About Anaemia

Types of Anaemia
Symptoms
Risk factors
Diagnosis of Anaemia
Treatment
Prevention
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Common types of anaemia include:
  • Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common form of anaemia that is caused by a deficiency of iron in the body.
  • Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia also called megaloblastic anaemia.
  • Anaemia of chronic disease may due to cancer, kidney failure, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn s disease and other chronic inflammatory diseases which interfere with the production of red blood cells.
  • Aplastic anaemia is a life-threatening anaemia caused by a decrease in the bone marrow s ability to produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
  • Anaemia associated with bone marrow disease such as leukemia.
  • Hemolytic anaemia develops when red blood cells are destroyed.
  • Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited anaemia which is caused by a defective form of haemoglobin that forces red blood cells to assume an abnormal crescent (sickle).
Anaemia in its early stage may not have any specific symptoms and the main symptom may just be fatigue.
Other symptoms may include:
  • Pale skin
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Cognitive problems
  • Numbness or coldness in your extremities
  • Headache
  • 4 of the skin in anaemia due to increased red cell destruction
1. A diet lacking in certain vitamins. Choosing a diet that is consistently low in iron, vitamin B-12, minerals  and folate increases your risk of anemia.
when vitamin B12 and folate are deficient Vitamin-deficiency anemia may occur. These two vitamins are needed to make red blood cells. Conditions leading to anemia caused by vitamin deficiency include:
Megaloblastic anemia: Vitamin B12 or folate or both are deficient
Pernicious anemia: Poor vitamin B12 absorption caused by conditions such as Crohn's disease, an intestinal parasite infection, surgical removal of part of the stomach or intestine, or infection with HIV
Dietary deficiency: Eating little or no meat may cause a lack of vitamin B12, while overcooking or eating too few vegetables may cause a folate deficiency.
Other causes of vitamin deficiency: pregnancy, certain medications, alcohol abuse, intestinal diseases such as tropical sprue and celiac disease
2. Intestinal disorders. Having an intestinal disorder that affects the absorption of nutrients in your small intestine — such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease — puts you at risk for anemia. Surgical removal of or surgery to the parts of your small intestine where nutrients are absorbed can lead to nutrient deficiencies and anemia.
3. Menstruation. In general, women who haven't experienced menopause have a greater risk of iron deficiency anemia than do men and postmenopausal women. That's because menstruation causes the loss of red blood cells.
4. Pregnancy. If you're pregnant, you're at an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia because your iron stores have to serve your increased blood volume as well as be a source of hemoglobin for your growing fetus.
5.Chronic conditions. Long term infections and for example if you have cancer, kidney or liver failure or another chronic condition, you may be at risk for what's called anemia of chronic disease. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. Slow, chronic blood loss from an ulcer or other source within your body can deplete your body's store of iron, leading to iron deficiency anemia.Long-term or serious illnesses, such as kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease), liver disease, heart failure, and thyroid disease
Bone marrow and stem cell problems may prevent the body from producing enough red blood cells. Some of the stem cells found in bone marrow develop into red blood cells. If stem cells are too few, defective, or replaced by other cells such as metastatic cancer cells, anemia may result.
  • Lead exposure is toxic to the bone marrow, leading to fewer red blood cells. Lead poisoning occurs in adults from work-related exposure and in children who eat paint chips, for example. Improperly glazed pottery can also taint food and liquids with lead.
6. Family history. If your family has a history of inherited anemia, such as sickle cell anemia orthalassemia
7. Other factors. A history of certain infections, blood diseases and autoimmune disorders, alcoholism, exposure to toxic chemicals, and the use of some medications can affect red blood cell production and lead to anemia.
Anemia associated with other conditions usually occur when there are too few hormones necessary for red blood cell production. Conditions causing this type of anemia include the following:
Advanced kidney disease
Hypothyroidism
Other chronic diseases, such as cancer, infection, lupus, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis
Old age
Blood loss from surgery or an injury
Anaemia is diagnosed based on:
  • medical history
  • physical examination
  • blood tests such as peripheral smear and full blood count (FBC) and other blood indices.
  • bone marrow biopsy to confirm the diagnosis in more difficult cases
The treatment of anaemia depends on the cause:
  • Iron deficiency anaemia is treated with iron supplements. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
  • Vitamin deficiency anaemia such as Pernicious anaemia is treated with Vitamin B-12 injections and folic acid deficiency anaemia is treated with folic acid supplements.
  • Anaemia of chronic disease has no specific treatment for anaemia as iron supplements and vitamins are generally not helpful. If the symptoms are severe, a blood transfusion may be required.
  • Aplastic anaemia treatment may include blood transfusions to boost levels of red blood cells or a bone marrow transplant.
  • Hemolytic anaemia treatment includes taking drugs that suppress the immune system such as steroids or gamma globulin. If the spleen is enlarged, the spleen may need to be removed.
  • Sickle cell anaemia treatment includes blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, antibiotics, bone marrow transplant and cancer drugs such hydroxyurea in adults.
  1. Avoid iron deficiency anaemia and vitamin deficiency anaemia by eating a healthy diet that includes foods rich in iron, folate and vitamin B-12.
  2. The best sources of iron are:
    • beef and other red meats
    • beans
    • lentils
    • iron-fortified cereals
    • dark green leafy vegetables
    • dried fruit
    • nuts and seeds
  3. Folate can be found in citrus juices and fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin B-12 is plentiful in meat and dairy products
  4. Take iron supplements for iron deficiency anaemia as recommended by your doctor.

REFERENCE

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