Anemia – The Iron Poor Blood

It is rightly said, “Give your 100% in whatever you do, unless you are donating blood” As much as this quote signifies the importance of blood, it also throws light on its vitality.

What is it that makes blood this essential?

It is the presence of “Hemoglobin”. The deficiency of Hemoglobin implies a low RBC (Red Blood Cells) count i.e. Anemia. This is currently the most common disorder in the general population. Anemia results in fatigue, pale skin, and weakness. Book Anemia Test Online with our BookMyScans.com portal and get big discounts.

Types of Anemia

There are more than 400 types of anemia and are broadly classified into three groups based on their causes.

• Blood Loss
• Decreased/ Faulty production of red blood cells
• Destruction of red blood cells

Let’s have a glance at the major causes of Anemia

Blood loss: This is caused by the shortage of iron, most often through blood loss. Instances at which the body loses blood, it reacts by pulling in water from tissues outside the bloodstream in order to keep the blood vessels full. This excess water dilutes the blood and hence the red blood cells get diluted.

Conditions that lead to blood loss:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Ulcers
• Cancer
• Pregnancy

Lack of red blood cell production: RBC’s are created through the bone marrow. It is the bone marrow that produces stem cells, which develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Diseases can affect the bone marrow, including leukemia, where a large number of abnormal white blood cells are produced. This interrupts in the normal production of red blood cells.

Conditions that lead to lack of red blood cell production:

• Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia or cancer
• Insufficient intake of iron, folic acid or vitamin B12
• HIV
• High rates of red blood cell destruction: The lifespan of red blood cells is 120 days in the bloodstream. Anemia can be caused if they are destroyed or removed beforehand.

Red blood cells destruction: Extrinsic hemolytic anemia, also known as autoimmune hemolytic anemia. This develops when the spleen traps and destroys healthy Red blood cells. It can also occur due to infection.

Conditions that lead to red blood cell destruction:

• Infections
• Snake or spider venom
• Enlargement of spleen
• Clotting disorders

How do you recognize the advent of anemia in your system?

 

Additionally, the side effects of anemia, such as persistent dizziness, leg cramps and insomnia make it even worse. These symptoms as simple as they appear; need immediate attention.

Any of the above mentioned in your list?

Worried, how to treat anemia?

Do not panic, “There is a remedy for everything!”

Treatment for Anemia

• • Increase iron intake in your meal

Iron supplements serve as a savior

• Include Vitamin B12 in your diet
• Thalassemia – Treated with folic acid supplementation or sometimes removal of the spleen
• Aplastic Anemia  – Can be dealt through blood transfusion or bone marrow transplantation
• Sickle Cell Anemia – Treated with oxygen therapy, pain relief, and intravenous fluids

Having discussed anemia this far, do you have an idea of who has the higher risk of being anemia?

The answer is simple. This can attack anyone.

•    Anemia in Men: Hemoglobin level less than 13.5 gram/ 100 ml
•    Anemia in Children: Hemoglobin level less than 13.5 gram/ 100 ml (Age 6- 12 years)
•    Anemia in Women: Hemoglobin level less than 12.0 gram/ 100 ml

All above mentioned can be a victim of anemia. However, considering the recent health stats, anemia can be persistent majorly among women. Succumbing to causes such as pregnancy and heavy menstrual bleeding.

A healthy woman is a true asset to her family and the society.

But saddening is the fact that in the verge of taking care of her house and family, she often plays less heed to her own needs. This is a matter of concern and cannot be neglected especially when it comes to health reasons. Anemia is one such condition that cannot and should not be going unnoticed.

Women and Anemia

Women are likely to develop iron deficiency for several reasons. Also, the risk of anemia is higher among women with periods that are especially long or include very heavy bleeding. Some women also lose iron from uterine fibroids that bleed slowly, or from bleeding caused by using certain intrauterine devices (IUDs) for birth control.

Another instance when women need extra iron is during pregnancy. This is mainly for the proper development of their babies. There is also a loss of blood during childbirth. Hence it is extremely important for women who are pregnant or the ones planning to conceive to have their iron levels checked. Prenatal vitamins can be of help in such cases as they contain iron and help in preventing pregnancy-related anemia.

In order to fix a problem, one needs to be aware of it. This is where diagnosis pitches in:

Importance of Diagnosis

An effective diagnosis plays a vital role in reducing the effects of anemia. It is usually diagnosed by measuring the hemoglobin and hematocrit (HCT). This is done by a routine blood test called CBC (Complete blood count).

• HGB levels for women should be about 12 grams per deciliter (g/dL) – a HGB level of less than 6.5 g/dL is very dangerous and could be life-threatening
• HCT levels for women should be 35 percent to 46 percent

Once you have the diagnosis done, treatment needs implementation based on whatever the cause is. A change in the dietary plan can be extremely helpful. Further speaking, in cases that are severe blood transfusion and iron supplements can be a remedy.

 

Finally, be good to yourself: “Self-care is the best care”

You can’t pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself first. You are solely responsible for how you choose to feel.

Hence, if you feel tired for unexplained reasons or find yourself experiencing any of the above symptoms.

It is time you see the doc!

A day delayed, maybe a lifelong regret.

Hence, get your blood test for anemia done right now, in fact, this is just a call away.

Amazed? Wondering how?

Bookmyscans.com is here to help you on this.

Bookmyscans eases your effort of better care. Being spread over six major metro cities and reaching thousands, we value your time, health and money. Book an appointment with us now and get an anemia test (iron deficiency test) done right away! Act Now.

Wellbeing Note: “Dear buddy, Take care of your body; it is the only place you have to live in!”