Plasma donation is a process where the liquid portion of your blood, plasma, is collected while red blood cells and other components are returned to your body. This valuable resource is used to create life-saving therapies for various medical conditions, including immune disorders and bleeding issues. While generally safe, some individuals may experience feeling unwell after donating. Understanding the physiological reasons behind these sensations can help donors manage their experience.
Understanding Why You Might Feel Unwell
Removing plasma during donation leads to a temporary decrease in your body’s fluid volume. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue as your body adjusts. Your body replenishes the lost plasma, which can take hours to days, contributing to tiredness.
A common response to medical procedures like plasma donation is a vasovagal reaction. It occurs when the nervous system overreacts to stimuli like the sight of blood or anxiety, causing a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. Symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, and sometimes fainting.
During plasmapheresis, citrate is added to your blood to prevent clotting in the machine. A small amount may enter your bloodstream, temporarily binding with calcium. While most people experience no side effects, some have a mild citrate reaction, causing tingling in the lips or extremities, chills, shivering, or lightheadedness.
Plasma is primarily water, so fluid loss during donation can lead to dehydration. Insufficient hydration before and after can worsen feelings of unwellness, including headaches and fatigue. Adequate fluid intake is important for recovery.
Plasma also contains electrolytes, essential for body function. The donation process can temporarily disrupt this balance, contributing to dizziness, fatigue, or muscle cramps. Your body restores these balances in the hours and days following donation.
Managing Post-Donation Symptoms
If you feel lightheaded or dizzy immediately after donating, rest. Sitting or lying down with elevated feet can help improve blood flow to the brain. Inform the staff at the donation center; they can provide assistance and ensure your comfort and safety.
Staying well-hydrated is crucial for recovery. Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids like water or juice in the hours and days following donation. Plasma is about 92% water, so replenishing fluids helps restore lost volume.
Eating a balanced meal or snack after donating helps your body recover lost nutrients and stabilize blood sugar. Foods rich in protein and iron are beneficial. Many donation centers encourage donors to have a snack and drink before leaving to prevent dizziness and fatigue.
Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after donating plasma. Rest allows your body to focus on replenishing fluids and nutrients. Additionally, avoid alcohol and caffeine immediately post-donation to prevent further dehydration and discomfort.
When to Contact a Professional
While most post-donation symptoms are mild and resolve quickly, you should seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. If dizziness, nausea, or fatigue continue for more than a few hours or significantly intensify, contact the donation center or a healthcare provider. Persistent symptoms might indicate dehydration or another issue requiring professional guidance.
Be aware of signs that could indicate an allergic reaction, although these are rare. Symptoms such as a rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling require immediate medical evaluation. Similarly, signs of infection at the donation site, like increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, warrant contacting a healthcare professional promptly.
Severe citrate reactions are very rare but require urgent medical attention. Symptoms to watch for include severe muscle twitching, spasms, or difficulty breathing, which are more intense than the mild tingling associated with typical citrate sensitivity. If you experience any of these severe reactions, contact emergency services. When in doubt about any unusual or concerning symptoms after donating plasma, it is always advisable to contact your donation center or a healthcare provider for guidance.