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Aplastic anemia is often caused by damage to the bone marrow, which affects the stem cells capacity to grow into healthy blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). The origin of the damage may be inherited (rare) or acquired (common but sometimes temporary). In more than half the cases, the factors are unidentifiable.

Here are some of the common factors that may injure the red and spongy material found in the cavity of some the bones inside the body:

*Environmental and chemical toxins like benzene, pesticides, and arsenic

*Treatment therapies for cancer like radiation and chemotherapy

*Use of medication. Certain types of antibiotics and drugs that have strong formulation of chemicals can cause aplastic anemia.

*Autoimmune problems like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

Reports show that in the United States alone, an estimated 1,000 people are diagnosed with aplastic anemia each year. This number is larger in Asian countries aplastic anemia is more common.

Preventing the disease is not usually possible. It is possible, though to lower the risk by avoiding exposure to environmental toxins such as benzene.

There are treatment options that vary with the disease state. Hospitalization during treatment is not necessarily needed during the mild and moderate states of this still serious illness. In the severe state of the disease, when the blood cell count is extremely low, immediate medical attention is required.

Doctors will commonly treat aplastic anemia patients using strong medications, chemotherapy or even a blood transfusion. In more severe cases, patients are forced to have bone marrow transplant, which can be risky but in some case rid people of the illness.