Anemia: Everything You Need to Know

Definition of Anemia

• Health condition caused by a low amount of red blood cells.
• Red blood cells carry oxygen; low count means lack of oxygen supply.
• Measured by the amount of hemoglobin in blood.
• Affects about 1.6 billion people globally.
• At-risk groups: women and people with chronic diseases.

Causes of Anemia

• Normal blood cell lifespan: 100-120 days.
• Blood cells replaced at 0.8-1% per day.
• Required for cell maturation:
  • Folate
  • Dietary iron
  • Vitamin B12
• Causes of anemia include:
  • Overproduction or rapid destruction of blood cells.

Factors Increasing Red Blood Cell Production

1. Hyperthyroidism
2. Imbalance in:
   • Iron
   • Vitamin B12
   • Folate intake
3. Erythropoietin imbalance

Factors Causing Red Blood Cell Destruction

1. Hemolysis
2. Childbirth
3. Endometriosis
4. Accidents
5. Surgery
6. Excessive uterine bleeding
7. Fibrosis
8. Cirrhosis
9. Liver and spleen disorders

Symptoms of Anemia

• Pale appearance
• Feeling cold
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Problems concentrating
• Unusual cravings
• Tongue inflammation
• Severe cases: fainting

Other Symptoms

1. Jaundice
2. Low/high blood pressure
3. Heart murmur
4. Increased heart rate
5. Enlarged spleen, liver, or lymph nodes
6. Atrophic glossitis of the tongue

Diagnosis of Anemia

• Begins with medical history and physical examination.
• Family history (e.g., sickle cell anemia) simplifies diagnosis.
• Common diagnostic tests:
  1. Complete blood count (CBC)
  2. Ferritin test
  3. Serum iron levels test
  4. Vitamin B12 and folate test
  5. Stool test for occult blood

Treatment of Anemia

• Depends on the cause of anemia.
• Iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiency:
  • Nutritional supplements.
• Severe cases:
  • Erythropoietin injections to stimulate RBC production.
  • Blood transfusions if hemoglobin levels are too low.