Anemia

Definition

Definition of Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Anemia
Possible symptoms include:

1. Chest pain
2. Dizziness or light-headedness (especially when standing up or with activity)
3. Fatigue or lack of energy
4. Headaches
5. Problems concentrating
6. Shortness of breath (especially during exercise)

Causes

Causes of Anemia
Possible causes of anemia include:

1. Certain medications
2. Chronic diseases such as cancer, ulcerative colitis, or rheumatoid arthritis
3. Genetics: Some forms of anemia, such as thalassemia, can be inherited
4. Kidney failure
5. Blood loss (for example, from heavy menstrual periods or stomach ulcers)
6. Poor diet
7. Pregnancy
8. Problems with bone marrow such as lymphoma, leukemia, or multiple myeloma
9. Problems with the immune system that cause the destruction of blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
10. Surgery to the stomach or intestines that reduces the absorption of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid
11. Too little thyroid hormone (underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism)
12. Testosterone deficiency

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Anemia
Anemia is typically diagnosed on a complete blood count. Apart from reporting the number of red blood cells and the hemoglobin level, the automatic counters also measure the size of the red blood cells by flow cytometry, which is an important tool in distinguishing between the causes of anemia. Examination of a stained blood smear using a microscope can also be helpful, and is sometimes a necessity in regions of the world where automated analysis is less accessible.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Anemia
The outlook depends on the cause.

Treatment

Treatment of Anemia
Treatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia, and may include:

1. Blood transfusions
2. Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system
3. Erythropoietin, a medicine that helps your bone marrow make more blood cells
4. Supplements of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or other vitamins and minerals

Prevention

Prevention of Anemia
Many types of anemia can't be prevented. However, you can help avoid iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias by choosing a diet that includes a variety of vitamins and nutrients, including:

1. Iron: Iron-rich foods include beef and other meats, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables and dried fruit.
2. Folate: This nutrient, and its synthetic form, folic acid, can be found in citrus fruits and juices, bananas, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and fortified breads, cereals and pasta.
3. Vitamin B-12: This vitamin is found naturally in meat and dairy products. It's also added to some cereals and soy products, such as soy milk.
4. Vitamin C: Foods containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, melons and berries, help increase iron absorption.