Anemia is the most common type of blood disease and occurs when the hemoglobin concentration in the blood falls below the normal range. The number of the red blood cells (erythrocytes) is also decreased. Hemoglobin is the component of the red blood cell that carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia, Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin and iron deficiency in diet results in low hemoglobin levels in the body. Other causes of iron deficiency anemia include poor iron absorption in the body and blood loss. This usually occurs in women of childbearing age but may also occur in infants, children and adolescents during rapid growth spurts.
Pernicious anemia is another type of anemia when a person lacks intrinsic factor, a substance which is necessary to absorb and process vitamin B12. It is often hereditary and usually occurs in the elderly.
Folic acid deficiency anemia is characterised by abnormally large but few red blood cells (megaloblastic). Poor diet with alcoholism is the most common cause of folate deficiency. It is present in malabsorption problems. Certain medications such as anticonvulsants may also cause folic acid deficiency. Symptoms of this anemia include weight loss, diarrhea and reduced exercise endurance.
SYMPTOMS:
Does the patient feels: Fatigue, weekness, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, pale skin that include decreased pinkness of lips, gums, lining of the eyelids, nail beds and palms
Does the patient have the following conditions: Blood loss (due to injury, surgey, menstruation, inflammatory bowel disease, abnormal blood clotting); diseases (cancer especially gastrointestinal cancer; intestinal parasites such as hookworms); medication side effects (antibiotics, anticancer drugs); poor diet (lack of meat and poultry products, fruits and vegetables in diet); vitamins and iron deficiencies (no dietary supplements)
Does the patient have family history of: Sickle-cell anemia; thalassemia; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
DOCTOR’S ADVICE:
Patients should:
-eat a balanced siet that includes iron rich foods, such as fruits, lean meat, beans, whole grain bread and green leafy vegetables
-too much iron can be dangerous. excess iron intake has been associated with an increased risk for cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, diabetes and certain cancers. Iron supplements should only be taken upon the advice of the doctor
-foods high in folic acid and vitamin B12 include fish, diary products, meats, legumes, dark leafy vegetables, oranges and whole grain.
-alcohol consumption should be limited and prescribed folic acid supplements should be taken during pregnancy to avoid folic acid deficiency anemia
-wear shoes or slippers at all times to avoid worm infestations
-too much exposure to gasoline products, insecticides, chemicals and other toxic should be avoided, as these agents may also cause anemia
DOCTOR’S REQUESTS:
The doctor will usually request the following tests for diagnostic purposes:
-CBC (complete blood count), which may indicate fewer red blood cells than normal
Other tests:
-blood smear examination
-iron tests
-hemoglobin electrophoresis
-bone marrow aspirations and biopsy
- reticulocyte counts
TREATMENT OPTIONS:
Antianemics; Prenatal and Postnatal Vitamins
Antianemics are iron-containingmedications given to people who suffer from iron-deficiency anemia such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate.
Medications containing folic acid and vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) may also be given if anemia is traced back to a deficiency of these nutrients.
Pre and postnatal vitamin medications contains vitamins and minerals which are essential for pregnant and lactating mothers. Iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 are among the required nutrients in the management of anemia common during pregnancy.
Multivitamins and minerals
Provides the necessary nutrients needed by the body when it is not capable of producing enough essential nutrients on its own. These medications may also contain iron, folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. These should be used as supplements for the daily food intake and not as replacements of diets.
Pediatric vitamins and minerals
Several pediatric medications contain iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 which helps in the development of child’s body system and corrects anemic conditions in children.
Appetite stimulants
Most iron-containing appetite stimulants may also aid in the management of iron-deficiency anemia.
Nutritional preparations (Infants)
Iron-fortified formulas and cereals may be provided to infants and children that require iron supplementation.
Hematopoietic Agents
Recombinant erythropoeitins such as epoetin alfa and epoetin beta are used to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. These stimulate the production of red blood cells which may reduce and eliminate the need for blood transfusions.
