A Full Guide on Bone Marrow for Understanding Its Vital Role in Your Body’s Health

Bone marrow is nothing but a soft, spongy tissue inside your bones. This spongy tissue is responsible for producing blood cells. Later, it also contributes a key role in storing fat and a few stem cells. As bone marrow has multiple roles in our body, it results in one or more associated diseases when it malfunctions. 

The bones of your skeletal system have several critical functions in your body. Your bone marrow is basically of two types - red bone marrow and white bone marrow. While the red bone marrow aids in producing blood cells, the white blood cells help store fats. 

Red Bone Marrow: Know its Intriguing Functions

The main function of the red marrow of your bone is hematopoiesis. This is the process of producing blood cells in your body, which are majorly of 3 different types:

• Red Blood Cells: RBCs are important as they transport oxygen to your body cells.   
• White Blood Cells: These cells help your body battle off foreign pathogens. 
• Platelets: These cells support your body with blood clots. This is beneficial to control bleeding. 

Checkpoints of Bone Marrow Issues: Symptoms to be Aware of 

There are certain conditions interrupting the functioning of your bone marrow. Here are a few of them.

• Fatigue or weakness: You might feel tired or weak if you lack haemoglobin. 
• Fever: You will likely develop fever frequently if you have a frequent low count of white blood cells. 
• Increased infections: This is again the result of low counts of white blood cells. 

Are Bone Marrow Transplants Possible?

Bone marrow transplants are possible. The procedures are typically performed on people suffering from autoimmune diseases. 

During this marrow transplant, healthy stem cells will be harvested from a healthy person and eventually transferred to an autoimmune disease patient. These newly transferred stem cells will now do their job of eradicating the harmful cells from your body. 

Diseases You May Benefit From A Successful Bone Marrow Transplant 

Below is the list of diseases that can be treated with successful marrow transplants - 

• Bone marrow cancer
• Immunity disorders 
• Multiple myeloma 
• Severe anaemia 

Diagnosing Bone Marrow Diseases

There are two types of bone marrow tests to evaluate its life - 

Bone Marrow Aspiration

Your doctor will draw fluid and cells from your bone marrow with the help of a needle. This test identifies what type of cells are in your marrow and whether they are normal or abnormal.

Biopsy of Bone Marrow 

Your doctor will use a needle to remove a large piece of your marrow to define the characteristics of your stem cells. 

Is Bone Marrow Transplant a Painful Procedure? Let’s Find Out!

Before undergoing a blood marrow transplant, you will be in an anaesthetic state. There will be no pain throughout the procedure. Once the procedure is done, you may experience certain side effects. Every individual experiences pains and aches in a different manner. This may last for a few days to several weeks. 

Common Bone Marrow Treatment Methods 

There are several bone marrow treatment options. But, the treatment depends on how severe and progressive your disease is. Options include - 

• Antibiotics 
• Bone marrow transplant
• Blood transfusions 
• Chemotherapy
• Stem cell transplant
• Supportive care for relieving symptoms 

Are There Any Care Options Available?

Bone marrow is the base of your blood, bones and muscles. It is your responsibility to keep your marrow healthy by - 

• Eating a protein-rich diet with fish, lean meats, nuts, beans, and milk
• Consuming vitamins such as B12, B9 
• Treating medical conditions 

Conclusion 

As bone marrow might impair many of your bodily systems, bone marrow tests are important when you show symptoms associated with marrow diseases. A bone marrow transplant might support you partially or completely to cure your autoimmune condition. However, whether it is right for you or not depends on what your doctor recommends.