cells. Its cause is not yet entirely understood, but treatments are available.

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Itchy skin

Itchy skin, or pruritis, is a common irritation. It can be very frustrating. Understand different types of itchy skin and how to ease your discomfort.

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Leukaemia in children

Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer. Children with leukaemia are usually treated for 2 to 3 years. Read more about childhood leukaemia here.

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