Anemia An Overview

Anemia is the disorder caused due to the deficiency of the red blood cells (RBCs). Due to the less amount of the RBCs the oxygen transport to the body parts is disturbed that makes you tired very easily. Anemia can be temporary or permanent. Some people face anemia occasionally. One of the other factors linked with the anemia occurrence is the less amount of the hemoglobin. In men if the hemoglobin level is less than 13.5 gram/100ml and in women if it is less than 12.0 gram/100ml then you are certainly suffering with the anemia. Any process that disturbs the normal production of the RBCs is the cause of the anemia. In simple words it is said that anemia is caused due to the deficiency of the iron. The iron is required in the production of the hemoglobin and RBCs.

One of the main reasons for the deficiency of the iron is the inadequate intake of the foods containing iron. Intake of the iron is a mandatory part of the diet. So, start eating the iron-rich foods to avoid anemia. In women the iron concentration in the body is noted to be reduced due to the heavy menstruation or during the pregnancy. Some other reasons like ulcers, colon polyps, colon cancer, sickle cell anemia, and thalassemia causes iron deficiency that later on leads to the anemia. Feeling weak, dizzy, and irritable on regular basis is the symptom of the anemia. Feeling cold even in normal temperature and rapid heart beat is another symptom of the anemia

It is the most common disorder of the blood. Depending upon the overall health status of the person the doctor gives the medication for the anemia. The most common problem with the anemia is that it goes unnoticed in many of the cases. The anemia can be confirmed only after conducting the laboratory tests. But, one thing you must notice here is to treat anemia at the preliminary stage itself otherwise once it gets severe it becomes more difficult to cure it. Visit the doctor if you notice any of the symptoms of the anemia and undergo the laboratory tests to confirm its occurrence. Depending on its cause the anemia is classified in the following types:
"Sickle cell anemia
"Iron deficiency anemia
"Hemolytic anemia
"Anemia of chronic disease
"Anemia associated with bone marrow disease
"Vitamin deficiency anemia

If left untreated anemia can cause serious health complications like heart problems, nerve damage, sever fatigue, and impaired mental function. In severe cases even death is being reported due to the anemia. So, it is very necessary to treat anemia before it gets severe. To confirm the occurrence of the anemia laboratory tests are mandatory. Few of the laboratory tests used to confirm the occurrence of the anemia include blood smear examination, iron tests, hemoglobin electrophoresis, reticulocyte count, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. It is only after the results of these test that doctor would be prescribing you the medications to overcome the anemia.

One of the simplest mode of treatment of anemia is use of the iron supplements. They help to increase the iron content in your body and regulate the production of the RBCs. Sometimes even hormonal treatments are noted to be effective in curing the anemia. In cases of the severe or chronic anemia blood transfusion is the best option. In this method the blood is transferred from the donor to the patient. To stop the destruction of the RBCs the particular medications are given or removal of the spleen is done. This was just an overview of Anemia that would be helpful for the readers to get general information about the disease. For any treatment please consult your doctor.