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Overview of Anemia
[][]What is anemia?
Anemia is a common blood disorder, which iscaused when there is a drop in hemoglobin or hematocrit in theblood.
hemoglobin - the part of blood that distributesoxygen from the lungs to tissues in the body.
hematocrit - the measurement of the percentage ofred blood cells found in a specific volume of blood.
Anemia is often a symptom of a disease ratherthan a disease itself. Anemia usually develops because of one of these generalcategories:[/LEFT]
Anemia is a common blood disorder, which iscaused when there is a drop in hemoglobin or hematocrit in theblood.
hemoglobin - the part of blood that distributesoxygen from the lungs to tissues in the body.
hematocrit - the measurement of the percentage ofred blood cells found in a specific volume of blood.
Anemia is often a symptom of a disease ratherthan a disease itself. Anemia usually develops because of one of these generalcategories:[/LEFT]
- excessive blood loss or hemorrhaging
- deficient production of red cells
- excessive red cell destruction
- both decreased production and excessivedestruction of red cells
What are the symptoms ofanemia?
Most symptoms of anemia are a result of thedecrease of oxygen in the cells or "hypoxia." Because red blood cells, ashemoglobin, carry oxygen, a decreased production or number of these cells resultin "hypoxia." Many of the symptoms will not be present with mild anemia, as thebody can often compensate for gradual changes in hemoglobin.
The following are the mostcommon symptoms of anemia. However, each individual may experiencesymptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Most symptoms of anemia are a result of thedecrease of oxygen in the cells or "hypoxia." Because red blood cells, ashemoglobin, carry oxygen, a decreased production or number of these cells resultin "hypoxia." Many of the symptoms will not be present with mild anemia, as thebody can often compensate for gradual changes in hemoglobin.
The following are the mostcommon symptoms of anemia. However, each individual may experiencesymptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin
- increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- breathlessness, or difficulty catching a breath (dyspnea)
- lack of energy, or tiring easily (fatigue)
- dizziness, or vertigo, especially when standing
- headache
- irritability
- irregular menstruation cycles
- absent or delayed menstruation (amenorrhea)
- sore or swollen tongue (glossitis)
- jaundice, or yellowing of skin, eyes, and mouth
- enlarged spleen or liver (splenomegaly, hepatomegaly)
- impaired wound and tissue healing
The symptoms of anemia may resemble other blooddisorders or medical problems. Because anemia is often a symptom associated withanother disease, it is important for your physician to be aware of symptoms youmay be experiencing. Always consult your physician for adiagnosis.
What causesanemia?
Generally, anemia may be caused by severalproblems, including the following:
What causesanemia?
Generally, anemia may be caused by severalproblems, including the following:
- infections
- certain diseases
- certain medications
- poor nutrition
- blood loss
What are thedifferent types of anemia?
There are several different types of anemia, eachwith a specific cause and treatment, including the following:
There are several different types of anemia, eachwith a specific cause and treatment, including the following:
- iron-deficiency anemia
- megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia
- anemia of folate deficiency
- hemolytic anemia
- sickle cell anemia
- Cooley's anemia (beta thalassemia)
- aplastic anemia
- chronic anemia
How is anemiadiagnosed?
Anemia is usually discovered during a medicalexamination through a routine blood test. In addition to a complete medicalhistory and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for anemia may includeadditional blood tests and other evaluation procedures.
Treatment foranemia:
Specific treatment for anemia will be determinedby your physician based on:
Anemia is usually discovered during a medicalexamination through a routine blood test. In addition to a complete medicalhistory and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for anemia may includeadditional blood tests and other evaluation procedures.
Treatment foranemia:
Specific treatment for anemia will be determinedby your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment mayinclude:
- treatment of the causative disease
- vitamin and mineral supplements
- change in diet
- medication
- blood transfusion
- bone marrow transplant
- surgery (to remove the spleen, if related tohemolytic anemia)
- antibiotics (if an infection is the causativeagent)
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