Anemia
Anemia – an overview
Anemia is the result of decrease in the normal number of red blood cells (RBC) or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. RBC contains hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to body tissues. Lack in hemoglobin can lessen the oxygen binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule, resulting in anemia.
Anemia is divided into three main classes such as excessive blood loss, excessive cell destruction or deficiency in red blood cell production. Anemia is a common disorder of blood, which can lead to various health complications.
Anemia is generally caused by excessive destruction of RBC, inadequate production of RBC, blood loss, Iron or vitamin deficiency, inherited disorders, infection, some kinds of cancer or even exposure to drugs or toxins. Approximately 3.5 million Americans are affected by it. It is common in developing countries, especially in very poor areas where people suffer from malnutrition. In Africa, the main cause of anemia is malaria. Many people who have pre-existing anemia run the risk of being infected with malaria.
Types of Anemia
There are more than hundred types of anemia, which can be divided into three major groups. Excessive blood loss anemia or chronic bleeding often goes undetected for a long period of time and hence can prove to be more dangerous as there is loss of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Excessive blood loss is generally due to loss of blood, surgery or accidents. Stomach ulcers, Hemorrhoids, inflammation of the stomach or gastritis, cancer or childbirth may all lead to this type of anemia.
Excessive red blood cell destruction anemia (Hemolytic anemia) causes the red blood cells to die early, (generally they live for 110-120 days) which are removed through the spleen. To compensate for this loss, the bone marrow produces more red blood cells than normal, and if the bone marrow cannot keep up with the red blood cell production, it may lead to hemolysis. Hemolysis can also be caused due to immune reactions, infections as well as some medications and toxins.
Deceased or deficient red blood cell production anemia is the type of anemia where the body does not produce enough red blood cells which do not function properly.
Anemia is the result of decrease in the normal number of red blood cells (RBC) or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. RBC contains hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to body tissues. Lack in hemoglobin can lessen the oxygen binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule, resulting in anemia.
Anemia is divided into three main classes such as excessive blood loss, excessive cell destruction or deficiency in red blood cell production. Anemia is a common disorder of blood, which can lead to various health complications.
Anemia is generally caused by excessive destruction of RBC, inadequate production of RBC, blood loss, Iron or vitamin deficiency, inherited disorders, infection, some kinds of cancer or even exposure to drugs or toxins. Approximately 3.5 million Americans are affected by it. It is common in developing countries, especially in very poor areas where people suffer from malnutrition. In Africa, the main cause of anemia is malaria. Many people who have pre-existing anemia run the risk of being infected with malaria.
Types of Anemia
There are more than hundred types of anemia, which can be divided into three major groups. Excessive blood loss anemia or chronic bleeding often goes undetected for a long period of time and hence can prove to be more dangerous as there is loss of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Excessive blood loss is generally due to loss of blood, surgery or accidents. Stomach ulcers, Hemorrhoids, inflammation of the stomach or gastritis, cancer or childbirth may all lead to this type of anemia.
Excessive red blood cell destruction anemia (Hemolytic anemia) causes the red blood cells to die early, (generally they live for 110-120 days) which are removed through the spleen. To compensate for this loss, the bone marrow produces more red blood cells than normal, and if the bone marrow cannot keep up with the red blood cell production, it may lead to hemolysis. Hemolysis can also be caused due to immune reactions, infections as well as some medications and toxins.
Deceased or deficient red blood cell production anemia is the type of anemia where the body does not produce enough red blood cells which do not function properly.
Anemia is also categorized according to the size of the red blood cells. Microcytic anemia is detected when the red blood cells are smaller than normal and is generally caused due to iron deficiencies. Another major cause is Thalassemia (inherited disorders of hemoglobin).
Normocytic anemia , is detected when the red blood cells size are normal in size but low in number, This type of anemia is often related to some chronic diseases or even kidney diseases.
Macrocytic anemia is a type where in the red blood cells are larger than normal. Alcoholism and pernicious anemia are some of the main causes.
Common symptoms of Anemia
A low red blood cell count can cause reduction in the oxygen delivery to every tissue in the body. There are many signs and symptoms associated with anemia, although if the anemia is of the milder variety, it may be difficult to detect. In cases of chronic anemia, initially the body may adapt and compensate for the change, displaying fewer symptoms until the anemia becomes more severe.
Some common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, lack of physical energy, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, palpitations, paleness etc. In cases of severe anemia, the symptoms may involve rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, change in stool color, pale or cold skin, jaundice, heart murmurs, enlargement of the spleen etc.
How to avoid Anemia
A healthy diet as well as regular exercise goes a long way in keeping a person healthy. In addition consumption of nutritious foods also boosts the overall immunity of the body helping keep anemia as well as other ailments at bay.
Anemia can be best avoided by eating a wide variety of healthy foods which are rich in iron content. Fruits such as apples, bananas, apricots and plums; vegetables such as yams, squash, asparagus, broccoli and leafy vegetables, tofu, whole grains etc. all help in building the body’s resistance against anemia.
To avoid anemia, iron absorption in the body is vital. Iron rich foods, high in vitamin C, should be included in the regular diet. Sugar consumption should be reduced considerably or even omitted. Avoid using any antacids as they interfere with iron absorption. Coffee and black tea contain should also be avoided as they contain polyphenols and tannin which interfere with iron absorption.
Normocytic anemia , is detected when the red blood cells size are normal in size but low in number, This type of anemia is often related to some chronic diseases or even kidney diseases.
Macrocytic anemia is a type where in the red blood cells are larger than normal. Alcoholism and pernicious anemia are some of the main causes.
Common symptoms of Anemia
A low red blood cell count can cause reduction in the oxygen delivery to every tissue in the body. There are many signs and symptoms associated with anemia, although if the anemia is of the milder variety, it may be difficult to detect. In cases of chronic anemia, initially the body may adapt and compensate for the change, displaying fewer symptoms until the anemia becomes more severe.
Some common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, lack of physical energy, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, palpitations, paleness etc. In cases of severe anemia, the symptoms may involve rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, change in stool color, pale or cold skin, jaundice, heart murmurs, enlargement of the spleen etc.
How to avoid Anemia
A healthy diet as well as regular exercise goes a long way in keeping a person healthy. In addition consumption of nutritious foods also boosts the overall immunity of the body helping keep anemia as well as other ailments at bay.
Anemia can be best avoided by eating a wide variety of healthy foods which are rich in iron content. Fruits such as apples, bananas, apricots and plums; vegetables such as yams, squash, asparagus, broccoli and leafy vegetables, tofu, whole grains etc. all help in building the body’s resistance against anemia.
To avoid anemia, iron absorption in the body is vital. Iron rich foods, high in vitamin C, should be included in the regular diet. Sugar consumption should be reduced considerably or even omitted. Avoid using any antacids as they interfere with iron absorption. Coffee and black tea contain should also be avoided as they contain polyphenols and tannin which interfere with iron absorption.
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