Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that enables them to carry oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to all parts of the body. When the number of red blood cells is reduced, the blood cannot carry an adequate supply of oxygen. An inadequate supply of oxygen in the tissues causes the symptoms of anemia. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can be temporary or long term, and it can range from mild to severe.
Types Aplastic anemia Iron deficiency anemia Sickle cell anemia Thalassemia Vitamin deficiency anemia
The most common symptom of anemia is fatigue. Other common symptoms include: pale skin a fast or irregular heartbeat shortness of breath chest pain headaches light-headedness People with mild anemia may experience few or no symptoms. Some forms of anemia cause specific telltale symptoms, including: Aplastic anemia: This can cause a fever, frequent infections, and skin rashes. Folic acid deficiency anemia: This can cause irritability, diarrhea, and a smooth tongue. Hemolytic anemia: This can cause jaundice, dark urine, a fever, and abdominal pain. Sickle cell anemia: This can cause painful swelling in the feet and hands, as well as fatigue and jaundice.
Diagnosis
To diagnose anemia, your doctor is likely to ask you about your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and run the following tests:
Complete blood count (CBC). A CBC is used to count the number of blood cells in a sample of your blood. For anemia, your doctor will be interested in the levels of the red blood cells contained in your blood (hematocrit) and the hemoglobin in your blood.
A test to determine the size and shape of your red blood cells. Some of your red blood cells might also be examined for unusual size, shape and color.
Treatment
Anemia treatment depends on the cause.
Iron deficiency anemia.
Treatment for this form of anemia usually involves taking iron supplements and changing your diet.
If the cause of iron deficiency is loss of blood — other than from menstruation — the source of the bleeding must be located and the bleeding stopped. This might involve surgery.
Vitamin deficiency anemia. Treatment for folic acid and vitamin C deficiency involves dietary supplements and increasing these nutrients in your diet.
If your digestive system has trouble absorbing vitamin B-12 from the food you eat, you might need vitamin B-12 shots. At first, you might have the shots every other day. Eventually, you’ll need shots just once a month, possibly for life, depending on your situation.
Anemia of chronic disease. There’s no specific treatment for this type of anemia. Doctors focus on treating the underlying disease. If symptoms become severe, a blood transfusion or injections of a synthetic hormone normally produced by your kidneys (erythropoietin) might help stimulate red blood cell production and ease fatigue. Aplastic anemia. Treatment for this anemia can include blood transfusions to boost levels of red blood cells. You might need a bone marrow transplant if your bone marrow can’t make healthy blood cells.
Anemias associated with bone marrow disease. Treatment of these various diseases can include medication, chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation.
Hemolytic anemias. Managing hemolytic anemias includes avoiding suspect medications, treating infections and taking drugs that suppress your immune system, which could be attacking your red blood cells.
Depending on the cause or your hemolytic anemia, you might be referred to a heart or vascular specialist.
Sickle cell anemia. Treatment might include oxygen, pain relievers, and oral and intravenous fluids to reduce pain and prevent complications. Doctors might also recommend blood transfusions, folic acid supplements and antibiotics. A cancer drug called hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea, Siklos) also is used to treat sickle cell anemia.
Treatment might include oxygen, pain relievers, and oral and intravenous fluids to reduce pain and prevent complications. Doctors might also recommend blood transfusions, folic acid supplements and antibiotics. A cancer drug called hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea, Siklos) also is used to treat sickle cell anemia.
Therefore, Some types of anemia are preventable, the National Women’s Health Information Center says. It offers these suggestions: Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, such as tofu, green and leafy vegetables, lean red meat, lentils, beans and iron-fortified cereals and breads. Eat and drink vitamin C-rich foods and drinks. Avoid drinking tea or coffee with your meals, as they can affect iron absorption. Get enough vitamin B12 & folic acid in ur diet…
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