Anemia exists when there is too little haemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the substance that carries oxygen in the blood and gives it its red color. Normally. hemoglobin is contained within the red blood cells (RBCs). One can be anemic because there are too few RBCs, because each RBC contains too little hemoglobin. or as a result of both conditions.
There are more than thirty types of anemia. each with its own cause and treatment. The most common is Iron deficiency anemia. Anemia can occur at any age Some forms run in families, others are acquired.
Among the commonest causes of anemia are: the loss of blood by internal or external bleeding; a poor diet with inadequate intake of the nutrients needed to manufacture hemoglobin (iron, protein, folic acid, vitamin B,2. and copper); a failure to absorb the nutrients, even though they are eaten, the formation of abnormal (short-lived) RBCs: an inability of the bone marrow to produce RBCs fast enough; and the too-rapid destruction of normal RBCs within the body In addition to the many diseases that are forms of anemia, many other illnesses can produce anemia.
Anemia is caused by lack of red blood cells
Diagnosis
Periodic examinations and a history taken by a doctor can help catch anemia early, an important factor in treatment. Although most cases of anemia produce no symptoms.
redness, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, and jaundice may be clues. If the suspected sufferer looks pale, check the nailbeds, the inside of the eyelids, and the membranes of the mouth for additional colourlessness. Also, be vigilant for: vomiting of blood or blood in the stools (red or tarry-black bowel movements): excessive menstruation; a grossly inadequate diet; chronic diarrhea with loss of ingested foods; and exposure to poisonous substances. The presence and type Of anemia can only be determined by laboratory tests. If one family member has anemia, watch for symptoms in others.
Home Treatment
Never attempt to treat anemia yourself. The wrong treatment can be harmful and will make a proper medical diagnosis difficult. You should receive a balanced diet to prevent nutritionally caused anemia.
Precautions
Iron deficiency can be a cause of anemia. If supplemental iron is prescribed by your doctor, keep it out of the reach of children. Some iron medicines are sweet and mistaken for candy.
Doctor’s Treatment
The testing for anemia is extensive. In addition to giving you a physical examination, taking a history and simple total blood count, your doctor is likely to take a reticulocyte (young RBC) count, platelet count, measurement of iron and of the iron-binding capacity in the blood, hemoglobin electrophoretic pattern, sickle cell test, urinalysis, test of stools for hidden blood, examination of bone marrow, test for poisons, X ray of the intestinal tract, and blood chemistries among others.
Once anemia is confirmed, your doctor will run additional blood tests to determine the type. The treatment prescribed may include adding supplemental iron and vitamins to the diet, a change in diet, and—though rarely—a blood transfusion. Iron or vitamin injections also are rarely called for and, if given, are administered for the first one or two doses only.
As treatment proceeds, be sure additional tests are scheduled to check on the effectiveness of the treatment. The proof of proper treatment is in the cure.
Comments on this entry are closed.