ANEMIA

By: Adrian Curiel AFT-Mrs.k

What is Anemia?
Anemia

is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying pigment found in red blood cells. Anemia can be lifethreatening.

Anemia Continued
Although

there are over 400 different forms of anemia, this health profile will only address the three most common: iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 anemia and folic acid deficiency.

RBCs

Vitamin B12 anemia

Pernicious anemia requires lifelong vitamin B12 replacement, most often using injections. Some patients can get enough supplementation with high-dose tablets of oral vitamin B12. People with anemia due to a lack of dietary vitamin B12 may be told to take vitamin supplements and follow a more balanced diet. Treatment may start with vitamin B12 injections. Anemia caused by poor digestion and absorption is treated with vitamin B12 injections until the condition improves. These shots are given every day and then every week at first, and then every month. Many people may need these shots once a month for the rest of their life. The shots may no longer be needed after Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or alcoholism is properly treated.

Vitamin B12

Symptoms
1)Possible symptoms include: Chest pain Dizziness or light-headedness (especially when standing up or with exertion) Fatigue or lack of energy Headaches Problems concentrating Shortness of breath (especially during exercise) 2)Some types of anemia may have other symptoms, such as: Constipation Problems thinking Tingling

1)Treatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia, and may include: Blood transfusions Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system Erythropoietin, a medicine that helps your bone marrow make more blood cells Supplements of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or other vitamins and minerals

Treatment

Anemia with iron deficiency

For adults and children with iron deficiency anemia, doctors may recommend a daily multivitamin containing iron. But typically, doctors recommend iron tablets such as prescription ferrous sulfate tablets or an over the counter supplement. These oral iron supplements are usually best absorbed from an otherwise empty stomach. However, because iron can irritate your stomach, you may need to take the supplements with food. Your doctor may recommend that you take iron supplements with orange juice or with a vitamin C tablet. Vitamin C helps increase iron absorption. Additionally, take iron supplements two hours before or four hours after taking an antacid, as these medications can interfere with iron absorption.

Causes

The cause depends on the type of anemia. Possible causes include: Certain medications Diseases such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis Genes -- some forms of anemia can be inherited Kidney failure Blood loss (for example, from heavy menstrual periods)

Causes continued

Poor diet Pregnancy Problems with bone marrow (where blood cells are made) Problems with the immune system that cause the destruction of blood cells Surgery to the stomach or intestines that reduces the absorption of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid

Tests & diagnosis

1) Doctors will perform a physical examination, and may find: Pale skin Rapid heart rate