Symptoms and Treatments

Description of Anemia

From the Greek word “anaimia” which translates to “lack of blood,” anemia is a medical condition characterized by reduced hemoglobin levels or red blood cell count from normal levels. It is the most common blood disorder which results in decreased oxygen-binding ability of the hemoglobin molecules in the blood to nourish body organs with their needed oxygen.

A person is said to be anemic when his/her RBC or red blood cell count falls below what is medically considered as normal. Hemoglobin molecules are contained in these red blood cells and a low RBC count results in hemoglobin deficiency. Because hemoglobin molecules bind with the oxygen taken in from the lungs, hemoglobin deficiency can cause hypoxia or lack of oxygen nutrients to the body organs. And because all organs, tissues and cells required oxygen to function properly, anemia can cause all sorts of body disorders.

Causes and Risk Factors of Anemia

Anemia is often a nutritional problem but can also be caused by certain diseases and major accidents that cause severe blood loss.

* Iron Deficiency results from a deprivation of the essential mineral iron which the body needs to produce the right levels of hemoglobin in the blood. Malnourished or weight-conscious people undertaking severe crash diets can suffer from diminished iron intake when they forego eating iron-rich foods like seafoods, whole grain breads and cereals, lean meats and green vegetables. Certain medical conditions or disorders characterized by chronic bleeding like ulcers, gastrointestinal tumors, inflammatory bowels, severe hemorrhoids and heavy menstruation are known to result in iron loss. Some medication like regular intake of ibuprofen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin as well as drug and alcohol abuse can also cause iron deficiency.
* Vitamin B12 deficiency can impair production of red blood cells. Firstly, a vegetarian diet that foregoes dairy products and eggs which are rich sources of vitamin B12 increases a person’s risk of not getting the minimum nutritional levels of B12. Abdominal surgery that removes large sections of the small intestine where the vitamin is absorbed, Crohn’s disease which affects the gastrointestinal tract can also diminish the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12.
* Folic acid deficiency is more common among the elderly, heavy drinkers, dieters and people suffering from Crohn’s disease and cellac sprue. Folic acid is vitamin found in green vegetables, kidney and lima beans

Symptoms of Anemia

Iron deficiency symptoms include:

* Skin pallor
* General body weakness
* Frequent fatigue spells
* Low blood pressure
* Chest pains
* Shortness of breath
* Rapid breathing
* Heart palpitations
* Increased pulse rates during slight physical exertion.

Vitamin B12 deficiency will show the foloowing:

* Jaundice skin
* Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
* Balance problems
* Depression
* Confused mental state

Folic acid deficiency is characterized similarly but also include:

* Maroon or bloody stool
* Weight loss
* Abdominal pains
* Chest pains
* Overall fatigue

Diagnosis of Anemia

A complete blood test that measures red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin counts is basic to diagnosing anemia. It also allows the measurement of the size of red blood cells using flow cytometry which can distinguish the nature of anemia to trace it roots. A blood smear under a microscope can be used in countries where automated blood analysis is not available. When the cause of anemia can’t be identified other tests are conducted such as Fermitin count, ESR, serum iron, RBC foliate count, serum vitamin B12 and hemoglobin electrophoresis are done. If diagnosis remain inconclusive, bone marrow examination may be in order.

Treatment and Prevention of Anemia

Reversing the nutritional deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12 and Folic acid can easily correct anemic conditions. Adjusting your eating habits to include foods or dietary supplements rich in these nutrients should help reverse anemia. But if the cause is failure to absorb these nutrients due to medical conditions or the result of surgery, blood transfusion and hormone injections may be prescribed. People who abuse alcohol or substances that deplete these nutrients should curb their excesses.

Needless to say, a health diet rich in iron and with B-complex vitamins can prevent the condition.