Anemia is a blood disease that affects approximately 3.5 million Americans. Women are at higher risk of developing anemia than men. People with other diseases such as cancer are more likely 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 an oxygen binder. 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 make enough oxygen. As a result, your organs are affected because they do not receive 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: Actually, there are more than 400 different types of anemia divided into three groups. Anemia caused by blood loss: This is an anemia that is directly attributed to blood loss. This can go unnoticed for a long period of time. It could 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 lead to anemia. There are many causes for this, such as a vitamin / mineral deficiency, an underlying disease such as cancer, problems with the bone marrow, or sickle cell anemia. Iron deficiency anemia: 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 result in anemia. Some of the causes of this type of anemia include not having enough iron in the diet, menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease. If anemia is due to poor production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, it can take several forms. Thalassemia: This is when 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 a deficiency of 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 dizzy. Additional symptoms include trouble sleeping, fast heartbeat, and low blood pressure. You may also have jaundice and brittle nails. Dietary Considerations: There are numerous dietary changes that can help you with your anemia. If you are a vegetarian, you may not be getting adequate levels of B12. You may want to consider supplementing. Red meat has higher levels of iron than fish or chicken, so be sure to include something 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 ultimately deplete your energy levels. There are certain foods like eggs and whole wheat 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 drinking or eating fruits like orange juice. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron.
Diagnosis: To find out if you have anemia, you should consult your doctor, who will perform several tests. These will include a physical exam and an extensive blood test. A medical history will also be taken. You will be asked questions about your family history, whether you have been diagnosed with anemia before, and any medical conditions you have. They will look at your physical appearance and look for the telltale signs of anemia. This diagnosis will help your doctor see what type of anemia you have. Blood tests will assess your red blood cell count and the actual hemoglobin content in your red blood cells. There are also specialized blood tests to see how fragile your red blood cells may be or if they are undergoing an immune attack. 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 essential 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. These are some of the causes along with your 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 levels of iron, you will most likely be prescribed iron supplements. Do not do it on your own, but under the care of a doctor because consuming too much iron can be dangerous. Destruction of red blood cells: Known as hemolytic anemia, there are several causes for it. Therefore, the treatment would, of course, depend on the cause. Follow-up care: You should remain under the care of your doctor and have repeat blood tests to determine if the anemia is gone. Your response to prescribed treatments will determine your next steps. The hopeful result is that he has overcome his anemia. If not, with continued care over time, you should be able to. Before making any diet or lifestyle changes, always check with your healthcare provider, especially if you have been diagnosed with an illness or are taking any prescription medications.
