(Image: Getty)
While some health issues present clear, visible symptoms, many blood disorders often “hide in plain sight,” making them harder to detect, according to Dr. Bhavini Shah, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. A new survey from the service reveals that 75% of people are unable to recognize signs and symptoms of common blood disorders a concerning statistic that highlights the importance of greater public awareness.
“Spotting blood disorders can be difficult,” said Dr. Shah in Surrey Live. “While home blood tests can provide useful health information like liver function, vitamin D levels, and diabetes risk, blood disorders can be more challenging to test for and could present with a range of mild or severe symptoms. This is why it’s important to speak to your GP if you’re experiencing any sort of unusual health symptoms.”
One of the most common but misunderstood conditions is anaemia. The survey found that 7% of people had never heard of it, and 36% didn’t know its symptoms. “Anaemia generally refers to either not having enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen around the body,” Dr. Shah said, adding that causes range from genetics to diet or medical conditions. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pale skin.
Haemophilia, a rare disorder affecting one in every 2,000 people in the UK, was unfamiliar to 17% of survey participants. “The condition affects the way that blood clots,” Shah explained. “Other lesser-known symptoms are bruising more easily and experiencing joint pain and swelling.”
The research also found gaps in awareness around sickle cell disease. “Sickle cell disease is the name of a group of conditions affecting the red blood cells,” said Shah, noting that it’s especially prevalent among people of African or Caribbean heritage. Symptoms include frequent infections, chronic anaemia, and painful episodes caused by blocked blood vessels.
Von Willebrand disease, a lesser-known condition, was unfamiliar to 66% of people surveyed. “Von Willebrand can be difficult to diagnose as it doesn’t always cause symptoms unless you suffer an injury,” said Shah. Symptoms include frequent nosebleeds, heavy periods, and easy bruising.
Finally, thalassaemia, which affects haemoglobin levels, was unknown to 65% of respondents. “Thalassaemia can make people very anaemic and can require regular blood transfusions,” said Shah, who emphasized it is more common in people of Mediterranean, South Asian, and Middle Eastern descent.
Dr. Shah urged the public to consult a GP if experiencing unexplained symptoms: “Some people may live with these conditions for years without knowing it. Early detection can change lives.”
READ NEXT
- “Drink Coffee Before Noon”: Study Says Morning Brew May Cut Risk of Stroke or Heart Attack
- “Adults Must Be Held Accountable”: Parents Charged After 7-Year-Old Boy Killed Crossing Street Alone
- “Reign of Corruption”: Warren Report Slams Elon Musk’s 130 Days in Trump Administration
- “It Really Looks Bad”: George Clooney Says Amal ‘Will Be Glad When It’s Gone’ as He Ditches Broadway Hair Look
- King Charles and Prince Harry’s feud has been laid bare by experts
