Anemia takes place when our blood do not contain enough red blood cells or contains less hemoglobin, which is a known pigment that carries the oxygen that is found in the red blood cells.
In most of its cases, anemia can be life threatening and fatal. There are more than 400 forms of anemia, each with its own characteristics but manifests the same major symptoms.
There are a lot of forms of anemia that are known at present and it signifies more anemia symptoms and treatments to be known.
Anemia symptoms and treatments depend on the type or form of anemia the person is suffering.
What Causes Anemia?
Anemia can be brought by various factors, incidences, and conditions such as pregnancy, chronic diseases, alcoholism, bleeding disorders, external bleeding, infection and even hereditary conditions.
What are the Symptoms of Anemia?
Signs and symptoms of anemia may have, but not limited to the following:
- Generalized body weakness
- Easily gets tired
- Paleness
- Shortness of breathing
- Increased heart beating, which mostly happens when the individual is exerting
- Low blood pressure
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pains, that may happen in severe cases of anemia
- Heart palpitations, which can also happen in severe anemia cases
Some of the following anemic symptoms may also be manifestations of anemia. These are:
- Difficulty in maintaining balance and coordination
- Numbness and tingling in either or both hands and feet
- Jaundice or the yellowing of the skin and membranes
- Confusion
- Depression
- Personality changes
- Black, maroon or bloody fecal matter
- Abdominal pain
How is Anemia Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of anemia is significantly dependent on the anemic symptoms manifested by the person affected and through a blood test, medically known as Complete Blood Count or CBC.
CBC measures the level of hemoglobin and value of red blood cells present in the blood. The doctor to identify the form of anemia present also checks the size and characteristic of red blood cells. At some special cases, the doctor may consider a blood test that checks the level of folic acid, vitamin B12 and bilirubin.
This happens if the doctor suspects a form of anemia, known as Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, which are more common in pregnant and capable of childbirth women.
Other diagnostic methods may include bone marrow biopsy, where the certain amount of bone marrow is taken from the patient for further microscopic investigation and analysis.
What are Anemia Treatments?
Anemia symptoms and treatments are essential to be known and be aware of to help the individual affected with anemia go through the course of its sufferings. Anemia Treatments depend on the cause and form of anemia the person have.
Generally, the following are considered to be the opted treatments for anemia:
- Fresh frozen plasma and platelet replacement is the prime treatment considered for asthma.
- Oxygen therapy is considered when the person has severe anemia. This is usually provided for people with anemia who have decreased oxygen saturation and the normal breathing process of the body cannot sustain the oxygen needed.
- In severe cases of anemia, such as severe iron-deficiency anemia, a blood transfusion may be considered.
- Sufficient intake of iron is essential and should be part of the daily diet. Recommended iron-rich foods are liver, dried fruits, seafood, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables. The doctor could recommend iron supplements that come in pills or capsules as well.
- Palliative treatments for anemia include dietary corrections. Other than iron-rich foods, folic acid supplement is also recommended. This is more essential in a case of folic acid deficient anemia. Meat, poultry, cheese, milk, eggs, liver, and green leafy vegetables should be part of the diet program.
- Adequate fluid intake is highly necessary as well to keep the body hydrated.
- Vasopressor medications are sometimes given by the doctor to help elevate the blood pressure
Anemic symptoms and treatments depend on the form of anemia the person acquired. To prevent going through anemia symptoms and treatments, consumption of a healthy diet including iron-containing foods and those with B-complex vitamins should be highly considered. These are essential in developing and maintaining a satisfactory blood count.
