Treating Anemia Successfully

Anemia is the condition when the red blood cells in the blood is low, which is the reason why a person suffering form anemia is also said to possess a low blood count. Broadly anemia may be classified into three types – Microcytic anemia is the one where the size of the red blood cells is smaller than normal, Macrocytic anemia occurs when the size of red blood cells is larger than normal and Normocytic anemia when the red blood cells are normal in size but low in number.

Causes of Anemia

There may be several reasons for anemia:

Anemia may occur due to loss of blood through active bleeding from a wound or heavy menstrual bleeding as well. . Gastrointestinal ulcer as well as colon caner may lead to oozing of blood which can lead to anemia.

Iron is needed by the bone marrow to create red blood cells and for formation of hemoglobin. If iron intake is not sufficient due to the deficiency of a proper, wholesome and healthy diet can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency can occur due to chronic blood loss through stomach ulcers, colon caner, hemorrhoids, intestinal polyps etc.

During pregnancy sudden weight gain can also lead to dilution of blood and cause anemia.

Long term kidney disease can lead to disruption of creation of erythropoietin hormone which is required by bone marrow to build red blood cells. Thus, kidney disease can also cause anemia.

For the formation of blood, other components like vitamin B12, folate and minerals are required for the formation of blood just like iron. As people get older, it is very difficult for them to develop the vitamin B12 from the food they eat and, as a result, they may develop anemia. Lack of balanced diet can also be a reason for deficiency of B12 and folate which in turn would mean low red blood cell count or anemia.

Anemia can be caused by a variety of other factors like thalassemia, bone marrow related problems, production of abnormal hemoglobin molecules, alcoholism and chronic medical problems.

Symptoms of anemia -

Symptoms of anemia are not immediate but gradual. They include lethargy, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, and looking pale. Gradually, as anemia evolves from minor to severe a lot more symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, headaches, rapid heart rate, chest pain, fainting spells, angina or heart attack. It is imperative that anemia is diagnosed and treated early before the condition becomes severe. Some early signs of anemia that may help one to identify the problem and treat it in time include:

• Pale skin

• Low blood pressure

• Change in color of stool

• Enlargement of spleen

• Rapid heart rate

• Heart murmur

To whom it may affect -

Anemia is a common disease affecting people of all ages and genders. Anyone who suffering form kidney problems, blood loss due to chronic disease or injury, iron deficiency as well as pregnant women are at risk of developing anemia. Anemia may be cause if the diet which a person is taking is lacks sufficient quantities of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid.

Treatment of anemia -

Treatment for anemia depends upon the cause of the problem. For those suffering form mild anemia due to lack of iron, doctors would prescribe iron rich food as well as iron supplements. In case anemia is caused by sudden loss of blood due to internal injury like bursting of stomach ulcer etc or external wound then hospitalization for blood transfusion is needed.

Medication may include iron and vitamin B12 supplements, epoetin alfa injection to increase red blood cells for those suffering from kidney disease etc.