What is Anemia?
When the oxygen-carrying cells are not enough to meet up with the physiological demands of the body, this condition refers to as anemia. Usually it results from diseases in the liver or gastrointestinal tract.
Causes –
- Iron deficiency
- Nutritional deficiencies e.g. folate, vit b12 or vitamin A d
- inflammations
- Parasitic infections
- Sickle cell disease
Some cases are mild and asymptomatic, thus requiring no management.
It majorly affects pregnant women and young children.
Mechanism of Anemia-
Physiologically, anaemia results from a loss of red blood cell compared to production which happens because of the following 2 reasons-
- Deficient erythropoiesis: Erythropoiesis is the process of red blood cell formation.
- Excessive blood loss or loss of erythrocytes.
Symptoms-
- Dizziness and light-headedness
- headache
- pain in your bones and joints
- Problems with growth, for children.
- Shortness of breath
- Skin that’s pale
- Cold hands and feet
- Tiredness and fatigue
- tachypnea
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Jaundice
- Lymphadenopathy
Types of anemia-
1. Iron Deficiency Anemia
- anemia resulting from iron deficiency is the most common type which results from inadequate iron intake, decreased iron absorption, increased iron demand, or increased iron loss.
- It is treated with iron supplementation.
2. Thalassemia
- Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders characterized by the body making an abnormal form of hemoglobin.
3. Aplastic Anaemia
- Aplastic anaemia refers to a deficiency of all types of blood cells caused by failure of bone marrow.
4. Hemolytic Anaemia
- In Hemolytic anaaemia the red blood cells are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their lifespan is over.
5. Pernicious Anaemia
In Pernicious anaemia a decrease in red blood cells occurs when the intestines cannot properly absorb vitamin B12.
Patient Education for anemia-
- Patients with nutritional anaemia due to iron deficiency should intake foods which is rich in iron. These include green leafy vegetables, red meats, raisins, and dates. Vitamin c increases dietary iron absorption.
- avoid excess caffeine as these can decrease iron absorption.
- Vegan and vegetarian patients, who may be deficient in B12 must be consume foods such as certain plant and soy products.
Conclusion-
- Anaemia is a condition in which the ability to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues reduces.
- Anemia can range from mild to severe and can be an indication of serious illness.
- Some types of anaemia can be prevented by eating a healthy, varied diet.
Also read- https://vcurehealthcare.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-breastfeeding-part-2/