Anemia

What is Anemia?
Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. It is often characterized by feeling tired, weak, and cold.

There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. It can be temporary or long-term, and can range from mild to severe. Blood loss is the most common cause.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the severity, but commonly include:

• Extreme Fatigue.
• Weakness.
• Pale or yellowish skin.
• Irregular heartbeats (Arrhythmia).
• Shortness of breath.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Chest pain.
• Cold hands and feet.
• Headaches.

Causes & Types

Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. This happens if your body doesn't make enough, bleeding causes you to lose them faster than they can be replaced, or your body destroys them.

1. Iron Deficiency Anemia

The most common type. Caused by a shortage of iron in your body. Without adequate iron, your body cannot produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Common causes include heavy menstruation, ulcers, or cancer.

2. Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

Besides iron, the body needs Folate and Vitamin B-12. A diet lacking these, or an inability to absorb them (Pernicious Anemia), leads to decreased red blood cell production.

3. Anemia of Chronic Disease

Diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and other chronic inflammatory diseases can interfere with the production of red blood cells.

4. Hemolytic Anemias

This group develops when red blood cells are destroyed faster than bone marrow can replace them. It can be inherited (like Sickle Cell Anemia) or developed later in life.

5. Aplastic Anemia

A rare, life-threatening condition where the body stops producing enough new blood cells. Causes include infections, certain medicines, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Diagnosis

To diagnose anemia, doctors typically use:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measuring the amount of red blood cells (hematocrit) and hemoglobin.
• Physical Exam: Listening to the heart/lungs and checking for a swollen spleen or liver.
• Bone Marrow Test: In rare cases, a sample of bone marrow is taken to check production levels.

Treatment

Treatment depends entirely on the cause.

Iron-rich foods help treat deficiency

• Iron Deficiency: Iron supplements and diet changes (Spinach, Red Meat, Beans). If bleeding is the cause, surgery may be needed.
• Vitamin Deficiency: Folic acid and B-12 supplements (or injections).
• Chronic Disease: Treating the underlying disease. Synthetic erythropoietin injections may help stimulate blood production.
• Aplastic Anemia: Blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants.
• Hemolytic Anemias: Immune suppressant medication, treating infections, or plasmapheresis (blood filtering).

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.