Conventional Treatment of Anaemia

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Conventional treatment of anaemia

Conventional treatment that is recommended for anaemia depends on the cause and the severity of the anaemia.

Blood transfusion

If the anaemia is really bad due to severe blood loss (injury, accident) and blood levels are too low, then a blood transfusion will be given to prevent death.

Oxygen therapy

Some people with severe anaemia (usually due to injury, illness or accident ) may require an oxygen mask to help them breath, if their oxygen levels are too low, this is due to a lack of of haemoglobin in the blood, which carries around the oxygen to the cells. Oxygen therapy is usually given in hospital and only used for patients with very severe anaemia.

Supplements

If the anaemia is due to a deficiency of particular nutrients, then the most common form of treatment are supplement (given in a variety of formats, depending on the type of anaemia):

Iron injections - the mineral iron can be given by injection for people who have very low blood levels of this mineral, but in general an iron supplement is recommended for most people with low iron levels
Vitamin B12 injections - people who cannot make enough intrinsic factor in their stomach or have very low levels of vitamin B12 will be given regular vitamin B12 injections to treat their pernicious anaemia
Vitamin and mineral supplements - these are given when there is a general deficiency of a number of nutrients to top them up and avoid worsening of symptoms

Surgery

Some people may need surgery to stop the cause of their anaemia:

Hysterectomy - this surgery involves partial or full removal of the uterus and ovaries and is often performed on women who are past their child bearing years and who have excessive bleeding
Spleenectomy - this surgery involves removal of the spleen in cases of severe haemolytic anaemia

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Last reviewed: 15 December 2007 || Last updated: 28 February 2009

Folic acid (vitamins)
Haemoglobin (glossary)
Iron (minerals)
Red blood cells (glossary)
Vegetables (food values)
Vitamin B12 (vitamins)

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.

Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

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