Anemia

Anemia affects about 3.5 million Americans and is considered the most prevalent blood disorder in the world. Learn how to treat and manage it today.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a medical condition characterized by a lack of hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), or red blood cells (RBC), resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity to your muscles, organs, and other tissues.

Red blood cells are created in your bone marrow, where they absorb iron and hemoglobin before being discharged into your bloodstream.

The primary function of hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein present in your red blood cells (RBC), is to transport oxygen from your lungs to your tissues.

Your cells are powered by oxygen, which also provides you with energy. Your body cannot operate properly if it lacks functional, healthy red blood cells. While some anemias tend to be moderate and transient, others might be lifelong. Anemia might be fatal if neglected.

What are the signs and symptoms of anemia?

The majority of individuals with minor or early-stage anemia have no symptoms. The deficiency of oxygen in your blood, which can occur if anemia becomes severe and/or protracted, can cause the following typical symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath (SOB)
• Dizziness
• Exercise intolerance
• Anorexia

If you encounter unexpected blood loss, you may notice immediate signs and symptoms such as the following:

• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Palpitations, or the sensation that your heart is racing
• Increased heart rate

What are cuases and types of anemia?

Each form of anemia diminishes your red blood cells, and each one has a different cause.

Inherited anemia

• Thalassemia: a hereditary blood condition that causes the body to produce less hemoglobin than normal.
• Sickle cell anemia: : the red blood cells tend to change forms, from round, flexible discs to rigid, sticky sickle (crescent moon) cells that obstruct blood flow.

Nutritional anemia

• Iron-deficiency anemia: the most common type of anemia.

  This type of anemia occurs when there is not enough iron in the body to make hemoglobin. It can result in glossitis (an inflamed or painful tongue), koilonychia (thin, concave, spoon-shaped nails), or pica (a yearning for the consumption of chalk or ice).
  
  Common causes are:

  • Inadequate dietary intake of iron: Particularly vegetarians; even if their food intake of iron looks enough, vegetarians may need iron supplements.
  • Reduced absorption of iron
  • Blood loss
  • Elevated iron requirements, particularly during pregnancy or breastfeeding

  Iron supplements, which should be taken by mouth on an empty stomach, include ferrous sulfate, and the most common adverse effect is constipation, as well as dark stools.

• Pernicious anemia: : is an autoimmune disorder that stops your body from receiving vitamin B12 and is one of the reasons for vitamin B12 insufficiency.

Anemias caused by abnormal red blood cells

• Hemolytic anemia: This type of anemia is a hereditary blood condition that causes the body to produce less hemoglobin than normal.
• Aplastic anemia (AA): : A rare, life-threatening anemia develops when your bone marrow is unable to produce enough blood cells including platelets, white blood cells, or red blood cells.

  It can be caused by drugs, viral infections, genetic problems, and autoimmune disorders.

• Normocytic anemia: The size of red blood cells falls within a normal range. However, there are fewer red blood cells than normal, and their hemoglobin content is below the normal levels.
  
  This type of anemia is commonly treated with iron therapy and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), such as Epoetin alfa or Darbapoetin.
• Macrocytic anemia: Your bone marrow produces abnormally big red blood cells which lack nutrients to function normally. It's caused by vitamin B12, folate deficiency, or both.
  
  Cognitive impairment is one of the significant neurologic dysfunctions that can develop from a vitamin B12 deficit. Neurologic problems may become permanent if vitamin B12 deficiency goes untreated for more than 3 months.
  
  Common treatment options include:
  • Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin: 1,000 mcg taken intramuscularly or subcutaneously injections daily, weekly, or monthly
  • Folic acid, folate, or vitamin B9: 0.1-1 mg daily
• Microcytic anemia: Your red blood cells become smaller than normal due to a lack of hemoglobin. Microcytic anemia can be caused by medical conditions such as iron-deficiency anemia, thalassemia, or lead poisoning.

How can I prevent anemia?

Numerous forms of anemia cannot be prevented. However, a diet rich in a range of nutrients and vitamins can help you prevent iron deficiency anemia and nutritional deficiencies, including the following:

• Iron
• Folate or vitamin B9
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C: By creating an acidic environment, vitamin C can improve iron absorption. Giving iron together with ascorbic acid (200 mg of vitamin D) may increase absorption.