Anemia

What is it?
Anemia is condition caused by low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin (the part of the red blood cells that delivers oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body). There are over 400 different types of anemia ranging from mild to severe. Many of them are rare.
Who gets it?
Anyone with certain underlying conditions can develop anemia. Those at risk include anyone with chronic blood loss due to cancer, gastrointestinal tumors, hemorrhoids, heavy menstrual flow, stomach ulcers, alcohol abuse, or other medical conditions.
What causes it?
Anemia is caused by chronic bleeding, a decrease in red blood cell production, or an increase in red blood cell destruction. A poor diet low in iron can cause anemia, as can some hereditary disorders and certain diseases. However, excessive bleeding due to cancer, childbirth, injury, gastrointestinal tumors, heavy menstrual flow, hemorrhoids, nosebleeds, stomach ulcers, alcohol abuse and surgery is the most common cause of anemia.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of anemia include weakness; fatigue; pale sallow skin; dizziness; lack of color in the palms of hands, gums and nail beds; chest pain; cravings for ice, paint or dirt; headache; inability to concentrate; inflammation of the mouth; insomnia; irregular heartbeat; lack of appetite; nails that are dry and brittle; swelling of the hands and feet; thirst; ringing in the ears and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose anemia, the doctor may look at the patient’s medical history and symptoms to determine what tests should be done. Anemia may be diagnosed through laboratory tests that measure the percentage of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The doctor may also use the tests to determine the type of anemia responsible for the patient’s symptoms. In addition, the doctor may order x-rays and examinations of bone marrow to identify the source of the bleeding.
What is the treatment?
Treatment of anemia is usually directed at the underlying cause. The doctor may recommend anemia due to nutritional deficiencies be treated with iron supplements, injections of vitamin B12, or other vitamin supplements. If blood loss is severe, the doctor may recommend the patient undergo transfusions of red blood cells to accelerate their production. Medication or surgery may be necessary to control menstrual flow, repair a bleeding ulcer, or remove polyps (growths or nodules) from the bowels. Cancer-related anemias may be treated with blood transfusions and/or medication.
Self-care tips
While inherited anemias cannot be prevented, avoiding excessive use of alcohol, eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of iron-rich foods, and taking a daily multivitamin can help prevent many types of anemia.