Anemia is a blood condition that affects an estimated 3.5 million Americans. Women are at greater risk of developing anemia than men. People who have other diseases such as cancer have a higher tendency to develop anemia. Anemia can become a very serious condition that can be dangerous. Anemia can also be acute or chronic in nature. Definition: Your body requires a certain amount of oxygen to function properly. Red blood cells contain a substance known as hemoglobin that acts as a binder for oxygen. Red blood cells take oxygen from your lungs and carry it to the rest of your body. Anemia occurs when you don’t have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to produce enough oxygen. As a result, your organs are affected because they don’t get enough oxygen to function. There is a relationship between anemia and the kidneys, bone marrow, and nutritional deficiencies in the body. When your kidneys are not working well or you are malnourished, this will affect your red blood cell count. Since red blood cells are made in the bone marrow, the health of the bone marrow is very important.
types of anemia: There are actually more than 400 different types of anemia classified into three groups. Anemia caused by blood loss: This is anemia that is directly attributed to blood loss. This can go unnoticed for a long period of time. It can be due to ulcers, gastritis or cancer. Anemia caused by poor red blood cell production: Sometimes the body does not make enough red blood cells. This can create anemia. There are many causes for this, such as a vitamin/mineral deficiency, an underlying disease such as cancer, bone marrow problems, or sickle cell anemia. Anemia caused by iron deficiency: This is due to insufficient levels of iron in the body. When there is not enough iron, the bone marrow cannot make enough hemoglobin for red blood cells, and this can lead to anemia. Some causes of this type of anemia include a lack of iron in the diet, menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease. If the anemia is due to poor production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, it can take several forms. Thalassemia: This is when the red blood cells cannot mature on their own. Thalassemia: This is a genetic condition that mainly affects people of Mediterranean and African descent. Aplastic anemia: This is deficient red blood cells in the bone marrow due to injury from drugs, infection, or chemotherapy. Anemia can also be the result of conditions such as kidney disease and cancer.
common symptoms: There are several symptoms associated with anemia. Some common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, and feeling light-headed. Additional symptoms include trouble sleeping, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure. It can also appear with jaundice and brittle nails. Dietary considerations: There are numerous dietary changes that can help you with your anemia. If you’re a vegetarian, you may not be getting adequate levels of B12. You may want to consider supplementation. Red meat has higher iron levels than fish or chicken, so be sure to include it in your diet. Being well hydrated is also important. Green leafy vegetables like spinach have higher levels of iron, as do beans. You need to limit your intake of sugars which will eventually deplete your energy levels. There are certain foods like eggs and whole grain bread that can block the full absorption of iron in your body. Tea and coffee can also have this effect due to the polyphenols they contain. If you take iron supplements try to drink or eat fruit such as orange juice. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron.
Diagnosis: To find out if you have anemia you need to see your doctor who will perform several tests. These will include a physical exam and extensive blood work. A clinical history will also be made. You will be asked questions about your family history, if you have been diagnosed with anemia before, and any medical conditions you have. They will observe your physical appearance and look for telltale signs of anemia. This diagnosis will help the doctor see what type of anemia you have. Blood tests will assess what your red blood cell count is and the actual hemoglobin content of your red blood cells. There are also specialized blood tests to see how fragile your red blood cells may be or if an immune attack against them is underway. Some of the common blood tests include a complete blood count and blood smear tests. They will also check your iron, folate, and b12 levels. These nutrients are critical for the production of red blood cells. In addition, the doctor may perform liver and kidney function tests to see if there is an underlying disease that is causing the anemia.
Deals: Once the doctor determines the cause, he or she will start a treatment program for you. Here are some causes along with their treatment protocol. Blood loss: The source of the bleeding will be determined and stopped. For example, you may be given a blood and iron transfusion to increase your red blood cell count. Iron deficiency: If you have inadequate iron levels, you will most likely be prescribed iron supplements. Do not do this on your own but under a doctor’s care because consuming too much iron can be dangerous. Destruction of red blood cells: known as hemolytic anemia, there are several causes for it. So the treatment would of course depend on the cause. Follow-up care: You should remain under the care of your doctor and have repeated blood tests to determine if the anemia has disappeared. Your response to prescribed treatments will determine your next steps. The hopeful result is that you have overcome your anemia. Otherwise, with continued care over time, you should be able to. Before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, always consult with your health care provider, especially if you have been diagnosed with an illness or are taking any prescription medications.