Anemia And Treatment

Anemia is a condition in which the blood has a reduced number of red blood cells. These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to all body tissues, so a lessened number of them leads to less efficient oxygen distribution.

Causes :

The multiple causes of anemia can be divided into two main catogiries  decreased production is seen in

• Deficiencies of vitamin B12, folate, or iron
• Bone marrow disorders such as LEUKEMIA
• Chronic inflammatory disorders such as RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
• Thalassemia increased destruction is seen in
• Hereditary diseases such as sickle-cell dicease
• Infections
• Use of drugs such as methyldopa
• Autoimmune disorders(LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS)
• Blood loss

Symptoms :

• FATIGUE
• BREATHING DIFFICULTY
• PALLOR
• FAST HEART RATE
• CHEST PAIN
• DIZZINESS
• Blood in stool(RECTAL BLEEDING) or in vomit
• Excessive menstruation(MENSRTUAL IRREGULARITIES)
• Jaundice
• Dark-colored urine(URINE, AVNORMAL APPEARANCE)

Diagnosis :

Anemia is diagnosed with tests such as

• Complete BLOOD ACCOUNT
• BLOOD TESTS for vitamin B12, folate, and iron to check for deficiencies
• BLOOD TESTS for hemoglobin electrophoresis to check for herediatary diseases
• Stool and urne samples to check for the presence of blood (OCCULT BLOOD TESTING ;URINALYSIS)

If no diagnosis can be made, a bone marrow BIOPSY may be performed.

Complications :

In cases of severe or rapidly developing anemia, body organs may be damaged from a lack of oxygen. this can result in STROKE, HEART ATTACK, KIDNEY FAILURE, LIVER FAILURE , and in severe cases , death.

TREATMENT :-

Self treatment :

Iron supplements are recommended for women with heavy menstrual periods. A diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, and meats should provide enough of the necessary nutrients to prevent anemia.

Medical treatment :

Medical therapy is dependent on the underlying cause. Usually, treatment of the underlying cause or of the chronic disease will reverse the anemia. In cases of severe anemia, blood transfusions can be given in cases of chronic blood loss, and erythropoietin is helpful in patients with KIDNEY FAILURE.

Surgical treatment :

Surgical intervention may be needed to treat sources of blood loss such as COLON POLYPS or tumors.

PREVENTION :-

* A well-balanced diet with adequate iron and vitamins is helpful.

* Exposure to solvents such as benzene and insecticides, which can damage the bone marrow, should be avoided.