Anemia Symptoms and Treatment

In medical parlance, anemia has been defined as pathological deficiency in the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the red blood cells. In simpler words, anemia is the condition of a reduced number of red blood cells in the blood. As these blood cells carry oxygen to all organs, any deficiency in the red blood cells, leads to iron deficiency. An anemic condition is often known as Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). Iron containing hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying pigment of the blood. Iron deficiency or anemia is known to affect more than 3.5 million Americans annually, and is listed as one of the most common blood-related medical condition.

Anemia is hereditary in certain cases, and can affect infants since birth. Advancing age also causes an anemic condition. Women are more susceptible to developing anemia as their body undergoes many changes such as menstruation, pregnancy, and intense bleeding experienced by some before menopause. Causes of anemia include blood loss, destruction of the red blood cells, or a defect in the production of the red blood cells.

Symptoms of Anemia

As there are many types of anemia, their symptoms also differ. However, it is not fixed or associated with their specific types, the symptoms can alternate as well as vary depending upon, form or severity of anemia. Common symptoms of all types of anemia are dizziness, a pale yellow skin color, insomnia, cramps in the leg muscles, weakness especially while exercising or performing any task, and a constant dull headache.

Symptoms of anemia caused by damage to the red blood cells are jaundice, passage of red or brown urine, abdominal cramps, most symptoms of gallstones and kidney failure, and light blue colored bruises under the skin. In infants, it tends to retard physical growth. Symptoms caused by chronic vitamin B12 deficiency are hallucinations, schizophrenia, dementia, a constant tingling feeling which is marked by a loss of sense of touch and difficulty in walking which is characterized by a clumsy wobbly gait or stiffness. Iron deficiency leads to symptoms like koilonychias (upward curvature of the nails), soreness, cracks or ulcers in the mouth, and sometimes a craving for a peculiar substance like paper, wood, lime stone, or even mud. Sickle cell anemia causes weakness and fatigue, developmental issues in children, an increased vulnerability to infection, etc. Folic acid deficiency is mostly seen in pregnant women, elderly, alcoholics, and people who have a poor diet. They generally show symptoms such as low blood pressure, weakness, chest pain accompanied by short breaths or breathlessness, and an increased heart rate especially while exerting.

Treatment Options for Anemia

A blood test is generally ordered to determine the levels of red blood cells and the underlying condition causing anemia. Treatment for anemia due to a heavy blood loss or a low production of blood cells can be treated with blood transfusion, fluid oxygen, and a supplement of iron to help the body build new red blood cells. Anemia caused due to vitamin B12 and foliate deficiency are treated with high dose of injectable or oral vitamin B12. A folic acid oral supplement usually restores the foliate balance. Anemia caused by bone marrow or stem cells, and hereditary anemia, such as thalassemia, are treated with blood transfusions, and medications.

Anemia is not difficult to manage, even the chronic cases. Once the reason is underlined, it is just about following the doctor's advice, and an intake of a diet rich in iron, B-complex vitamin, and folic acid. Good sources of iron and folic are leafy vegetables, meat, fish, milk, eggs, etc. Do not forget to consult a doctor for best advice.