ANEMIA
30 May 2019
ABSTRACT –
Anemia is a medical condition where the count of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) is lower than the normal count in the body. Typically for male, the normal hemoglobin count is13.5 and for women, it is12.0. Count lesser than these normal levels might get suspected with Anemia.
CAUSES –
- Frequent bleeding – Ruptured blood cells, heavy menstruation or menorrhagia, cancer of colon can also cause this disease
- Poor nutrition – Deficiency of iron, vitamin B-12, trace minerals can reduce the count of RBCs in the body which can result into this disease
- Long-term disease – Preexisting chronic diseases leading to less production of RBCs can result in drop of hemoglobin levels.
- Alcoholism- Alcohol contains toxic substances which might affect the bone marrow thus lower down the production of RBCs.
- Aplastic Anemia- It is a condition which arises when viral infection affects the bone marrow and lessens the production of RBCs. Although genetic abnormalities can also cause this disease in some of the cases.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
- Paleness of skin
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Breathlessness
- Dark colored urine
DIAGNOSIS –
- CBC (Complete Blood Count) – Determine the relative proportion of each blood type in the blood stream.
- Blood smear and differential staining – If it is detected from CBC, these tests are further performed to understand the count of white blood cells (WBCs), shape of RBCs and presence of RBCs.
- Reticulocyte count – Helps to determine the cause and classify the type of disease.
TREATMENT –
- Iron deficiency – Include iron supplement in diet
- Vitamin deficiency – Intake of prescribed vitamin B-12 shots at regular basis which decreases eventually as the treatment proceeds.
- Aplastic Anemia – Treatment depends on the cause of this disease. Elimination to certain toxins or drugs may reduce the velocity of disease. Medication is given to stimulate bone marrow production.
- Anemia due to chronic disease – Blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant is done in severe cases.
PREVENTIONS –
- Increase the intake of Vitamin C and Iron rich supplements
- Reduce consumption of tea and coffee
- Medication to decrease abnormal bleeding
RISK FACTORS –
- Diet low in iron and vitamin supplements
- Frequent heavy menstruations
- Blood loss due to injury or surgery
- Genetic disorder (e.g. Sickle cell anemia)
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, heart failure, cancer, AIDS etc.
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
- The rate of iron deficiency anemia is more observed in female (9.9%) than males (7.8%). Out of the total population worldwide approximately 8.8% of people are suffering from anemia.
- As per WHO, approximately1.62 billion people gets affected globally from Anemia.