Introduction of Anaemia
Anaemia is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells. The red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, using a particular protein called haemoglobin. Anaemia means that either the level of red blood cells or the level of haemoglobin is lower than normal.
When a person is anaemic, their heart has to work harder to pump the quality of blood needed to get adequate oxygen to meet the body's needs and the person can become exhausted.
Anaemia is not disease in itself, but a result of a malfunction somewhere in the body. This blood condition is common , particularly in females. Some estimates suggest that around one in five menstruating women and half of all pregnant women are anaemic.
Anaemic blood count
Anaemia is the condition of having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity of haemoglobin.
Normal results vary, but in general are
- Male : 13.8 to 17.2 gm/dl
- Female : 12.1 to 5.1 gm/dl
Causes
Conditions that may lead to anaemia include-
- Heavy periods
- Pregnancy
- Ulcers
- Colon polyps or colon cancer
- Inherited disorders
- A diet that does not have enough iron, folic acid or vitamin B12
- Blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia or cancer.
Anaemia has three main causes
Blood loss
Blood loss is the most common causes of anaemia , especially in iron deficiency anaemia. Blood loss can be short term or long term depending upon the condition. Bleeding in the digestive or urinary tract can cause blood loss. Surgery , trauma, or cancer also can cause blood loss. Heavy blood loss due to mensturation . If a lot of blood is lost, the body may lose enough red blood cells to cause anaemia.
Lack of red blood cell production
It can be due to "acquired" or "inherited" with the conditions, but may develop it at later stages. Acquired condition and factors that can lead to anaemia include;
- Poor diet
- Unusual hormonal levels
- Chronic disease
- Pregnancy
- Aplastic anaemia can also prevent body from making enough red blood cells. This condition can be both acquired or inherited.
High rates of RBCs destruction
Factors that can cause destruction of red blood cells.
One condition can be an enlarged or diseased spleen. This is an acquired condition. Inherited condition are the one when body destroy too many red blood cells. It can be in sickle cell anaemia , thalassamias and lack of certain enzymes. These conditions create defects in the red blood cells that cause them to die faster than healthy red blood cells.
Haemolytic anaemia is another example of a condition in which body destroys its red blood cells. Both inherited or acquired conditions or other factors can cause haemolytic anaemia . Example include immune disorders, infections, certain medicines, or reactions to blood transfusions.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Coldness in the hands and feet
- Pale skin
- Chest pain
Diagnosis
Medical history
Signs and symptoms like weakness, malaise or body aches
Blood tests
To check for the level of haemoglobin and red blood cells
Physical examination
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Rapid or irregular breathing
- Enlarged liver or spleen
Complete blood count (CBC)
A CBC is generally done to know the number of blood cells in the blood. To check anaemia, physician will see the level of red blood cells contained in the blood and the haemoglobin in blood. Normal adult hematocrits value vary from one medical practice to another but are generally between 38.8 and 50 percent for men and 34.9 and 44.5 percent for women.
A test determine the size and shape of red blood cells. Some of red blood cells may also be examined for unusual size, shape and colour.
Management
Iron supplement - the most commonly prescribed supplement is ferrous sulphate taken orally two or three times a day.
Dietary supplement
Iron-rich foods include
- Dark-green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
- Iron-fortified cereals
- Whole grains, such as brown rice
- Beans
- Nuts
- Meat
- Apricot
Complications
Iron deficiency anaemia rarely causes any serious or long-term complications. However , some of the complications are listed below:
Tiredness
Iron deficiency anaemia can leave a person tired and lethargic , as a result person may be less productive and active at work.
Immune system
Iron deficiency anaemia can affect immune system , making a person more susceptible to illness and infection.
Heart and lung complications
Adults with severe anaemia may be at risk of developing complications that affect their heart or lungs
Example- Tachycardia (an abnormally fast heartbeat)
Pregnancy
Pregnant women with severe anaemia have an high risk of developing complications, particularly during and after the birth. They may also develop postnatal depression.
0 Comments