Photo from emedicinehealth.com
Anemia is a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to transport enough oxygen to your tissues. Anemia, also known as low hemoglobin, can cause fatigue and weakness.
There are numerous types of anemia, each with its own set of causes. Anemia can be either temporary or chronic, and it can range from mild to severe. Anemia is usually caused by a combination of factors. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have anemia. It can be a sign of a serious illness.
Treatments for anemia range from taking supplements to having medical procedures, depending on the cause. Some types of anemia may be prevented by eating a healthy, varied diet.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ANEMIA?
- Aplastic anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin deficiency anemia
- Thalassemia
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA?
The signs and symptoms of anemia differ depending on the cause and severity of the anemia. Depending on the cause of your anemia, you may not experience any symptoms.
If signs and symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Heartbeats that are irregular
- Breathing difficulty
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Chest pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Headaches
Anemia can be so mild at first that you don't notice it. However, as anemia worsens, symptoms worsen.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ANEMIA?
The causes of various types of anemia vary. They are as follows:
Iron deficiency anemia: This is the most common type of anemia and is caused by a lack of iron in your body. Iron is required by your bone marrow to produce hemoglobin. Your body cannot produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells if you do not consume enough iron.
This type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women who do not take iron supplements. It can also be caused by blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding; an ulcer in the stomach or small bowel; cancer of the large bowel; and regular use of some over-the-counter pain relievers, particularly aspirin, which can cause stomach lining inflammation and blood loss. To avoid a recurrence of anemia, it is critical to identify the source of the iron deficiency.
Anemia of inflammation: Cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, Crohn's disease, and other acute or chronic inflammatory diseases can all interfere with red blood cell production.
Aplastic anemia: This rare and potentially fatal anemia occurs when your body does not produce enough red blood cells. Infections, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxic chemicals are all potential causes of aplastic anemia.
Vitamin deficiency anemia: In addition to iron, your body requires folate and vitamin B-12 to produce sufficient healthy red blood cells. A diet deficient in these and other essential nutrients can lead to a decrease in red blood cell production. Even if they consume enough B-12, some people are unable to absorb it. Vitamin deficiency anemia, also known as pernicious anemia, can result from this.
Anemias associated with bone marrow disease: Anemia can be caused by a number of diseases that affect blood production in your bone marrow, such as leukemia and myelofibrosis. The symptoms of these cancers and cancer-like disorders range from mild to life-threatening.
Hemolytic anemias: When red blood cells are destroyed faster than bone marrow can replace them, anemia develops. Certain blood diseases cause an increase in the destruction of red blood cells. A hemolytic anemia can be inherited or developed later in life.
Sickle cell anemia: A hemolytic anemia is an inherited and potentially fatal condition. It is caused by a faulty form of hemoglobin, which causes red blood cells to take on an abnormal crescent (sickle) shape. These irregular blood cells die prematurely, resulting in a chronic red blood cell shortage.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF ANEMIA?
You are more likely to develop anemia if you have the following factors:
- A diet that is deficient in certain vitamins and minerals: Anemia is increased by a diet that is consistently low in iron, vitamin B-12, folate, and copper.
- Intestinal problems: Anemia can occur if you have an intestinal disorder that affects nutrient absorption in your small intestine, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease.
- Family history: If your family has a history of an inherited anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, you may be more susceptible to the condition.
- Other factors: Anemia is more likely if you have a history of certain infections, blood diseases, or autoimmune disorders. Alcoholism, toxic chemical exposure, and the use of certain medications can all impair red blood cell production and result in anemia.
- Age: Anemia is more common in people over the age of 65.
- Menstruation: Women who have not experienced menopause are more likely than men and postmenopausal women to suffer from iron deficiency anemia. Red blood cells are lost during menstruation.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases your risk of anemia if you do not take a multivitamin containing folic acid and iron.
- Chronic illnesses: You may be at risk of chronic disease anemia if you have cancer, kidney failure, or another chronic condition. These conditions can result in a lack of red blood cells.
Slow, chronic blood loss from an ulcer or other internal source can deplete your body's iron stores, resulting in iron deficiency anemia.
HOW IS ANEMIA DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor will most likely ask you about your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and order the following tests to diagnose anemia:
Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC is a test that determines the number of blood cells in a sample of your blood. Your doctor will most likely be interested in the levels of red blood cells in your blood (hematocrit) and hemoglobin in your blood if you have anemia.
Men's healthy adult hematocrit values range between 38.3 and 48.6 percent, while women's values range between 35.5 and 44.9 percent. Men's healthy adult hemoglobin levels range from 13.2 to 16.6 grams per deciliter, while women's levels range from 11.6 to 15 grams per deciliter. These values may differ slightly between medical practices.
People who engage in strenuous physical activity, are pregnant, or are elderly may have lower numbers. Smoking and being at a high altitude may increase the number of cases.
A measurement of the size and shape of your red blood cells: Some of your red blood cells may also be examined for abnormal size, shape, or color.
Additional diagnostic tests
If you are diagnosed with anemia, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause. Anemia can sometimes be diagnosed by studying a sample of your bone marrow.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ANEMIA?
The treatment of anemia is determined by the cause.
- Iron deficiency anemia: This type of anemia is usually treated by taking iron supplements and changing your diet. For some, this may entail receiving iron through a vein.
If the cause of iron deficiency is blood loss other than menstruation, the source of the bleeding must be identified and the bleeding must be stopped. This could entail surgery.
- Aplastic anemia: Blood transfusions to increase red blood cell levels may be used to treat this anemia. If your bone marrow is unable to produce healthy blood cells, you may require a bone marrow transplant.
- Anemias associated with bone marrow disease: Medication, chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplantation may be used to treat these diseases.
- Hemolytic anemias: Avoiding suspect medications, treating infections, and taking drugs that suppress your immune system, which may be attacking your red blood cells, are all part of managing hemolytic anemia. Severe hemolytic anemia usually necessitates ongoing treatment.
- Anemia of chronic disease: This type of anemia does not have a specific treatment. Doctors concentrate on curing the underlying disease. If your symptoms worsen, a blood transfusion or injections of erythropoietin, a synthetic hormone normally produced by your kidneys, may help stimulate red blood cell production and relieve fatigue.
- Sickle cell anemia: To relieve pain and prevent complications, treatment may include oxygen, pain relievers, and oral and intravenous fluids. Blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, and antibiotics may also be recommended by doctors. A cancer medication known as hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea, Siklos) is also used to treat sickle cell anemia.
- Thalassemia: The majority of thalassemias are mild and do not require treatment. Blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, medication, spleen removal, or a blood and bone marrow stem cell transplant are usually required for more severe forms of thalassemia.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ANEMIA?
Anemia, if left untreated, can lead to a variety of health issues, including:
Extreme exhaustion: Severe anemia can make you so tired that you are unable to complete daily tasks.
Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women suffering from folate deficiency anemia are more likely to experience complications, such as premature birth.
Heart issues: Anemia can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). When you are anemic, your heart pumps more blood to compensate for the lack of oxygen in your blood. This can result in a swollen heart or heart failure.
Death: Some inherited anemias, such as sickle cell anemia, can have fatal consequences. Rapid blood loss causes acute, severe anemia, which can be fatal. Anemia is associated with an increased risk of death in the elderly.
HOW CAN ANEMIA BE PREVENTED?
Many types of anemia are unpreventable. However, you can avoid iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias by eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals such as:
- Iron: Beef and other meats, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, and dried fruit are all high in iron.
- Folate: This nutrient, as well as its synthetic form folic acid, can be found in fruits and juices, dark green leafy vegetables, green peas, kidney beans, peanuts, and enriched grain products like bread, cereal, pasta, and rice.
- Vitamin B-12: Meat, dairy products, fortified cereals, and soy products are all high in vitamin B-12.
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits and juices, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, melons, and strawberries are all high in vitamin C. These also aid in iron absorption.
If you're worried about getting enough vitamins and minerals from food, talk to your doctor about taking a multivitamin.
CONCLUSION
Anemia is characterized by low levels of red blood cells in the body. When this occurs, your organs and tissues have a more difficult time receiving oxygen. You may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath as a result.
Every day, your body expels millions of red blood cells from circulation and replaces them with new ones. Anemia can occur if this process is disrupted. Anemia, for example, can occur when the production of red blood cells is reduced or when these blood cells are destroyed or lost earlier than usual.
One of the most common causes of anemia is a lack of nutrients such as iron, folate, or vitamin B12. Anemia, on the other hand, can be caused by blood loss as well as a wide range of underlying medical conditions.
If left untreated, anemia can lead to serious complications. That is why, if you are experiencing symptoms of anemia, you should consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide you with an accurate diagnosis, determine the underlying cause, and devise a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.