Anemia is the most common blood disorder, and according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, it affects more than 3 million Americans.
The Role of Red Blood Cells in Anemia
Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that attaches to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to tissues throughout the body. Anemia occurs when you do not have enough red blood cells or when your red blood cells do not function properly. It is diagnosed when a blood test shows a hemoglobin value of less than 13.5 gm/dl in a man or less than 12.0 gm/dl in a woman. Normal values for children vary with age.When you have anemia, your body lacks oxygen, so you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Pounding or "whooshing" in your ears
Headache
Cold hands or feet
Pale or yellow skin
Chest pain
Am I at Risk?
Many people are at risk for anemia because of poor diet, intestinal disorders, chronic diseases, infections, and other conditions. Women who are menstruating or pregnant and people with chronic medical conditions are most at risk for this disease. The risk of anemia increases as people grow older. People who engage in vigorous athletic activities, such as jogging or basketball, may develop anemia as a result of red blood cells breaking down in the bloodstream.If you have any of the following chronic conditions, you might be at greater risk for developing anemia:
Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disease
Kidney disease
Cancer
Liver disease
Thyroid disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis)
The signs and symptoms of anemia can easily be overlooked. In fact, many people do not even realize that they have anemia until it is identified in a blood test.
Common Types of Anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It happens when you do not have enough iron in your body. Iron deficiency is usually due to blood loss but may occasionally be due to poor absorption of iron. Pregnancy and childbirth consume a great deal of iron and thus can result in pregnancy-related anemia. People who have had gastric bypass surgery for weight loss or other reasons may also be iron deficient due to poor absorption.
How is Anemia Treated?
The treatment for anemia depends on what causes it.
Talk with your doctor if you believe you may be at risk for anemia. Your doctor will determine your best course of treatment and, depending on your condition, may refer you to a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in blood disorders.
Is Anemia Preventable?
While many types of anemia cannot be prevented, eating healthy foods can help you avoid both iron-and vitamin-deficiency anemia. Foods to include in your diet include those with high levels of iron (beef, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts), vitamin B-12 (meat and dairy), and folic acid (citrus juices, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, and fortified cereals). A daily multivitamin will also help prevent nutritional anemias; however, older adults should not take iron supplementsfor iron-deficiencyanemia unless instructed by their physicians. SOURCE: http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/
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