Anemia-causes, types and methods of treatment

 

 Anemia is defined as a condition that occurs when the level of red blood cells or hemoglobin is lower than usual. Anemia can occur due to several reasons such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and excessive destruction of blood cells. Anemia may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating, and the person with anemia may need treatment with medication, lifestyle changes, or other medical procedures depending on the cause of the condition.

Symptoms of anemia

Symptoms of anemia vary from person to person and depend on the severity and cause, but some of the most important symptoms that may appear in a person with anemia include:

1. General weakness and extreme fatigue.

2. Dizziness and constant headaches.

3. Shortness of breath and increased heart rate.

4. Loss of appetite and weight loss.

5. Decreased concentration and attention.

6. Dry skin and cracked lips.

7. Paleness and loss of skin color.

8. Mood changes such as tension and irritability.

If you have any of these symptoms, it is recommended to visit a doctor for blood tests to determine the level of blood cells and confirm the diagnosis of anemia, as it can be treated by giving the patient iron supplements or other treatments depending on the cause of anemia.

Types of anemia 

There are different types of anemia, including:
1. Anemia due to iron deficiency: where there is a lack of iron necessary for the production of hemoglobin in the blood.
2. Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency: where a lack of this vitamin leads to a decrease in the production of red blood cells.
3. Anemia due to vitamin B9 (folic acid) deficiency: where a lack of this vitamin leads to a disturbance in the formation of red blood cells.
4. Anemia due to problems in the formation of red blood cells: which can be caused by genetic or medical problems.

Causes of anemia 

There are many causes that can lead to anemia, including:

1. Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency is a very common cause of anemia, as it leads to a lack of production of enough red blood cells.

2. Folate deficiency: A lack of vitamin B9 (folate) can lead to anemia due to a deficiency in the formation of blood cells.

3. Magnesium deficiency: A lack of magnesium can affect the formation of blood cells and thus lead to anemia.

4. Vitamin B12 deficiency: A lack of vitamin B12 is another cause of anemia, as this vitamin plays an important role in the formation of blood cells.

5. Kidney function failure: Kidney function failure may lead to a disruption in the formation of the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells.

6. Exposure to injury or radiation: Exposure to radiation or injury can lead to damage to blood cells and therefore a disruption in the formation of new blood cells.

7. Inherited disorders: Such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, which are genetic disorders that cause a disruption in the production of new blood cells.

8. Coagulation problems: Such as coagulation disorders and overall decreased platelet count can lead to excessive bleeding and potential non-medical reasons for decreased platelet count.

Methods of treating anemia 

The treatment of anemia depends on its cause and severity. Some treatments that can be used to treat anemia include:

1. Taking nutritional supplements: such as iron tablets, vitamin B12, or vitamin B9 (folic acid), which can help to compensate for the nutritional deficiency that causes anemia.

2. Lifestyle changes: such as changing the diet to ensure the intake of foods rich in iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin B9.

3. Treating medical conditions: such as treating kidney disorders or genetic diseases associated with anemia.

4. Treatment for injury or radiation exposure: treatments such as blood transfusion or therapies to stimulate the formation of blood cells can be used to treat anemia caused by injury or radiation exposure.

5. Treatment for clotting disorders: treatments can be used to improve clotting function and increase the number of blood platelets to treat anemia associated with clotting problems.

It is very important to consult a doctor before starting any type of treatment for anemia, in order to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment for it. 

Useful foods to treat anemia 

1. Red meat: contains large amounts of iron, which helps increase hemoglobin levels in the blood.
2. Spinach: is an excellent source of iron and helps increase the production of red blood cells.
3. Lentils and beans: contain large amounts of iron and protein that help treat anemia.
4. Meat, fish, and eggs: contain vitamin B12, which helps in the production of red blood cells.
5. Leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains: contain vitamin B9, which helps improve blood health.
6. Oranges, lemons, and strawberries: contain vitamin C, which increases the absorption of iron from food.

At the end of this article, we hope that we have given an idea about anemia, and explained some of the symptoms that are harmful to the affected person. In addition to mentioning some of the causes, methods of treating them, and mentioning some foods   g  .that have a major role in getting rid of Anemia