Anemia
What is it?
Anemia is condition caused by low levels of
healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin (the part of
the red blood cells that delivers oxygen from the
lungs to the rest of the body). There are over 400
different types of anemia ranging from mild to
severe. Many of them are rare.
Who gets it?
Anyone with certain underlying conditions can
develop anemia. Those at risk include anyone with
chronic blood loss due to cancer, gastrointestinal
tumors, hemorrhoids, heavy menstrual flow, stomach
ulcers, alcohol abuse, or other medical
conditions.
What causes it?
Anemia is caused by chronic bleeding, a
decrease in red blood cell production, or an
increase in red blood cell destruction. A poor
diet low in iron can cause anemia, as can some
hereditary disorders and certain diseases.
However, excessive bleeding due to cancer,
childbirth, injury, gastrointestinal tumors, heavy
menstrual flow, hemorrhoids, nosebleeds, stomach
ulcers, alcohol abuse and surgery is the most
common cause of anemia.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of anemia include weakness; fatigue;
pale sallow skin; dizziness; lack of color in the
palms of hands, gums and nail beds; chest pain;
cravings for ice, paint or dirt; headache;
inability to concentrate; inflammation of the
mouth; insomnia; irregular heartbeat; lack of
appetite; nails that are dry and brittle; swelling
of the hands and feet; thirst; ringing in the ears
and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose anemia, the doctor may look at the
patient’s medical history and symptoms to
determine what tests should be done. Anemia may be
diagnosed through laboratory tests that measure
the percentage of red blood cells or the amount of
hemoglobin in the blood. The doctor may also use
the tests to determine the type of anemia
responsible for the patient’s symptoms. In
addition, the doctor may order x-rays and
examinations of bone marrow to identify the source
of the bleeding.
What is the treatment?
Treatment of anemia is usually directed at the
underlying cause. The doctor may recommend anemia
due to nutritional deficiencies be treated with
iron supplements, injections of vitamin B12, or
other vitamin supplements. If blood loss is
severe, the doctor may recommend the patient
undergo transfusions of red blood cells to
accelerate their production. Medication or surgery
may be necessary to control menstrual flow, repair
a bleeding ulcer, or remove polyps (growths or
nodules) from the bowels. Cancer-related anemias
may be treated with blood transfusions and/or
medication.
Self-care tips
While inherited anemias cannot be prevented,
avoiding excessive use of alcohol, eating a
balanced diet that contains plenty of iron-rich
foods, and taking a daily multivitamin can help
prevent many types of anemia.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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