Anemia is a medical condition in which there is a significant decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin count. This condition leads to lack of oxygen in the organs because the reduced hemoglobin count is not able to supply required amount from lung to tissues. The reduced amount of oxygen supply may lead to several complications in humans. A person is said to be anemic if s/he has a lower hemoglobin count than required. Both men and women have a different hemoglobin count. Anemia is quite common, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. Any process that disrupts the normal life span or production of red blood cells can cause anemia.
Causes of Anemia:
Anemia can be caused by variety of factors, but some more possible causes of anemia are:
- People suffering with long term chronic diseases such as cancer, ulcerative colitis, or rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to this condition
- Certain medications can cause anemia in a variety of ways
- In few people, anemia can be inherited if they have a family history such as thalassemia
- Excess blood loss due to several factors such as heavy menstrual period in girls or something else
- Bone marrow diseases can result in anemia as they interfere with the normal blood cell production such as lymphoma, leukemia, or multiple myeloma
- Failure of kidney
- Bad eating habits
- Diseases affecting immune system
- Thyroid diseases
Signs and Symptoms:
Due to minor symptoms, anemia remains undiagnosed in most of the people. Some symptoms, however, may help in identifying this medical condition that may result due to anemia or some other underlying factors. These signs and symptoms are listed below:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Reporting shortness of breath or dyspnea
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Frequent headaches
- Paleness in skin
- Thinking problem
These are some common symptoms that can help in identifying disease at initial stages.
Diagnosis:
Some blood tests used to diagnose anemia are total blood count or hemoglobin count, blood test of Vitamin B12 and other minerals, Iron level, etc. Usually the tests are suggested by the physician after physical examination.
Treatment:
Treatment of anemia starts after analyzing the severity and causes by your physician
- Supplements of iron, folic acid and other minerals are given to those who have iron deficiency.
- Patients suffering from cancer or some other chronic disease are given Erythropoietin, a medicine that improves production of red blood cells by the bone marrow
- Blood transfusions
- Medicines that suppress the immune system
Anemia has become quite common these days and the young generation is the most affected population due to variety of reasons.
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