What You Need to Know About ANAEMIA!!!




You must have heard of anemia but really don't have a good knowledge of what it is. 


Most people have a wrong understanding of what anemia is.  From my interactions with people over the years I came to understand that what most people understood  as anemia is actually a particular type anemia known as sickle cell anemia. 


In this post I will take out time to give a brief account of what anemia is. 


WHAT IS ANEMIA ?


A medical condition in which the capacity of the blood to transport to the body tissues is reduced. Anemia develops due to insufficient healthy erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. The blood cells may lack enough hemoglobin, the protein that gives blood its red color.


SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA


Symptoms of anemia range from none to mild to life a threatening.

Some of the symptoms include:

Tiredness


Weakness


Dizziness


Pale skin


Headache

Numbness or coldness in hands and feet


Low body temperature


Arrhythmia (an abnormal heart rhythm)

Shortness of breath Chest pain


ANEMIA RISK FACTORS


People with chronic diseases have the greatest risk of anemia.

Chronic diseases such as kidney disease can impair the body’s ability to make red blood cells.


Women are also at risk of anemia, because they may become anemic, when they lose blood in heavy menstrual periods.


Pregnancy also causes changes in a woman’s blood volume that can result in anemia.


Malnourished people are also at risk of anemia because they don't get enough nutrients necessary for RBCs production. A diet low in iron, folate, or vitamin B12 also increases your risk.


CAUSES OF ANEMIA


a)  Iron Deficiency


Iron deficiency can cause anemia. This could be due to malnutrition or certain diseases that may interfere with iron absorption in the body. 

Digestive concerns such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or even having gastric bypass surgery can interfere with iron absorption.

Certain foods and medicines can hinder iron uptake when taken with iron-rich foods. For instance: Calcium-rich foods Calcium supplements Antacids Coffee Tea


b) Vitamin B12


Deficiency Deficiency of vitamin B12 and folate can lead to anemia.

Vitamin B12 and folate are both required by the body to produce red blood cells (RBCs).

Certain autoimmune disorders or digestive problems also can prevent your body from absorbing enough B12.


c)  Illness


Certain chronic illness or infection can cause the body to make fewer red blood cells. Some medications can also put you at risk for anemia.


d)  Blood Loss


Losing too many red blood cells is a common cause of anemia.


Heavy menstruation, ulcers, injury, or surgery can cause enough blood loss to lead to iron-deficiency anemia.


e)  Inherited Blood Disorders


Inherited disorders can affect your body’s production of red blood cells.

Some of the inherited blood disorders include:

i) Thalassemias Thalassemias cause the body to make fewer healthy red blood cells and less hemoglobin.


ii)  Aplastic Anemia Aplastic anemia is a rare disorder in which the bone marrow doesn’t make enough blood cells to supply the body. It can be inherited in some cases.


It can be caused by high doses of radiation, certain chemical exposures, viruses, or an autoimmune disorder in which your body attacks the bone marrow. In severe cases, people need blood transfusions or even a bone marrow transplant.



iii) Sickle Cell Anemia


Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder in which the body produces an abnormal form of hemoglobin. This causes red blood cells to have a sickle shape instead a round shape.  This makes the RBCs to become stuck together making it difficult for them to pass through blood vessels, leading to pain and damage to body tissues.  The red blood cells also die more quickly than normal red blood cells.


SOME ANEMIA PREVENTABLE


With a healthy diets you can prevent some types of anemia.

Eating foods rich in iron in moderate amounts is recommended.


Some iron-rich foods include:


Lean red meat, 


Liver 

Fish 

Tofu 


Lentils and Beans

Dark green leafy vegetables.

Also eating foods with vitamin B12 and folic acid, such as eggs and dairy products, spinach, and bananas is good.

ANEMIA CAN BE TREATED AND MANAGED


There are many treatments for anemia. Some of the treatments are aimed at treating the root causes. While some are aimed at managing the symptoms (in the case of inherited disorders).


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