Anemia
Have you or someone you know been told that you are anemic? Anemia is a condition that the body doesnt make enough blood or the cells are being destroyed.The cells look like donuts with the holes. The purpose of these cells is to carry oxygen through the body and remove carbon dioxide.
When you are have anemia your body doesnt get enough of the oxygen that it needs. As a result you could be tired. Long lasting or severe anemia that goes undetected could lead to damage to the heart, lungs and damage other organs of the body.
The causes of anemia are caused by blood loss, lack of production of the cells and a poor diet that lacks iron, folic acid and vitamin b-12. Also if there is damage to your bone marrow that could lead to anemia as well.Some other risk factors are blood loss from an injury,long term diseases such as caners, diabetes,liver disease. It could also be family inherited.
Anemia isnt restricted to just men or women or a certain race. Anemia has been found in older people mainly because they tend to have other health issues that could lead to anemia as well.
Some of the signs or symptoms are fatigue,shortness of breath, pale skin, chest pain. These signs can occur because your heart is having to work harder to pump more oxygen through your body.
There are several tests that your doctor can perform to diagnose you. They are a CBC, Hemoglobin electrophoresis, this looks at the different types of hemoglobin your body has. A reticulocyte, this measures the number of young red blood cells in your body.
There are so many different types of anemia, thereforeyou may be tested for a number of different things. Treatments could be as simple as changing your diet, to taking medications, as well as having infusions.
Anemia is a very treatable disease.Treating the underlying cause may be the best way of preventing anemia. Some dietary changes may help in this process as well, always talk to your doctor about any change you have.
