Anemia is one of the most common blood disorders worldwide. The most commonly known of its effects is fatigue, although its effects can be far-reaching. If someone ever feels unusually tired, Dizzy, or short of breath, this may also be due to Anemia. Let us try to answer some questions about Anemia in this blog post – What is Anemia, what are the main causes of Anemia, What are the types of Anemia, what is the normal Haemoglobin level, what are the 21 symptoms of Anemia, what are the diagnosis and treatments of Anemia.
What is Anemia?
When
someone is Anemic, it means that they lack healthy red blood cells to carry
enough oxygen to their tissues. Red blood cells can be compared to small
delivery trucks running in the body, carrying oxygen from our lungs to the rest
of the body. But when they for some reason decrease in number or do not
function properly, our organs do not get the oxygen they need. As a result,
different symptoms appear in the body or it is better to say that the body
starts telling you about it through different symptomatic signals. To
understand, think of it as a lack of fuel needed by your body's systems to
function.
What are the Main Causes of Anemia ?
There can be various reasons for anemia in someone's body. Knowing and understanding the root causes can help prevent or treat problems. So here we will try to know and understand some of the common causes of Anemia –
1) Iron Deficiency – The most common cause of Anemia is iron deficiency in the body. Because, when there is iron deficiency in the body, there is not enough iron (the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells) to make Haemoglobin. May occur due to insufficient food intake, poor diet, blood loss (e.g - heavy periods) or poor absorption of iron in the body.
2) Vitamin Deficiency – Deficiency of vitamin B12 or Folate can lead to megaloblastic Anemia. Because these two vitamins are necessary for the production of red blood cells in our body.
3) Chronic Diseases – Certain problems like Kidney Problems, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Infections can affect the body's ability to make red Blood cells in the Bone Marrow, resulting in Anemia.
4) Blood Loss – Any major Surgery, Trauma or Ulceration or conditions for Heavy Periods can cause Anemia in the body.
5) Bone Marrow Problems – Problems that can affect the bone marrow, such as Leukaemia or Aplastic Anemia can disrupt the body's production of red blood cells. As a result, anemia may occur.
6) Inherited Conditions – Some genetic forms of anemia are seen, egg – Sickle cell Anemia, Thalassemia etc. These genetic problems affect the cell shape or structure of red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen supply and Anemia.
What are the Types of Anemia ?
Anemia is not only a condition but also refers to various blood disorders. Each of them has its own reason and according to that reason they can be classified. We will discuss some common types of anemia –
1) Iron Deficiency Anemia – This is the most common type of anemia, which is often caused by a lack of iron in the diet and blood loss.
2) Vitamin Deficiency Anemia – This type of anemia can arise due to deficiency of vitamin B12 and Folate in the body. Because, such Vitamins are essential ingredients for making healthy Red Blood Cells (RBC) .
3) Aplastic Anemia – This is a rare but serious condition in which the body's bone marrow cannot produce enough new blood cells. It can be caused by genetic conditions or exposure to toxic substances.
4) Haemolytic Anemia – When red blood cells are destroyed faster than normal in the body. Usually: Autoimmune disease, an infection or reaction to certain drugs causes such a state of Haemolysis (Destruction of red blood cells) and anemia occurs in the body.
5) Sickle Cell Anemia – Generally this is a genetic problem, where the red blood cells are larger than normal and obstruct blood flow. As a result: the organs of the body lack oxygen and the person becomes Anemic.
6) Thalassemia – This blood disorder is also inherited. In which the body itself produces an abnormal form of Haemoglobin, which leads to the destruction of red blood cells.
7) Chronic Anemia – Generally, this kind of problem can develop in a person due to Kidney problem, Cancer or Rheumatism. When such chronic problems hinder the production of red blood cells, such problems can arise.
What are Normal Levels of Haemoglobin?
Usually, to determine whether a person has Anemia, doctors ask to check the Haemoglobin
level in the person's body. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that
carries oxygen throughout the body. The level of Haemoglobin in one's body
depends on one's age, gender and overall health. But normal levels in a human
are –
(1) Children – 11.0 to 16.0 g/dL
(2) Adult Male – 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL
(3) Adult Female – 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL
If
your body has less Haemoglobin than the normal level of Haemoglobin according
to your age, then it indicates the problem of anemia in your body. So a
professional health care consultant should be contacted without delay.
What are the 21 Symptoms of Anemia ?
Different
people may have different symptoms of Anemia, some of which may be so subtle
that it becomes difficult to identify them. Here are 21 common symptoms of Anemia
discussed –
(1) Fatigue – This is the most common symptom of Anemia. Feeling tired even after rest is a major symptom of Anemia.
(2) Discoloration – If your body is pale compared to normal color or your face is discolored, then you should be careful. Because it can also be due to lack of red blood cells.
(3) Shortness of Breath – Due to lack of red blood cells in the body, one may lack oxygen in the body, as a result: he may experience shortness of breath after light activity.
(4) Dizziness – When you stand up suddenly, you may feel dizzy or sometimes feel light-headed.
(5) Feeling of Cold Hands and Feet – Due to the decrease of red blood cells in the body, blood circulation in the body becomes weak, as a result of which you may feel Cold Hands and Feet.
(6) Chest Pain – In case of severe Anemia in the body, the heart has to work Harder, due to which you may experience Chest Pain.
(7) Headache – As a result of Anemia, the supply of Oxygen to the body decreases as well as the supply of oxygen to the Head, resulting in frequent Headaches.
(8) Rapid Heart Beat – Excessive stress on the heart due to Anemia or Anemia may result in irregular or fast Heart Beat.
(9) Physical Weakness – Due to Anemia , the body may feel weak.
(10) Brittle Nails – Due to Anemia: Lack of oxygen can also affect the nails of the body. As a result: nails may thin, break or become brittle.
(11) Hair Loss – Anemia can cause Thinning of Hair or Excessive Hair Loss.
(12) Restless Legs – Especially at night, involuntary uncontrollable movements of the legs may occur.
(13) Feeling Extra Cold – You may feel colder than others around you.
(14) Pica Syndrome – Urge to eat non-food items like Dirt, Chalk, Bricks, Soil etc.
(15) Sore Tongue – Especially in cases of Iron deficiency Anemia, the Tongue may become Thick or Sore Tongue may appear.
(16) Ulcers inside the Mouth – Lack of vitamin B12 can cause various types of Ulcers inside the Mouth.
(17) Difficulty in Concentration – Due to Anemia, lack of Oxygen in the body disrupts the functioning of the Brain, as a result of which it may be difficult to concentrate on any particular subject.
(18) Muscle Cramps – Muscle Weakness or Muscle Cramps may occur due to Anemia in the body.
(19) Loss of Appetite – Anemia may cause symptoms of Loss of Appetite especially in Children.
(20) Paleness of Skin and Lips – Due to Anemia Skin Color and Lip Color may become Pale.
(21) Low Blood Pressure – Severe Anemia can cause blood pressure to drop and many may become Dizzy or Faint.
Diagnostic and Treatment of Anemia
If
a person experiences any of the 21 symptoms described above, a professional
health care consultant should be contacted. He may suggest specific blood tests
to determine whether you have Anemia and based on the results, he will give
appropriate advice.
Treatment
of Anemia varies according to the type or underlying cause, but some common
treatments are discussed here –
(1) Taking Iron Supplements – For iron deficiency Anemia, a certain dose of iron supplements can be taken as per the advice of a professional dietitian or nutritionist along with changes in eating habits and diet to increase iron intake.
(2) Vitamin B12/Folate Supplements – If someone is deficient in Vitamin B12, Supplements or Injections may be required.
(3) Drug Support – Anemia caused by a chronic problem may require drug support to treat the individual's underlying condition.
(4) Transfusion of Blood – A person may require blood transfusion in severe cases of Anemia.
(5) Bone Marrow Transplantation – Certain types of Anemia (e.g. Aplastic Anemia) may require bone marrow transplantation or bone marrow transplantation.
Anemia in general is a problem which is often overlooked and can affect overall health. By knowing and understanding the above mentioned topics like - What is Anemia, What are the main causes of Anemia, What are the types of Anemia, What is the normal Haemoglobin level, What are the 21 symptoms of Anemia, What are the diagnosis and treatments of Anemia etc. I can take the right decision and action. Because early detection and treatment of these types of problems can be crucial to overall health and can make the difference in getting back to a normal life. If you personally have the slightest doubt after seeing any of the signs or symptoms, do not delay in seeking help from a doctor or a professional health care consultant. If you enjoyed reading this blog post or found it valuable, please share it.
F.A.Q about Anemia
1) Can Anemia go away by itself ?
Ans :-
This matter mainly depends on the reason. Iron-deficiency Anemia can improve
with diet, dietary changes, and supplements, but other types of Anemia may require intensive treatment. In some cases decisions like bone marrow
transplantation may be required.
2) How can I prevent Anemia Myself ?
Ans :- In general, we can prevent Anemia through diet and dietary changes. Anemia can be prevented by consuming food especially rich in iron, vitamin B12 and Folate. But if one has a condition that can cause Anemia, one should definitely consult a professional health care consultant.
3) Is Anemia Dangerous ?
Ans :- In mild cases, Anemia may cause only dizziness, weakness or some other
discomfort. However, if not treated, it can lead to serious complications such
as heart disease or disability.
4) How long does it take to Recover from Anemia?
Ans :-
Recovery time depends on the type of Anemia and its severity. But usually:
With the right treatment, people can get better within weeks to months.
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