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Anemia occurs when the number of red blood cells in the body gets reduced. It affects about 3.5 million people in the US. Low hemoglobin levels in the blood lead to anemia. Hemoglobin is a pigment which hosts iron, therefore lack of iron is a normal cause of anemia. A bad diet lacking in iron can cause anemia. Heredity and genetics can cause severe types of anemia. This condition affects the ability of the red blood cells to transport oxygen effectively in the body. Menstruating women are commonly affected as their iron content becomes depleted every month.
Anemia Symptoms
The patient will feel weak and tired as their body tissues are deprived of oxygen. Thus, fatigue is an important symptom of anemia. Severe anemia causes severe symptoms. Mild anemia may occur without symptoms and is detected only by a blood test. Other anemia symptoms include:
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Ringing sound inside the ears (known as tinnitus)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Breathlessness
- Fainting
Common Signs of Anemia
- Abnormal menstruation
- Rapid heartbeat
- The red lining of the eyelids and mouth becomes faded
- Pale complexion
Diagnosis of Anemia
All that is needed is a normal blood test. Analysis of blood cells using a microscope can reveal most causes of anemia. A blood count test is performed to measure the red blood cells and hemoglobin levels. Anemia due to iron deficiency is revealed when the percentage of red cells becomes reduced. This is confirmed by measuring iron content in the blood. The size of the red cells balloons in the case of anemias due to vitamin deficiency. In certain cases, bone marrow biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for Anemia
Anemia due to iron deficiency is treated by giving the patient iron supplements thrice a day. To prevent constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea, the iron supplements can be taken with food. This treatment should last for about six months to help the body become fully replenished with iron. Within a few weeks, you can see positive results.
Pernicious anemia caused by deficiency of vitamin B-12 needs intramuscular injections for life. Patients are initially given several shots of B-12 in a week. Then, they need one shot every three months for the rest of their life. Anemia due to folic acid deficiency is treated by consuming supplements of folic acid once every day. Based on the anemia cause, other appropriate treatments are provided. Proper treatment can easily eliminate anemia caused by vitamin or iron deficiency.
Useful Tips on Anemia
- Most anemia cases are mild. However, treatment is required to prevent serious problems since reduction in red cells affects oxygen absorption.
- Serious types of anemia like sickle cell anemia, pernicious anemia and thalassemia major can prove fatal.
- Do not conclude that you have anemia if you feel weak and fatigued. Consult your doctor and let him/her confirm the diagnosis.
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