Signs of chronic anemia. Mild, moderate and severe anemia
Blood diseases are not uncommon among the population, but the undisputed leader, of course, is anemia, which can easily be classified as a polyetiological disease that appears as a result of the pathogenic influence of external and internal factors on the composition and condition of the blood. What is anemia and why is it dangerous, what are the symptoms of the disease, types and stages, how to treat anemia and prevent its development? In this article we will try to figure it out!
What is anemia?
Anemia is a clinical and hematological syndrome in which there is a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood and the number of red blood cells. People often call anemia “anemia”, since in the presence of this disease there is a disruption in the blood supply to internal organs, which do not receive enough oxygen for proper and complete functioning. Anemia - symptoms and treatment depend on the stage and qualifications of the disease. Women and children are much more likely to experience this disease than men. In the lungs, hemoglobin and red blood cells are enriched with oxygen, then, together with the blood flow, they are distributed to all organs and tissues of the body.
With the development of anemia, metabolic processes are disrupted, the functioning of internal organs and systems that do not receive sufficient nutrients and oxygen is disrupted.
Causes and types of anemia
There are quite a few reasons that can lead to the development of anemia. As an independent disease, anemia rarely develops. Most often, the trigger for the appearance of this syndrome is various diseases of the internal organs or unfavorable factors that affect the composition of the blood. Anemia - the causes can be acquired or genetic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, renal failure, chronic infections. Iron deficiency in the body can occur due to an unhealthy lifestyle, poor quality nutrition, large blood losses, and excessive physical and psychological stress. Quite often, anemia has a mixed pathogenesis, which greatly complicates differential diagnosis.
In medicine, there are several types of anemia, each of which has its own causes:
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, as it is diagnosed in 90% of patients. This type of anemia can occur under unfavorable living conditions, after surgery or injuries in which there has been a large loss of blood.
Pernicious anemia - develops against the background of vitamin B12 deficiency. The cause is often the congenital inability of the intestines to absorb vit. B12. In adults, the disease develops with gastric atrophy.
Hemolytic anemia - occurs as a result of the inability of the brain to produce cells in sufficient quantities. Among the causes of anemia are: heredity, infectious diseases, constant stress, and depression. This type of disease can be provoked by tumor processes in the body, burns, and high blood pressure.
Sickle cell anemia is characterized by the death of red blood cells. The cause of this condition is genetic defects.
Thalassemia is the most severe form of anemia, which refers to hereditary anemia that occurs against the background of genetic disorders.
Despite the sufficient number of causes of anemia, its types, in any case the disease should not be left without due attention. In addition, each type of anemia leads to oxygen starvation of internal organs, which significantly impairs their functionality and can lead to irreversible consequences.
Why is anemia dangerous?
Anemia, like any other disease, can cause serious harm to our health. With untimely or poor-quality treatment of any type of anemia, there is a risk of developing oxygen starvation of internal organs and systems, which not only do not receive oxygen, but also nutrients. The most dangerous complication of anemia is hypoxic coma, which in 80% of cases leads to death. In addition, people suffering from anemia are at risk for developing cardiovascular pathologies and respiratory failure. In women with anemia, the menstrual cycle is disrupted, and children become inattentive, irritable, and often get sick.
Stages of anemia development
Anemia has its own stages of development:
1. Mild or grade 1 anemia is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin to 100-120 g/l. At this stage there are no symptoms. To increase hemoglobin, it is enough to eat right and consume as many iron-containing foods as possible.
2. The middle or 2nd stage of anemia is accompanied by a decrease in hemoglobin to 70-80 g/l. During this period, the symptoms of anemia are quite pronounced. The person feels general weakness, frequent headaches, and dizziness. Medicines and proper nutrition will help increase hemoglobin.
3. Severe, or stage 3 – life-threatening. The amount of hemoglobin in the blood is below 70 g/l. At this stage, the patient feels disturbances in the functioning of the heart, and the person’s general condition worsens significantly.
Symptoms of anemia
Clinical signs of anemia are noticeable in the second and third stages of the disease. Common symptoms of anemia include the following:
- increased fatigue;
- chronic fatigue;
- trembling of limbs;
- dizziness;
- fainting conditions;
- dryness and pallor of the skin;
- constant shortness of breath, even in the absence of physical activity;
- heartbeat;
- absent-minded attention;
- memory loss;
- noise in ears;
- poor appetite;
- circles under the eyes;
- "floaters" before the eyes.
The symptoms of anemia are quite severe, but they can also be present with other diseases or disorders. Therefore, if you have signs of anemia, you do not need to diagnose yourself. The only correct decision will be to visit a doctor, who, after laboratory results, will be able to confirm or refute your assumptions.
How to determine anemia?
A general blood test will help identify anemia, which will show the number of red blood cells, their size and shape, and the presence or absence of immature blood cells. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe additional tests: biochemical blood test, sternum puncture and other studies.
Treatment of anemia
Anemia must be treated comprehensively; only then can the desired result be achieved. Mild anemia often does not require drug treatment. The doctor recommends consuming more foods that contain iron, proteins and other vitamins and minerals. Drug therapy is prescribed by a doctor only when the type of anemia, cause and severity are clear. It is not uncommon for anemia to not require drug correction, especially when the cause that caused the anemia has been eliminated.
If, however, the disease requires drug treatment, then the doctor prescribes drugs that will allow the bone marrow to more quickly replenish the deficiency of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. These medications include:
- Iron preparations: Fenyuls, Totetema, Sorbifer, Aktiferrin;
- Vitamin products: vit. B12, folic acid, vitamin B complexes.
In more severe cases, when iron supplements do not give a positive result, the doctor may prescribe glucocorticoid hormones, erythropoietins, anabolic steroids, chemotherapy drugs and other drugs that are treated in a hospital. Any type of drug therapy must be combined with proper nutrition and lifestyle. The patient needs to stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
Folk remedies, which have many recipes in their arsenal for increasing the level of hemoglobin in the blood, will help increase hemoglobin. Let's look at a few recipes:
Recipe 1. To prepare you will need 150 ml of fresh aloe juice + 250 g of honey and 350 ml of Cahors wine. Mix everything well and take 1 spoon 3 times a day for 1 month.
Recipe 2. A good effect can be obtained from the following infusion. You will need: rose hips, wild strawberries in equal parts, 10 grams each. The fruit should be poured with boiling water, placed in a water bath for 15 minutes, then cooled, squeezed and taken 1/2 cup 2 times a day.
Recipe 3. Strawberry leaves (2 tablespoons) should be poured with boiling water, strained and taken 3 times a day, 2 tablespoons.
Treatment of anemia with folk remedies can only serve as an auxiliary therapy to the main treatment.
Food is important in treating anemia and increasing hemoglobin. People diagnosed with anemia need to consume high-calorie foods in sufficient quantities: meat, liver, fish, butter, milk. The diet should include cereals: wheat, rice, buckwheat. Vegetables and fruits must be present in the diet. All food must be fresh, steamed, boiled or baked in the oven. If you have anemia, it is strictly forbidden to go hungry or not eat in the morning. A balanced diet, healthy food, will help provide the body with all the necessary substances to increase hemoglobin in the blood.
Prevention of anemia
Prevention of anemia consists of proper and healthy nutrition. To prevent the development of this disease, you need to pay attention to your health in a timely manner, treat internal diseases, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Thank you
The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!
What is anemia?
Anemia is a pathological condition of the body, which is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin per unit of blood. Red blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow from protein fractions and non-protein components under the influence of erythropoietin (synthesized by the kidneys). For three days, red blood cells provide transport, mainly of oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as nutrients and metabolic products from cells and tissues. The lifespan of a red blood cell is one hundred and twenty days, after which it is destroyed. Old red blood cells accumulate in the spleen, where non-protein fractions are utilized, and protein fractions enter the red bone marrow, participating in the synthesis of new red blood cells.
The entire cavity of the red blood cell is filled with protein, hemoglobin, which includes iron. Hemoglobin gives the red blood cell its red color and also helps it transport oxygen and carbon dioxide. Its work begins in the lungs, where red blood cells enter the bloodstream. Hemoglobin molecules capture oxygen, after which oxygen-enriched red blood cells are sent first through large vessels, and then through small capillaries to each organ, giving cells and tissues the oxygen necessary for life and normal activity.
Anemia weakens the body's ability to exchange gases; due to a reduction in the number of red blood cells, the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide is disrupted. As a result, a person may experience such signs of anemia as a feeling of constant fatigue, loss of strength, drowsiness, and increased irritability.
Anemia is a manifestation of the underlying disease and is not an independent diagnosis. Many diseases, including infectious diseases and benign and malignant tumors, can be associated with anemia. That is why anemia is an important symptom that requires the necessary research to identify the underlying cause that led to its development.
Severe forms of anemia due to tissue hypoxia can lead to serious complications such as states of shock (eg, hemorrhagic shock), hypotension, coronary or pulmonary insufficiency.
Classification of anemia
Anemias are classified:
- by development mechanism;
- by severity;
- by color indicator;
- according to morphological characteristics;
- on the ability of bone marrow to regenerate.
Classification | Description | Kinds |
According to the development mechanism | According to pathogenesis, anemia can develop due to blood loss, impaired formation of red blood cells, or due to their pronounced destruction. | According to the development mechanism there are:
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By severity | Depending on the level of decrease in hemoglobin, three degrees of severity of anemia are distinguished. Normal hemoglobin levels in men are 130–160 g/l, and in women 120–140 g/l. | There are the following degrees of severity of anemia:
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By color index | The color index is the degree of saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin. It is calculated based on the results of a blood test as follows. The number three must be multiplied by the hemoglobin index and divided by the red blood cell index ( the comma is removed). | Classification of anemia by color indicator:
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According to morphological characteristics | In case of anemia, red blood cells of different sizes may be observed during a blood test. Normally, the diameter of red blood cells should be from 7.2 to 8.0 microns ( micrometer). Smaller size of red blood cells ( microcytosis) can be observed in iron deficiency anemia. Normal size may be present in posthemorrhagic anemia. Larger size ( macrocytosis), in turn, may indicate anemia associated with deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. | Classification of anemia according to morphological characteristics:
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According to the ability of bone marrow to regenerate | Since the formation of red blood cells occurs in the red bone marrow, the main sign of bone marrow regeneration is an increase in the level of reticulocytes ( red blood cell precursors) in blood. Their level also indicates how actively the formation of red blood cells occurs ( erythropoiesis). Normally, in human blood the number of reticulocytes should not exceed 1.2% of all red blood cells. | Based on the ability of bone marrow to regenerate, the following forms are distinguished:
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Causes of anemia
There are three main reasons leading to the development of anemia:
- blood loss (acute or chronic bleeding);
- increased destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis);
- decreased production of red blood cells.
Factors influencing the development of anemia | Causes |
Genetic factor |
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Nutritional factor |
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Physical factor | |
Chronic diseases and neoplasms |
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Infectious factor |
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Pesticides and medications |
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Iron-deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is hypochromic anemia, which is characterized by a decrease in iron levels in the body. Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin and color index.
Iron is a vital element involved in many metabolic processes in the body. A person weighing seventy kilograms has a reserve of iron in the body of approximately four grams. This amount is maintained by maintaining a balance between the regular loss of iron from the body and its intake. To maintain balance, the daily iron requirement is 20–25 mg. Most of the iron entering the body is spent on its needs, the rest is deposited in the form of ferritin or hemosiderin and, if necessary, is consumed.
Causes of iron deficiency anemia
Causes | Description |
Impaired intake of iron into the body |
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Impaired absorption of iron | Iron absorption occurs at the level of the gastric mucosa, so stomach diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcer or gastric resection lead to impaired iron absorption. |
Increased body need for iron |
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Loss of iron from the body |
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Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia
The clinical picture of iron deficiency anemia is based on the development of two syndromes in the patient:- anemic syndrome;
- sideropenic syndrome.
- severe general weakness;
- increased fatigue;
- attention deficit;
- malaise;
- drowsiness;
- black stool (with gastrointestinal bleeding);
- heartbeat;
- perversion of taste (for example, patients eat chalk, raw meat);
- perversion of the sense of smell (for example, patients sniff acetone, gasoline, paints);
- hair is brittle, dull, split ends;
- white spots appear on the nails;
- the skin is pale, the skin is flaky;
- Cheilitis (seeds) may appear in the corners of the mouth.
Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia
During a medical examination, the patient has:- cracks in the corners of the mouth;
- "glossy" language;
- in severe cases, an increase in the size of the spleen.
- microcytosis (small red blood cells);
- hypochromia of erythrocytes (weak coloring of erythrocytes);
- poikilocytosis (red blood cells of different shapes).
- decreased ferritin levels;
- serum iron is reduced;
- The iron-binding capacity of the serum is increased.
To identify the cause that led to the development of anemia, the patient may be prescribed the following instrumental studies:
- fibrogastroduodenoscopy (for examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum);
- Ultrasound (for examining the kidneys, liver, female genital organs);
- colonoscopy (to examine the large intestine);
- computed tomography (for example, to study the lungs, kidneys);
- X-rays of light.
Treatment of iron deficiency anemia
Nutrition for anemiaIn nutrition, iron is divided into:
- heme, which enters the body with products of animal origin;
- non-heme, which enters the body with products of plant origin.
Food | Product names | |
Food |
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While following the diet, you should also increase your consumption of foods containing vitamin C, as well as meat protein (they increase the absorption of iron in the body) and reduce the consumption of eggs, salt, caffeine and calcium (they reduce the absorption of iron).
Drug treatment
When treating iron deficiency anemia, the patient is prescribed iron supplements in parallel with the diet. These medications are intended to replenish iron deficiency in the body. They are available in the form of capsules, dragees, injections, syrups and tablets.
The dose and duration of treatment is selected individually depending on the following indicators:
- patient's age;
- severity of the disease;
- the reasons that caused iron deficiency anemia;
- based on test results.
Iron preparations in the form of injections (intramuscular or intravenous) are used in the following cases:
- with severe anemia;
- if anemia progresses despite taking doses of iron in the form of tablets, capsules or syrup;
- if the patient has diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, gastric and duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease), since the iron supplement taken may aggravate the existing disease;
- before surgical interventions in order to accelerate saturation of the body with iron;
- if the patient has intolerance to iron preparations when taken orally.
Surgical intervention is performed if the patient has acute or chronic bleeding. For example, in case of gastrointestinal bleeding, fibrogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy can be used to identify the area of bleeding and then stop it (for example, a bleeding polyp is removed, a gastric and duodenal ulcer is coagulated). For uterine bleeding, as well as for bleeding in organs located in the abdominal cavity, laparoscopy can be used.
If necessary, the patient may be prescribed a transfusion of red blood cells to replenish the volume of circulating blood.
B12 – deficiency anemia
This anemia is caused by a lack of vitamin B12 (and possibly folic acid). It is characterized by a megaloblastic type (increased number of megaloblasts, erythrocyte precursor cells) of hematopoiesis and is a hyperchromic anemia. Normally, vitamin B12 enters the body with food. At the level of the stomach, B12 binds to a protein produced in it, gastromucoprotein (internal Castle factor). This protein protects the vitamin entering the body from the negative effects of intestinal microflora, and also promotes its absorption.
The complex of gastromucoproteins and vitamin B12 reaches the distal section (lower section) of the small intestine, where this complex disintegrates, vitamin B12 is absorbed into the intestinal mucosa and then enters the blood.
This vitamin comes from the bloodstream:
- into the red bone marrow to participate in the synthesis of red blood cells;
- to the liver, where it is deposited;
- into the central nervous system for the synthesis of the myelin sheath (covers the axons of neurons).
Causes of B12 deficiency anemia
There are the following reasons for the development of B12 deficiency anemia:- insufficient intake of vitamin B12 from food;
- disruption of the synthesis of intrinsic factor Castle due to, for example, atrophic gastritis, gastrectomy, gastric cancer;
- intestinal damage, for example, dysbiosis, helminthiasis, intestinal infections;
- increased body needs for vitamin B12 (rapid growth, active sports, multiple pregnancy);
- impaired vitamin deposition due to liver cirrhosis.
Symptoms of B12 deficiency anemia
The clinical picture of B12 and folate deficiency anemia is based on the development of the following syndromes in the patient:- anemic syndrome;
- gastrointestinal syndrome;
- neuralgic syndrome.
Syndrome name | Symptoms |
Anemic syndrome |
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Gastrointestinal syndrome |
These symptoms develop due to atrophic changes in the mucous layer of the oral cavity, stomach and intestines. |
Neuralgic syndrome |
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Diagnosis of B12 deficiency anemia
The following changes are observed in the general blood test:- decreased levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin;
- hyperchromia (pronounced coloring of red blood cells);
- macrocytosis (increased red blood cell size);
- poikilocytosis (various forms of red blood cells);
- microscopy of erythrocytes reveals Cabot rings and Jolly bodies;
- reticulocytes are reduced or normal;
- decreased level of white blood cells (leukopenia);
- increased levels of lymphocytes (lymphocytosis);
- decreased platelet levels (thrombocytopenia).
Puncture of the red bone marrow reveals an increase in megaloblasts.
The patient may be prescribed the following instrumental studies:
- examination of the stomach (fibrogastroduodenoscopy, biopsy);
- intestinal examination (colonoscopy, irrigoscopy);
- Ultrasound examination of the liver.
Treatment of B12 deficiency anemia
All patients are hospitalized in the hematology department, where they undergo appropriate treatment.Nutrition for B12-deficiency anemia
Diet therapy is prescribed, in which the consumption of foods rich in vitamin B12 is increased.
The daily requirement of vitamin B12 is three micrograms.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment is prescribed to the patient according to the following scheme:
- For two weeks, the patient receives 1000 mcg of Cyanocobalamin intramuscularly daily. Within two weeks, the patient's neurological symptoms disappear.
- Over the next four to eight weeks, the patient receives 500 mcg daily intramuscularly to saturate the vitamin B12 depot in the body.
- Subsequently, the patient receives intramuscular injections of 500 mcg once a week for life.
A patient with B12-deficiency anemia should be monitored for life by a hematologist, gastrologist and family doctor.
Folate deficiency anemia
Folate deficiency anemia is a hyperchromic anemia characterized by a lack of folic acid in the body. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is a water-soluble vitamin that is partly produced by intestinal cells, but mainly must come from outside to replenish the body's requirements. The daily intake of folic acid is 200 - 400 mcg.
In foods and in body cells, folic acid is found in the form of folates (polyglutamates).
Folic acid plays an important role in the human body:
- participates in the development of the body in the prenatal period (promotes the formation of nerve conduction of tissues, the circulatory system of the fetus, prevents the development of certain malformations);
- participates in the growth of the child (for example, in the first year of life, during puberty);
- affects hematopoietic processes;
- together with vitamin B12, participates in DNA synthesis;
- prevents the formation of blood clots in the body;
- improves the processes of regeneration of organs and tissues;
- participates in tissue renewal (for example, skin).
Causes of folate deficiency anemia
There are the following reasons for the development of folate deficiency anemia:- insufficient intake of folic acid from food;
- increased loss of folic acid from the body (for example, with cirrhosis of the liver);
- impaired absorption of folic acid in the small intestine (for example, with celiac disease, when taking certain medications, with chronic alcohol intoxication);
- increased body needs for folic acid (for example, during pregnancy, malignant tumors).
Symptoms of folate deficiency anemia
With folate deficiency anemia, the patient experiences anemic syndrome (symptoms such as increased fatigue, palpitations, pale skin, decreased performance). Neurological syndrome, as well as atrophic changes in the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, stomach and intestines are absent with this type of anemia.The patient may also experience an increase in the size of the spleen.
Diagnosis of folate deficiency anemia
During a general blood test, the following changes are observed:- hyperchromia;
- decreased levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin;
- macrocytosis;
- leukopenia;
- thrombocytopenia.
A myelogram reveals an increased content of megaloblasts and hypersegmented neutrophils.
Treatment of folate deficiency anemia
Nutrition plays an important role in folate deficiency anemia; the patient needs to consume foods rich in folic acid every day.It should be noted that during any cooking, folates are destroyed by approximately fifty percent or more. Therefore, to provide the body with the necessary daily intake, it is recommended to consume fresh foods (vegetables and fruits).
| Food | Product Name | Amount of iron per hundred milligrams |
| Food of animal origin |
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| Food products of plant origin |
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Drug treatment for folate deficiency anemia includes taking folic acid in amounts of five to fifteen milligrams per day. The required dosage is determined by the attending physician depending on the patient’s age, the severity of anemia and research results.
A preventative dose includes taking one to five milligrams of the vitamin per day.
Aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia is characterized by bone marrow hypoplasia and pancytopenia (decreased numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes and platelets). The development of aplastic anemia occurs under the influence of external and internal factors, as well as due to qualitative and quantitative changes in stem cells and their microenvironment. Aplastic anemia can be congenital or acquired.
Causes of aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia can develop due to:- stem cell defect;
- suppression of hematopoiesis (blood formation);
- immune reactions;
- lack of factors that stimulate hematopoiesis;
- the hematopoietic tissue does not use elements important for the body, such as iron and vitamin B12.
- hereditary factor (for example, Fanconi anemia, Diamond-Blackfan anemia);
- medications (for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, cytostatics);
- chemicals (eg, inorganic arsenic, benzene);
- viral infections (eg, parvovirus infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV));
- autoimmune diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus);
- serious nutritional deficiencies (eg, vitamin B12, folic acid).
Symptoms of aplastic anemia
Clinical manifestations of aplastic anemia depend on the severity of pancytopenia.With aplastic anemia, the patient experiences the following symptoms:
- pallor of the skin and mucous membranes;
- headache;
- dyspnea;
- increased fatigue;
- gum bleeding (due to a decrease in the level of platelets in the blood);
- petechial rash (small red spots on the skin), bruises on the skin;
- acute or chronic infections (due to a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood);
- ulceration of the oropharyngeal zone (the oral mucosa, tongue, cheeks, gums and pharynx are affected);
- yellowness of the skin (a symptom of liver damage).
Diagnosis of aplastic anemia
The following changes are observed in the general blood test:- decrease in the number of red blood cells;
- decreased hemoglobin levels;
- decrease in the number of leukocytes and platelets;
- decrease in reticulocytes.
When performing a biochemical blood test, the following is observed:
- increased serum iron;
- saturation of transferrin (iron transport protein) with iron by 100%;
- increased bilirubin;
- increased lactate dehydrogenase.
- underdevelopment of all germs (erythrocyte, granulocyte, lymphocytic, monocyte and macrophage);
- replacement of bone marrow with fat (yellow bone marrow).
- ultrasound examination of parenchymal organs;
- electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography;
- fibrogastroduodenoscopy;
- colonoscopy;
- CT scan.
Treatment of aplastic anemia
With properly selected maintenance treatment, the condition of patients with aplastic anemia improves significantly.When treating aplastic anemia, the patient is prescribed:
- immunosuppressive drugs (for example, Cyclosporine, Methotrexate);
- glucocorticosteroids (for example, Methylprednisolone);
- antilymphocyte and antiplatelet immunoglobulins;
- antimetabolites (for example, Fludarabine);
- erythropoietin (stimulates the formation of red blood cells and stem cells).
- bone marrow transplantation (from a compatible donor);
- transfusion of blood components (erythrocytes, platelets);
- plasmapheresis (mechanical blood purification);
- compliance with the rules of asepsis and antisepsis in order to prevent the development of infection.
Depending on the effectiveness of the treatment, a patient with aplastic anemia may experience:
- complete remission (attenuation or complete disappearance of symptoms);
- partial remission;
- clinical improvement;
- lack of effect from treatment.
Treatment effectiveness | Indicators |
Complete remission |
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Partial remission |
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Clinical improvement |
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Lack of therapeutic effect |
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Hemolytic anemia
Hemolysis is the premature destruction of red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia develops when bone marrow activity is unable to compensate for the loss of red blood cells. The severity of anemia depends on whether red blood cell hemolysis began gradually or abruptly. Gradual hemolysis may be asymptomatic, while anemia with severe hemolysis can be life-threatening and cause angina pectoris, as well as cardiopulmonary decompensation. Hemolytic anemia can develop due to hereditary or acquired diseases.
According to localization, hemolysis can be:
- intracellular (for example, autoimmune hemolytic anemia);
- intravascular (for example, transfusion of incompatible blood, disseminated intravascular coagulation).
Causes of hemolytic anemia
Premature destruction of red blood cells may be due to the following reasons:- internal membrane defects of red blood cells;
- defects in the structure and synthesis of hemoglobin protein;
- enzymatic defects in the erythrocyte;
- hypersplenomegaly (increase in the size of the liver and spleen).
The following hereditary hemolytic anemias exist:
- enzymopathies (anemia in which there is a deficiency of the enzyme, deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase);
- hereditary spherocytosis or Minkowski-Choffard disease (erythrocytes of irregular spherical shape);
- thalassemia (impaired synthesis of polypeptide chains included in the structure of normal hemoglobin);
- sickle cell anemia (a change in the structure of hemoglobin leads to red blood cells taking on a sickle shape).
Immune disorders are characterized by autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Non-immune disorders can be caused by:
- pesticides (for example, pesticides, benzene);
- medications (for example, antiviral drugs, antibiotics);
- physical damage;
- infections (for example, malaria).
- defective artificial heart valve;
- disseminated intravascular coagulation;
- hemolytic uremic syndrome;
Symptoms of hemolytic anemia
Symptoms and manifestations of hemolytic anemia are varied and depend on the type of anemia, the degree of compensation, and also on what treatment the patient received.It should be noted that hemolytic anemia may be asymptomatic, and hemolysis may be detected incidentally during routine laboratory testing.
With hemolytic anemia, the following symptoms may occur:
- pallor of the skin and mucous membranes;
- brittle nails;
- tachycardia;
- increased respiratory movements;
- decreased blood pressure;
- yellowness of the skin (due to increased bilirubin levels);
- ulcers may be observed on the legs;
- skin hyperpigmentation;
- gastrointestinal manifestations (eg, abdominal pain, stool disturbances, nausea).
Prolonged hemolysis can lead to the development of gallstones due to impaired bilirubin metabolism. In this case, patients may complain of abdominal pain and bronze skin color.
Diagnosis of hemolytic anemia
In a general blood test, the following is observed:- decreased hemoglobin levels;
- decreased red blood cell levels;
- increase in reticulocytes.
In a biochemical blood test, an increase in bilirubin levels is observed, as well as hemoglobinemia (an increase in free hemoglobin in the blood plasma).
Children whose mothers suffered from anemia during pregnancy also often develop iron deficiency by the first year of life.
Manifestations of anemia often include:
- feeling tired;
- sleep disorder;
- dizziness;
- nausea;
- dyspnea;
- weakness;
- brittle nails and hair, as well as hair loss;
- pale and dry skin;
- perversion of taste (for example, the desire to eat chalk, raw meat) and smell (the desire to sniff liquids with pungent odors).
It should be noted that a mild form of anemia may not manifest itself in any way, so it is very important to regularly take blood tests to determine the level of red blood cells, hemoglobin and ferritin in the blood.
During pregnancy, the normal hemoglobin level is 110 g/l or higher. A drop below normal is considered a sign of anemia.
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of anemia. Iron is absorbed from vegetables and fruits much worse than from meat products. Therefore, a pregnant woman’s diet should be rich in meat (for example, beef, liver, rabbit) and fish.
The daily requirement of iron is:
- in the first trimester of pregnancy – 15 – 18 mg;
- in the second trimester of pregnancy – 20 – 30 mg;
- in the third trimester of pregnancy – 33 – 35 mg.
Name of the drug | Active substance | Mode of application |
Sorbifer | Ferrous sulfate and ascorbic acid. | To prevent the development of anemia, you should take one tablet per day. For therapeutic purposes, you should take two tablets a day, morning and evening. |
Maltofer | Iron hydroxide. | When treating iron deficiency anemia, you should take two to three tablets ( 200 – 300 mg) per day. For prophylactic purposes, the drug is taken one tablet ( 100 mg) in a day. |
Ferretab | Ferrous fumarate and folic acid. | You must take one tablet per day; if indicated, the dosage can be increased to two to three tablets per day. |
Tardiferon | Ferrous sulfate. | For preventive purposes, take the drug starting from the fourth month of pregnancy, one tablet daily or every other day. For therapeutic purposes, you need to take two tablets a day, morning and evening. |
In addition to iron, these preparations may additionally contain ascorbic or folic acid, as well as cysteine, as they promote better absorption of iron in the body. Before use, you should consult a specialist.
Nowadays, many women suffer from anemia, but do not even realize it. They ignore the symptoms, which is why treatment is delayed. This disease occurs frequently in adult women for many reasons.
Poor environment, lack of vitamins, gynecological diseases with heavy bleeding. All this sooner or later leads to a decrease in hemoglobin.
What is anemia
Anemia is a disease in which hemoglobin is lower than normal. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. It delivers oxygen to the cells of the body. Due to lack of oxygen, organs begin to work worse. Therefore, various symptoms appear.
It is clear that in this case, diagnosis and prompt treatment are necessary. Everyone knows that the lives of adult women are full of problems, worries, etc. But, nevertheless, you should definitely consult a doctor if you feel unwell.
This disease is divided into: 
- Iron deficiency;
- Hypoplastic;
- Hemolytic;
- Posthemorrhagic;
- Folate deficiency;
- Deficient in B12.
What signs can be used to determine that anemia is present? These are the following symptoms:
- Weakness;
- Cardiopalmus;
- Paleness of facial skin;
- Dizziness;
- Flashing of spots before the eyes and blurred vision;
- Low pressure.
Different types of this disease require special treatment. Adult women sometimes show mild signs of this disease.
Hair loss and fatigue are “attributed” to age and fatigue. Therefore, few rush to see a doctor, but try to independently prescribe various medications, vitamin complexes, etc. In the meantime, these cases require careful examination and therapy.
Why does it occur
Anemia occurs in the following cases:
It is worth considering each type of this disease.
With iron deficiency anemia, the following symptoms occur that require urgent medical examination and treatment:
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of this disease. Its symptoms occur in pregnant women and in the postpartum period.
Treatment consists of replenishing iron in the body, because this type of anemia occurs in adult women and is caused precisely by iron deficiency.
Posthemorrhagic anemia has the following symptoms:
- Reduced body temperature;
- Weakness;
- Pallor;
- Cold sweat;
- Tachycardia;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Sweating;
- Refusal to eat;
- Brittle nails;
- Dry skin.
This requires urgent treatment because this type of anemia is caused by large blood loss (for example, with heavy periods in adult women).
Hypoplastic anemia is a rare type of disease. Occurs when brain cells die. Manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- Ulcers in the mouth and nose;
- Fainting;
- Dizziness;
- Too sensitive skin.
Hemolytic anemia occurs when the amount of bilirubin in the blood increases sharply. The disease can be inherited or acquired. It occurs when the production of red blood cells is disrupted. They die faster than new ones can form. In this case, jaundice appears, the liver and spleen increase in size, the urine darkens, and the feces become light in color.
If there is a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body, a special type of anemia develops. In this case, memory and coordination of movements are impaired, limbs become numb, acidity increases, the skin becomes yellowish, and problems with swallowing arise.
When there is not enough folic acid, folate deficiency anemia can develop. In this case, the following symptoms are present: disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and poor absorption of folic acid. Therefore, treatment will be associated with improving the functioning of the digestive organs and replenishing folic acid deficiency. Most often the disease occurs in adult women.
If a person has signs of anemia of any kind, they should, of course, immediately consult a doctor. He will examine the patient, listen to complaints and refer him for examination. This will involve taking tests. A general blood test with this disease will show a reduced amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells. If the anemia is hemolytic, the blood chemistry test (which is taken from a vein) will show a high amount of bilirubin. If the anemia is iron deficiency, then the amount of serum iron will be below normal.
The appearance of the patient also speaks volumes to the specialist. The skin is pale, the pulse is frequent, cold sweat sometimes appears, the limbs are cold and flaccid. The pressure is low. With hemolytic anemia and folate deficiency, the patient's skin color is yellowish. The sclera is yellow.
On palpation, the liver and spleen may be enlarged. According to the examination and test results, the doctor prescribes treatment.
If you do not seek medical help in time, the consequences can be disastrous:
- Decreased functioning of the immune system;
- Insomnia;
- Inflammation of the mucous membranes;
- Nervous breakdown;
- Disruption of the cardiovascular system;
- Liver diseases;
- Edema;
- Diseases of the digestive system;
- Oxygen starvation;
- Fainting;
- Fever;
- Urinary incontinence;
- Deterioration in appearance.
Treatment for anemia
If the form of the disease is mild, the doctor will prescribe the right diet, rich in proteins and vitamin-mineral complexes. For iron deficiency anemia, iron-containing drugs (Sorbifer, Ferroplex, Ferrofolgamma, etc.) are prescribed. It is preferable to take them during or immediately after meals in order to neutralize their effect on the gastric mucosa.
Iron is absorbed better in tablets than in injections. But if taking pills is not possible or the blood loss is too significant, then injections are chosen. Iron-containing preparations are usually combined with the intake of folic acid, vitamin B6, and ascorbic acid.
For folate deficiency, folic acid supplements are prescribed. If anemia is caused by female bleeding, consultation with a gynecologist is required.
If the anemia is hypoplastic, hemolytic or post-hemorrhagic, the treatment is much more serious. Usually in such cases the following are prescribed:
- Anabolic steroid;
- Glucocorticosteroids;
- Cytostatics;
- Erythropoietin;
- Androgens.
Self-treatment in these cases is extremely unacceptable! It threatens to be fatal.
If the anemia is posthemorrhagic, a blood transfusion is sometimes required. Sometimes zinc and copper are prescribed in parallel with iron supplements.
Anemia is common during pregnancy. Therefore, a woman should register with a gynecologist for pregnancy as early as possible, undergo frequent tests and follow all his recommendations. For pregnant women, there are special complexes for the prevention and treatment of anemia.
Together with drug therapy, folk remedies are sometimes used. The following recipes will help:
- Rosehip helps with anemia. You should brew its fruits and drink them like tea (especially during pregnancy).
- Chokeberry raises hemoglobin well.
- Stinging nettle takes pride of place in the treatment of female diseases, bleeding and anemia. It is brewed and drunk.
Nutrition for anemia should be complete. Vegetarianism will have to be abandoned. The diet should contain a lot of red meat (beef, veal, liver). Be sure to eat chicken eggs, butter, cottage cheese, buckwheat. Pomegranates and pomegranate juice are good for raising hemoglobin. Apples, black currants, and carrots must be on the table of patients with anemia and pregnant women.
Eating well can sometimes help prevent this disease. It is also useful to be outdoors more often. At the same time, brain cells are well fed with oxygen.
Anemia is a serious condition of the body characterized by a significant decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. This causes disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, deterioration of the general condition and appearance. Treatment of anemia in adults involves the use of medications and proper nutrition. In the absence of contraindications, the use of folk remedies is allowed, but only as complex therapy.
Anemia may not manifest itself in any way for a long time, and the patient may experience severe blood loss. Such conditions are usually recorded in women during menstruation, as well as in both sexes in the presence of chronic erosive lesions. In addition, the disease can be caused by the presence of cancer and a severe decrease in iron levels in the blood. Only the attending physician can identify the exact cause of the pathology. Regardless of the factor that provoked the disorder, patients will gradually develop the following problems:
- rapid physical and intellectual fatigue;
- poor sleep, nightmares may begin;
- Severe shortness of breath may appear, the pulse will become rapid even in a calm state;
- it will become difficult to concentrate;
- short-term memory will deteriorate;
- Appetite may decrease significantly;
- the skin will become pale, blue or gray circles may appear under the eyes;
- due to a lack of hemoglobin, the skin becomes dry and small wounds may appear;
- hair and nails become pale, dull and brittle.
Such signs will intensify taking into account the complication of the patient's condition. At critical hemoglobin levels, patients may begin to lose consciousness due to a severe drop in blood pressure.
Attention! Women should monitor their periods closely. If your bleeding increases and your period lasts longer than seven days, you may need to take a blood test to check for anemia.
Drug treatment of anemia in adults
Sorbifer Durules
The latest generation drug for the treatment of anemia in adults. Rarely causes side effects. Not used for lead and sideroblastic anemia. For preventive measures, it is enough to take 1-2 tablets once a day. For critical hemoglobin levels, up to 4 tablets are prescribed, divided into two uses. The duration of taking Sorbifer Durules depends on the complexity of the patient’s condition and can last for 16 weeks, which will replenish the iron balance.
Piracetam
This medicine is used in the presence of sickle cell anemia. At the same time, it can significantly improve concentration and memory. Taking into account the severity of the patient, the medication can be used in a dose of 30 to 160 mg/kg. The daily dosage is divided into four uses, with a minimum amount of two uses. In severe cases, Piracetam is administered intravenously. The duration of therapy can be two months.
Fenyuls 100
The drug is used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Take the medication strictly before meals, once a day, 1-2 doses. In severe cases of pathology, administration is carried out twice a day, while patients are recommended to take two tablets in the morning and in the evening. Fenyuls 100 is strictly prohibited from dividing and dissolving; the tablets must be swallowed whole. For better absorption, you need to take the medicine with water. Therapy continues for 1-4 months.
Ferrum Lek
This drug should be used only in the presence of a latent type of anemia and in the iron deficiency type of the disease. Treatment with Ferrum Lek can continue for 5 months if the patient’s condition requires it. The drug is available in the form of syrup and chewable tablets. Adults with anemia should take 1-3 tablets or 10-30 ml of syrup 1-2 times a day.
This medication should only be used if you have anemia if it is caused by certain medications or radiation. In this case, the patient after 16 years of age should take 5 mg of the active substance. Folic acid therapy may continue for several weeks.
Metipred
The drug helps with several types of anemia, among which subtypes such as hemolytic, hypoplastic and congenital are distinguished. The dosage of Metipred is selected taking into account the weight and complexity of the disease only by the attending physician. If used incorrectly, the medication causes a large number of side effects from all body systems. The lyophilisate is administered exclusively in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician.
Maltofer
The drug is available in the form of chewable tablets or syrup. Adults can take both forms of the medication. The dosage of Maltofer should be selected by the attending physician. Maltofer is taken only in the presence of a latent type of anemia and in cases of severe iron deficiency anemia. Treatment can last up to several months.
Prednisolone
The medication is used only in the presence of acquired autoimmune hemolytic and congenital aplastic anemia. The dosage of Prednisolone is determined individually for each patient. It can range from 5 to 60 mg of active substance per day. Prednisolone tablets are taken once a day. Therapy continues individually, taking into account the course of anemia.
In the table you can see the cost of the medications listed.
| A drug | Image | Price in Russia in rubles | Price in Belarus in rubles | Price in Ukraine in hryvnia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorbifer Durules | 400 | 13 | 164 | |
| Piracetam | 30 | 1,2 | 12,3 | |
| Fenyuls 100 | 500 | 16 | 205 | |
| Ferrum Lek | 300 | 10 | 123 | |
| 30 | 1,2 | 12,3 | ||
| Metipred | 200 | 6,6 | 82 | |
| Maltofer | 300 | 10 | 123 | |
| Prednisolone | 100 | 3,3 | 41 |
Attention! Some iron-containing drugs require use even after normalization of hemoglobin levels. This is required to create the so-called iron depot. It helps avoid relapse in the future.
Video - Anemia
Traditional methods of treating anemia in adults
Field buckwheat
This treatment can be used even for leukemia. To prepare the medicine, take a teaspoon of plant material and pour 0.2 liters of boiling water over it. Infuse the mixture for two hours, after which it is filtered through cheesecloth. Take the prepared infusion, one-third of a glass three times a day. Therapy continues for four weeks, after which it is necessary to take a break for 21 days.
Coltsfoot
For the best effect of treatment, it is advisable to mix the main component with elecampane and plantain, this will enhance the effect of coltsfoot. Mix the components in equal proportions and mix thoroughly. After this, you should take a tablespoon of the medicinal mixture and pour 0.2 liters of boiling water over it and leave for half an hour. Take the medication three times a day, an hour before the main meal, 1/3 cup.
Fresh carrots
For treatment, you should take only fresh fruits, which are pre-grated on the finest grater. It is better to use a blender or press. After this, you need to separate 100 g of raw material and mix it with 15 ml of vegetable oil or sour cream. Eat carrots only on an empty stomach 20 minutes before breakfast.
Green walnuts
This drug not only increases hemoglobin, but also significantly improves immunity. Green fruits are passed through a meat grinder and poured with honey. Nuts and honey are taken in equal proportions. The ingredients should be placed in a glass container and covered tightly with a lid. Leave the container in a dark place for four weeks. After this, you should take the medicine two tablespoons 30 minutes before the main meal twice a day. Treatment continues for one month. Three courses of treatment per year can be carried out.
Video - How to treat anemia with folk remedies
Fresh garlic
To treat anemia, you can prepare a garlic tincture, which will additionally significantly improve immunity and increase cardiac function. For treatment, take 300 g of garlic and pass it through a press. The resulting mass is poured into 1 liter of alcohol and infused in a glass bottle for 21 days. After this, you need to take 5 ml of the mixture three times a day for a month. For the best effect, it is recommended to drink the garlic tincture with milk.
Attention! When combining folk remedies with medications, you should ensure their compatibility. Sometimes two safe ingredients can cause an allergic reaction when mixed.
Nutrition for anemia in adults
For faster results from the therapy, you should include foods rich in iron and minerals in your diet.
- Lettuce can be eaten as an independent dish or mixed with others. It helps to significantly improve blood composition and normalize the psycho-emotional background. It should be eaten with vegetable oils.
- Berries such as garden strawberries, blackberries and cherries will help normalize blood pressure and relieve anemia. The fruits can be consumed as jam, juice and fresh.
- Bananas, familiar to everyone, also help restore blood composition. It is advisable to eat them with cottage cheese and other fermented milk products.
- You can take brewer's yeast in the morning on an empty stomach. They are excellent in the complex treatment of anemia and relieve external manifestations of anemia.
During treatment, you should get rid of harmful foods such as alcohol, flour and baked goods. They prevent minerals from healthy foods from being absorbed normally. It is advisable to diversify your diet with white and red meat, but it is best to boil or bake it.
We should not forget about products such as buckwheat, currants and whole grain bread. They contain a lot of folic acid, which improves blood composition. Green apples and juice from them will be an excellent stimulating factor for recovery for reduced immunity due to anemia.
Attention! Since women are more likely to have problems with hemoglobin levels due to constant menstruation and childbirth, during the period of bleeding, you should additionally enrich your diet with iron-containing foods and, if necessary, take medications.
Prevention of anemia in adults
To reduce the likelihood of developing anemia, it is advisable to adhere to the recommended measures:
- take an hour-long walk in the fresh air at least once every two days;
- relax after a hard day, and it is advisable to do this in a calm environment;
- eat right, constantly including iron-containing foods and drinks in your diet;
- take iron supplements once a year;
- do not allow helminthic infestation;
- avoid frequent contact with chemicals and toxins;
- When refueling the car, do not inhale fuel vapors;
- maintain optimal physical fitness.
Attention! Since preventive measures do not always give the desired result, it is recommended to take a general blood test to check hemoglobin levels twice a year. If you have previously had problems with your red cell count, it is advisable to undergo such examinations every three months.
Anemia is in most cases the result of poor diet and lifestyle. Only in a small percentage of cases is this condition caused by the presence of serious pathologies that can lead to anemia. Preparing the right diet, taking multivitamins and taking care of your own health is the key to longevity and the absence of problems with hemoglobin levels.
Anemia should be considered as a fairly serious disease that leads to increased fatigue, accelerated heartbeat, shortness of breath with the slightest physical exertion, and other pathological manifestations. Severe and moderate anemia can be caused by poor diet, blood diseases, and regular contact with harmful chemicals. There is also a possibility of acquiring the disease due to negative heredity.
Causes of anemia
Anemia - what is it? To understand the nature of the disease, it is necessary to consider the causes of its occurrence.
The prerequisites for a decrease in hemoglobin content in the blood along with a decrease in the number of red blood cells are quite varied. However, there are several main reasons that are most often the root cause of the development of the disease:
- Disorders in the bone marrow that cause difficulty in the reproduction of red blood cells.
- Premature destruction and shortening of the “life” of red blood cells (the average lifespan of red blood cells in the blood is about 4 months).
- The presence of chronic or acute bleeding.
- Chronic infections - mild abscesses, tuberculosis, mycoses, brucellosis, bacterial endocarditis, pyelonephritis, bronchiectasis, etc.
- Connective tissue structure disorders: rheumatoid arthritis, Hortonai's disease, polyarteritis nodosa.
- Regular participation in donor procedures.
The first of the above reasons includes a progressive decrease in the reproduction of red blood cells, on the basis of which anemia can develop. What it is? Often, the disorder manifests itself in the presence of renal and endocrine failure, malignant tumors, and chronic infections.
The development of anemia can also be caused by insufficient saturation of the body with vitamins C and B12, pyridoxine, iron, and other important elements that participate in metabolic processes.
Among other pathogens, it is worth paying attention to hemolysis - the presence of defects in the red blood cells produced by the body. Acute anemia leads to rapid destruction of the latter. There are often cases when hemolysis is caused by disturbances in the functioning of the spleen. Timely prevention of spleen diseases, adherence to a proper diet, and lack of contact with harmful substances allows you to avoid unpleasant consequences such as the development of anemia.
Iron deficiency form of anemia
There are various forms of anemia, but the most widespread among the world's population is iron deficiency. The main reason for the development of this form of anemia lies in the loss of blood by the body. People suffering from gastritis, ulcerative diseases, and cancer are at risk.
Adults most often suffer from iron deficiency anemia when they have problems absorbing iron or not eating enough food rich in blood-forming elements.
As for the spread of the disease among children, the risk of its occurrence concerns primarily babies who lack a variety of diets and are fed primarily with their mother’s breast milk.
Malignant form of anemia
Pernicious anemia - what is it? The disease is caused by the lack of natural mechanisms for the body to absorb B12 vitamins, the presence of which plays a decisive role in the formation of red blood cells. Lack of timely treatment of pernicious anemia causes not only physical, but also mental disorders.
It is quite difficult to identify this form of the disease, because the human body has the ability to accumulate and slowly consume vitamin B12. If we talk about treatment, its essence lies in the lifelong use of a whole complex of vitamin-containing injections.
Sickle cell anemia
The disease is hereditary and most often affects the black population of the planet. During the course of the disease, the blood cells change their healthy round shape to the sickle shape, making it difficult for the blood to move as its density increases. The result is the development of thrombosis and the appearance of a significant number of small blood clots, causing excruciating pain in certain parts of the body.
The form of the disease is an incurable manifestation of anemia, but severe cases can be successfully treated with medication using intravenous injections and painkillers.
Thalassemia major
The disease is another form of hereditary anemia, which is common among residents of the Mediterranean region. In this case, anemia in adults causes poor oxygen tolerance of red blood cells. Therapy consists of regular transfusions of healthy donor blood.
Aplastic form of anemia
It manifests itself when the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow is difficult. The course of the disease results in an increased risk of acquiring infectious diseases. The skin of patients with aplastic anemia is often covered with severe bruising, and bleeding as a result of injuries is sometimes difficult to stop.
The main cause of aplastic anemia is considered to be prolonged exposure to toxic substances on the body, receiving an increased dose of X-ray or radioactive radiation.
Diagnostics
There are a number of effective diagnostic procedures that diagnose anemia. What makes the disease dangerous is the lack of specific drugs that can cope with all its forms.
Procedures aimed at confirming the diagnosis require compliance with the following steps:
- identification of mechanisms that lead to a decrease in the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells;
- determination of the main cause of the development of the disease within the anemia syndrome;
- conducting objective laboratory tests, interpreting the data obtained during the analysis.
Diagnosis of the problem requires a number of outpatient activities:
- Determination of hemoglobin level using blood sampling from a finger.
- Analysis of the bone marrow condition based on determination of blood color parameters.
- Biochemical study of the composition of venous blood, which helps to identify the level of iron and bilirubin.
- Analysis of the state of the gastrointestinal tract (examination of the stomach, rectum, duodenum, large and small intestines).
- Gynecological tests, ultrasound of the woman’s pelvis, excluding the presence of an ovarian cyst or uterine fibroids.
- Obtaining consultations with an experienced hematologist who is able to diagnose pathologies of the circulatory system.
Treatment
The course of therapy when a disease is detected depends primarily on the causes and form of the disease, as well as the degree of its severity. Along with drug therapy, treating anemia with folk remedies can be an effective solution. As for self-medication, it is permissible to take dietary supplements and iron-containing substances, but only for preventive purposes and under the supervision of a doctor.
In recent years, such a popular method as blood transfusion has proven itself to be effective, with the help of which anemia is quite successfully treated. What it is? A whole range of procedures is used here, in particular: bone marrow transplantation, therapy with glucocorticoid and anabolic hormones, etc.
A patient with anemia must follow a healthy diet, based on the intake of nutritious, varied foods high in iron, protein and vitamins.
Mild anemia can be successfully treated by taking iron supplements. If necessary, their intravenous or intramuscular administration is practiced. However, the latter treatment option is often accompanied by the manifestation of allergic reactions. Therefore, to reduce the dose of medications, treatment of anemia with folk remedies can be practiced. Ultimately, taking iron supplements requires a cautious approach to avoid additional problems.
Prevention of disease
There is a wide list of preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of certain manifestations of anemia. Among the most accessible methods of prevention are:
- regular consumption of iron-containing foods in natural form;
- maintaining healthy functioning of the digestive system to ensure effective absorption of microelements through the small intestine;
- eating food rich in complete animal proteins;
- preventive intake of medications containing folic acid and vitamin B12 complex, which promotes productive regeneration of red blood cells in the bone marrow;
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle, maintaining sleep and rest patterns, strengthening the immune system;
- timely treatment of infectious diseases and elimination of inflammatory processes.
