Blood Diseases

Erythroblastosis Fetalis - antigens produced by the fetus can generate antibodies in the mother.  If you are Rh neg, and the father of the baby is Rh pos, then this could be a problem.

Hemolytic disease does not usually affect first born babies because the mother has not built up enough antibodies.  Subsequent pregnancies may not be viable.  Luckily, modern medicine has a way to prevent this problem, a shot can suppress the production of antibodies.

Mononucleosis: sometimes called "mono" or "the kissing disease," is an infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

HIV: HIV weakens the immune system by infecting specific immune cells. (CD4 T-cells; ) can lead to AIDS

AIDS: acquired immune deficiency syndrome. When the number of CD4 cells falls below 200 cc’s, a person can develop opportunistic infections.

Dermatographia: Immune system releases excess amounts of histamine causing welts to appear when lightly scratched.

Cold Urticaria: (essentially meaning "cold hives") is an where hives or large red welts form on the skin after exposure to a cold stimulus.

Cooley’s Anemia: which is an inherited disorder that interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. It’s very typical for the cells to appear faded (hypochromia).”  

Sickle Cell Disease: a genetic mutation in the DNA code, incorrect formation of the hemoglobin protein, cells are abnormally shaped, cannot carry oxygen efficiently. Symptoms: splenomegaly, fatigue / weakness, pain crisis, strokes, shortness of breath

Hemophilia: Carried on the X chromosome. Passed from mothers to sons. Blood does not clot, leading to crisis even with minor injuries. “Bleeder’s disease