Anemia:
It is the medical condition characterized by decreased quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the important protein carries oxygen from lungs and supply to various tissues in the body. Anemia occurs when the rate of production of mature cells entering the blood from the red bone marrow does not keep force with the rate of hemolysis. Normal range of hemoglobin content in male is about 13 to 18 g/100ml and for female is about 11.5 to 16.5 g/100ml. Various types of anemia is based on the cause.
1. Impaired erythrocyte production:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Hypoplastic anemia
2. Increased erythrocyte loss:
- Hemolytic anemia
- Normocytic anemia
Symptoms:
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak is a hallmark symptom of anemia. It occurs because there is a decreased capacity to transport oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Pale Skin: Anemic individuals might have paler than usual skin color, as there is a reduced amount of hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color.
Shortness of Breath: Insufficient oxygen delivery to the tissues may lead to a feeling of breathlessness, particularly during physical activities.
Dizziness or Light headedness: Anemia can affect blood flow, leading to feelings of dizziness or light headedness, especially when standing up quickly.
Headache: Reduced oxygen delivery to the brain can sometimes result in headaches.
Cold Hands and Feet: Poor circulation due to anemia may cause extremities to feel colder than usual.
Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia): Severe anemia can lead to a faster or irregular heartbeat as the heart attempts to compensate for the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity.
Brittle Nails and Pale Nail Beds: Changes in the appearance of nails, such as brittleness or paleness, can be associated with certain types of anemia.
Craving for Non-Nutritive Substances (Pica): Some individuals with iron-deficiency anemia may experience unusual cravings for non-food items, such as ice, clay, or dirt.
Tongue Changes: In some cases, the tongue may become swollen, smooth, or develop a pale or yellowish colour.
Cognitive Impairment: In severe cases, anaemia can affect cognitive function, leading to difficulties with concentration and memory.
Diagnosis Methods:
1. Medical History and Physical Examination:
The healthcare provider will inquire about the patient’s symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors. They will also conduct a physical examination to look for signs such as pale skin, rapid heart rate, and signs of nutritional deficiencies.
2. Complete Blood Count (CBC):
The CBC is a blood test that provides essential information about the number and types of blood cells. It includes measures such as:
Hemoglobin (Hb): To determine the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
Hematocrit (Hct): To measure the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count: To count the number of red blood cells.
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): To assess the average size of red blood cells.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Provide information about the average amount and concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
3. Peripheral Blood Smear:
A blood smear involves examining a sample of blood under a microscope to assess the size, shape, and appearance of red blood cells. This can help identify abnormalities and provide additional information about the type of anemia.
4. Iron Studies:
Tests such as serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) are conducted to evaluate iron levels in the blood. People with low iron levels often have iron-deficiency anemia.
5. Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels:
Blood tests for serum vitamin B12 and folate levels are performed to identify deficiencies that may contribute to certain types of anemia, such as megaloblastic anemia.
6. Reticulocyte Count:
This test measures the number of young red blood cells (reticulocytes) in the blood, providing information about the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells.
7. Bone Marrow Biopsy (Rarely):
In certain situations, a bone marrow biopsy may be recommended to assess the bone marrow’s function and rule out underlying disorders affecting blood cell production.
Methods to overcome:
To follow the healthy diet:
By following healthy diet like iron rich foods, vitamin B12 and other sources.
Why we should take iron rich food?
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anemia occurs when there is a deficiency of red blood cells or a lack of hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common causes of anemia compared then other anemic conditions.
Here are some reasons why iron-rich foods are important for individuals with anemic conditions:
Hemoglobin Synthesis: Iron is a key component in the synthesis of hemoglobin. Adequate iron intake helps the body produce sufficient hemoglobin, ensuring that red blood cells can effectively carry oxygen to tissues and organs.
Oxygen Transport: Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues throughout the body. Insufficient iron can lead to decreased hemoglobin levels, resulting in reduced oxygen delivery to cells, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Energy Production: Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, the process by which cells produce energy. When there is an iron deficiency and, consequently, a lack of hemoglobin, cells may not receive enough oxygen to generate energy efficiently, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Prevention and Treatment of Anemia: Consuming iron-rich foods is an effective way to prevent and treat iron-deficiency anemia. Including foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and fortified cereals in the diet can help replenish iron levels.
Improved Immune Function: Iron is also involved in the proper functioning of the immune system. A well-functioning immune system is crucial for overall health, and adequate iron levels contribute to immune system effectiveness.
Uptaking Vitamin – B12 rich sources:
Vitamin B12 is important for the production of erythrocytes and the proper functioning of the nervous system. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can contribute to a type of anemia known as megaloblastic anemia.
Here are some reasons why vitamin B12 is important for individuals with anemic conditions:
Red Blood Cell Formation: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of DNA, which is crucial for the formation of red blood cells. In the absence of sufficient vitamin B12, red blood cells may be larger than normal (megaloblastic), leading to megaloblastic anemia. This type of anemia is characterized by larger, fewer, and irregularly shaped red blood cells that have difficulty functioning properly.
Hemoglobin Synthesis: Vitamin B12 works in conjunction with folate (another B-vitamin) in the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in erythrocyte responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to various tissues in the body. Inadequate levels of vitamin B12 can impair this process.
Nervous System Function: Vitamin B12 is essential for the maintenance of the nervous system. It plays an important role in the production of myelin, a protective layer around nerves. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to neurological symptoms, including tingling, numbness, and difficulty with coordination.
Energy absorption: Vitamin B12 is associated with the absorption of starches, fats, and proteins. It helps convert food into energy, and a deficiency can result in fatigue and weakness, which are common symptoms of anemia.
Prevention and Treatment of Megaloblastic Anemia: Adequate intake of vitamin B12 is crucial to prevent and treat megaloblastic anemia. This condition can lead to a reduced number of red blood cells and their inefficient functioning, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.