Anemia is a condition that occurs in those people who, for any reason, lack the red blood cells necessary to distribute the correct level of oxygen to all corners of the body. Normally, having anemia is equivalent to being tired. There are several typologies of anemias and they differ both in the level of information and the period of duration. Anemia is treated with medications, vitamin supplements and an appropriate diet to compensate for deficiencies detected in vitamins and other substances.
Causes of anemia
Absence of red blood cells
Anemia is a direct consequence of having few red blood cells in the blood or having few healthy red blood cells in circulation. This can have three causes:
– The body is not able to generate red blood cells to the adequate extent
– There is hemorrhage that generates an accelerated loss of red blood cells
– For various reasons, the body self-destructs red blood cells
The human body generates three types of blood cells: white blood cells to fight infections, platelets and red blood cells whose mission is to transport oxygen thanks to their content of hemoglobin, a protein rich in iron. To make hemoglobin and red blood cells, the body needs adequate levels of iron, vitamin B-12, and folic acid.
There are different types of anemia. The most notable are:
– Iron deficiency anemia is the most common and is caused by a lack of iron. Pregnant women are very prone to suffering from it.
– Anemia due to lack of vitamins B-12 or pernicious anemia, caused by an insufficient diet or because the body has difficulties generating this vitamin.
– Anemia due to chronic disease occurs when a long-term disease affects the creation of red blood cells.
– Hemolytic anemia is a consequence of the body’s inability to generate red blood cells at a faster rate than they are destroyed.
– Aplastic anemia is unusual and high risk. Red blood cells cannot be made due to infection, autoimmune diseases, or exposure to toxic substances.
– Anemia associated with bone marrow diseases such as leukemia or myelofibrosis since they affect blood production in the bone marrow.
– Sickle cell anemia is hereditary and is caused by a defective form of hemoglobin that causes red blood cells to be crescent-shaped.
– Thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder, and malarial anemia are also types of anemia.
There are elements that increase the risk of anemia:
– A diet poor in vitamins.
– Some intestinal problems such as celiac disease.
– Menstruation problems, as it causes loss of red blood cells.
– During pregnancy there is a greater risk so it is advisable to take vitamin supplements.
– Certain diseases such as cancer.
– Genetic inheritance.
– People over 65 years of age are at greater risk of developing anemia.
Symptoms of anemia
Feeling of fatigue and general malaise
Each type of anemia has different symptoms, but there are some fairly common ones:
– Fatigue
– Discomfort
– Pale appearance
– Headache and feeling dizzy
– Arrhythmias
– Respiratory difficulties
– Cold hands and feet
Diagnosis of anemia
Blood test
To make a diagnosis, the first step is to do a physical examination followed by a complete blood test. Additionally, specific tests are performed if necessary.
Anemia treatment and medication
Different plans for each type
The treatment of each type of anemia is different because it is necessary to attack the main cause in each case:
– Iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplements and an iron-rich diet.
– Anemia due to vitamin deficiency. Vitamin supplements to increase the level of B-12 and folic acid.
– Anemia due to chronic disease. Treatment is focused on the disease that causes anemia.
– Aplastic anemia. It includes blood transfusions to balance the level of red blood cells.
– Anemias related to bone marrow problems. It includes different medications, chemotherapy and even bone marrow transplant.
Prevention of anemia
balanced diet
Iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia can be combated with an adequate diet rich in those substances that the body lacks due to the pathology: iron, folic acid, vitamins… Red meat, lentils, green leafy vegetables dark and the nuts are cliffs in iron. Folic acid is found in fruits, fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables, whole wheat bread, pasta or rice. Vitamin B-12 can be obtained from meat and dairy products; and vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, melons or strawberries, which also help with the absorption of iron.
#Anemia #symptoms #crucial #wellbeing
