Anemia

Anemia or anaemia is derived from the Greek word meaning “without blood”. It refers to a deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) and /or hemoglobin. Anemia occurs when level of healthy red blood cells in the body becomes too low.

This results in a reduced ability of blood to transfer oxygen to the tissues since all human cells depend on oxygen for survival. Hemoglobin has to be present to ensure adequate oxygenation of all body tissues and organs. The three main classes of anemia include excessive blood loss, excessive blood cell destruction or deficient red blood cell production.

Anemia goes undetected in many people, and symptoms can be vague. People with anemia report a feeling of weakness or fatigue. Pallor (unnatural lack of color in the skin) is often a useful diagnostic sign in moderate or severe anemia, but it is not always apparent.

The first symptoms might be gradual mild skin paleness, and decreased pinkness of the lips and nail-beds. Other common signs of anemia include irritability, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, and a rapid heartbeat. Symptoms may also include jaundice (yellow tinged skin), yellowing of whites of the eyes, an enlarged spleen, and dark-colored urine.

Doctors run blood tests of blood smear examination, iron tests, hemoglobin electrophoresis, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, or reticulocyte count as part of a routine physical examination. It may indicate that there are fewer red blood cells than normal. In addition doctor may ask about a family history of anemia, symptoms and medications.

Treatment of anemia depends on its cause and varies according to age. The treatment in a child will be different from the teenage girl. Anemia caused by an infection will usually improve when the infection passes or is treated. Treatment for more severe or chronic forms of anemia may include the transfusions of normal blood cells taken from a donor, removal of the spleen or treatment with medications to fight or stimulate the bone marrow to make more blood cells. Iron- rich foods include red meat; green leafy vegetables; beans; dried apricots, prunes, raisins, and other dried fruits; almonds; seaweeds; parsley; whole grains; and yams. In extreme cases of anemia beef liver, lean meat, oysters, lamb or chicken or iron drops/tablets are highly recommended. Intake of tea, coffee, wheat bran, chocolate, soft drinks, ice cream and candies should be avoided.

The type, cause, and severity of victim will determine the kind of care needed. If iron deficiency is the cause, one should follow the doctor’s directions about dietary changes and taking any iron supplements. If the spleen is enlarged the victim may be prohibited from playing contact sports because the risk that the spleen could rupture in case of severe injury.

Proper treatment of the patient especially women with anemia is required to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and premature cardiovascular disease.