| Anaemia | |||||
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Anaemia (also written anemia) is a condition in which the number of red blood cells (RBCs) is lowered or if there is a reduction in the level of haemoglobin in the blood.
If a person has anaemia, oxygen transportation around the body is impaired and the person becomes under-oxygenated are tires easily.
Anaemia is normally detected (or confirmed) by a complete blood cell count, in which the different types of cells in the blood (red and white, as well as platelets) are counted and examined.
There are a few different types of anaemia, which are:
- Aplastic anaemia - this type of anaemia is characterised by a failure of the bone marrow to produce red and white blood cells and platelets
- Folic acid deficiency anaemia - this type of anaemia is characterised by a deficiency in folic acid intake in the diet (not enough leafy green vegetables, which have high levels of folic acid are being consumed)
- Haemolytic anaemia - this type of anaemia is characterised by the body destroying red blood cells faster than new ones can be produced, which can result from a range of autoimmune disorders and even from some medications
- Iron deficiency anaemia - this type of anaemia is characterised by a lack of iron, so that there is also a lack of haemoglobin - this is the most common type of anaemia
- Pernicious anaemia - this type of anaemia is characterised by a lack of Vitamin B12 inhibiting the correct formation of red blood cells
- Sick cell anaemia - this is type of anaemia is characterised by the haemoglobin being in the abnormal shape of a sickle, instead of being healthy and round in shape
- Chronically tired / fatigued - this is the main symptom as there is not enough oxygen flowing to the cells of the body
- Palpitations
- Weak and fast pulse
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Shortness of breath
- Pallour (paleness of skin and looking sickly)
- Thirst
- Sweating
Anaemia can be caused by several factors, some of which are:
- Lowered level of red blood cells
- Deficient or abnormal haemoglobin content of the red blood cells
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Lack of iron stores
- Diet low in iron, folic acid or vitamin B12
- Abnormally shaped haemoglobin
- Blood diseases, such as leukemia
- Infections, such as from malaria
The various types of anaemia are treated accordingly:
- Aplastic anaemia - treated with blood transfusion and growth factors if severe, otherwise blood levels will be monitored to check progression of disease
- Folic acid deficiency anaemia - treated with folic acid supplementation and your doctor will also advise you to include more foods high in folic acid, leafy green vegetables such as spinach, sorrel, kale
- Haemolytic anaemia - treated with steroids
- Iron deficiency anaemia - treated with supplements of iron over a period determined by your doctor, in addition your doctor will advise you to eat foods high in iron, such as red meat (cooked raw-medium), liver, eggs and spinach
- Pernicious anaemia - treated with vitamin B12 supplements for life, which are usually administered by injection ( new evidence shows oral intake of vitamin B12 may be as effective as injections)
- Sick cell anaemia - treated with blood transfusions, oral antibiotics (to prevent infections associated with low red blood cells) and a particular drug (hydroxyurea)
Severe anaemia, such as that resulting from a life-threatening injury, needs to be immediately treated by a blood transfusion.
Some of anaemia caused by congenital defects in the body (sickle cell and aplastic anaemia) require monitoring all through life to prevent serious ill health.
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