What is anemia? What causes anemia? What are the signs of anemia?
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also spelled Anaemia, condition in which the red cellsof the blood (erythrocytes) are reduced in number or volume or are deficient in hemoglobin, their oxygen-carrying pigment. There are close to 100 differentvarieties of anemia, distinguished by the cause, the size and hemoglobin content of the abnormal cells, and the symptoms. Causally, anemia may result from any of the following:
(1) Chronic or acute blood loss.
(2) Increased destruction of the red cells ( hemolysis). This may be caused by hereditary cell defects, as in sickle-cell anemia, hereditary spherocytosis, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. It may be caused by exposure to hemolytic chemicals (substances causing the release of hemoglobin from the red cells) such as sulfanilamide, primaquine, or naphthalene (mothballs). Or it may be caused by development of antibodies against the red blood cells, as in erythroblastosis fetalis.
(3) Reduced production of red cells. This may be caused by disorders of the bone marrow, as in leukemia and aplastic anemia. It may be caused bydeficiency of one or more of the nutrients, notably vitamin B1 2, folic acid, and iron, that are necessaryfor the synthesis of red blood cells. It may be caused by deficiency of certain hormones. Or it may be caused by inhibition of the red-cell-formingprocesses by certain drugs or by toxins produced by disease, particularly chronic infection, widespread cancer, and kidney failure.
Structurally, the anemias generally fall into the following types: (1) macrocytic anemia, characterized by larger-than-normal red cells (e.g., pernicious anemia); (2) normocytic anemia, characterized by a decrease in the number of red cells, which are otherwise relatively normal (e.g., anemia caused by sudden blood loss, as in bleeding peptic ulcer, most cases of hemophilia, and purpura); (3) simple microcytic anemia, characterized by smaller-than-normal red cells (encountered in cases of chronic inflammatory conditions and in renal disease); and (4) microcytichypochromic anemia, characterized by a reductionin red-cell size and hemoglobin concentration (frequently associated with iron-deficiency anemia but also seen in thalassemia).
The most noticeable outward symptom of anemia is usually pallor of the skin, mucous membranes, and nail beds. Symptoms of tissue oxygen deficiency include pulsating noises in the ear, dizziness, fainting, and shortness of breath. Compensatory action of the heart may lead to its enlargement and to a rapid pulse rate.
The treatment of anemia varies greatly, dependingon the diagnosis. It includes supplying the missingnutrients in the deficiency anemias, detecting andremoving toxic factors, improving the underlying disorder with drugs and other forms of therapy, decreasing the extent of blood destruction by methods that include surgery (e.g., splenectomy), or restoring blood volume with transfusion. See also aplastic anemia; equine infectious anemia; pernicious anemia; sickle-cell anemia.
Other Answers:
lack of iron in your blood. you can take supplements to increase your blood iron. or eat foods rich in iron like red meat.
no enough iron in the blood,, signs usally are very tired all the time lazy, just not feeling yourself i'm sure theres otheres i just don;t know them
having low red blood cells.stress or genetic can cause anemia.sign is frequent fatigue
Aneamia is when your cells are starved of energy for one reason or another. It might be caused by not eating and thus not having sugars / fat to process or by having globin disorders that affect the amount of oxigen carried in your blood (such as sickle cell anemia).
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For sings. I would guess general weakness and lack of energy. Lazyness etc. In more severe situations it may have other effects, even death.
Look at the site below for more details:
Please refer to the following web page :
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anemia
You will get all the details you seek.
Anemia is a decrease in the red blood cell content in your blood.
It is most often caused by not enough Iron in your body, or by blood loss. The most common signs are fatigue and sometimes shortness of breath.
Iron deficiency anemia can be treated by increased iron intake in the diet or to a lesser degree by taking iron tablets.
Anaemia is a condition which occurs when you have an abnormally low amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, a red pigment which gives blood its colour. The job of haemoglobin is to carry oxygen around the body. When red blood cells and therefore haemoglobin are low the blood fails to supply the body's tissues with sufficient amounts of oxygen. As your lungs and heart will then have to work harder to get oxygen into the blood, symptoms of anaemia, such as difficulty in breathing will begin to develop.
Anaemia mainly affects women during pregnancy or women who suffer with heavy periods.
There is not usually one cause of anaemia, however, the following are reasons why anaemia may develop:
Heavy periods.
Diet low in iron.
Internal bleeding, for example if you have an ulcer or a tumour.
Diet low in vitamin B12 or folic acid.
Blood diseases such as leukaemia.
Infections, such as malaria.
What are the different types of anaemia?
The main types of anaemia are caused by shortages of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, all of which are needed (among other things) to produce red blood cells, so if one or more of these are missing or running low then anaemia will develop.
Iron deficiency anaemia
The most common type of anaemia is iron deficiency anaemia, which basically means the body is running low on iron. The body needs iron to successfully produce haemoglobin the substance that carries oxygen throughout the body.
The main reason why people may have a shortage of iron is because the body is losing blood faster than the body can remake it. This can be caused by gastritis, piles, stomach cancer, ulcers or bowel cancer. In women the most common reason for iron deficiency is menstrual bleeding (periods). Another possible reason for a shortage of iron is diet, which is low in iron. Good sources of iron include fruit, dark green vegetables, wholemeal bread, fortified breakfast cereals, beans and meat.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia
The main cause of vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia (also called pernicious anaemia) is when there is inadequate absorption of vitamin B12 from the diet. This can be due to ulcers, stomach cancer, diseases of the small intestine or from the after effects of surgery.
A vegan or vegetarian is at risk of developing pernicious anaemia because vitamin B12 is only found in foods of animal origin. Vitamin B12 can be found in liver, meat and dairy products.
Vitamin B12 is also essential for the nervous system, so if you have a lack of vitamin B12 you can also develop inflammation of the nerves or dementia.
Folic Acid deficiency
The main reason why you may have a lack of folic acid is due to a poor diet and if you drink excessive alcohol it can reduce the uptake of folic acid. Folic acid can be found in fresh fruit, raw green vegetables, beans and whole grain cereals.
Folic acid deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia may also be known as megaloblastic anaemia.
For more information on a healthy balanced diet click here.
What symptoms are linked with anaemia?
As anaemia causes a shortage of oxygen, the main symptom is usually chronic tiredness and palpitations. Other symptoms you may get could include:
Pale appearance
Shortness of breath and dizziness
Fainting
Angina
A red, sore tongue and a reduced sense of taste, this is usually only a symptom with folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia.
To avoid getting anaemia you should stick to a healthy balanced diet and ensure you eat food that contains good sources of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. You should also cut down on alcohol consumption. If you are a strict vegetarian you should take vitamin B12 supplements to avoid deficiency.
Very few tests are needed to diagnose anaemia, the main test is a full blood count, this is basically a blood test that looks at the number, size and shape of red blood cells. The doctor may also measure iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. If anaemia is diagnosed and there is no obvious cause, your doctor may suggest you have an x-ray to ensure there is no internal bleeding. We have an anaemia test available on this website, for more information on this test click here.
The treatment you receive will depend greatly on the cause of anaemia. Treatment is usually simple and may be resolved with an improved diet or by taking supplements. If the cause of your anaemia is vitamin B12 deficiency then your doctor may prescribe vitamin B12 injections. These injections will need to be given every 3 months, usually throughout the patient's life. It is also possible to have iron injections but this is not often necessary.
If your anaemia has been caused by internal bleeding e.g. ulcers then medicines or surgery may be required. If anaemia is severe then you may also need to have a blood transfusion.
If anaemia is left untreated your symptoms will get worse and you may become very tired and weak, you may also develop angina or suffer with leg pains when walking. The body's ability to fight infection may also be weakened so you may find you pick up infections more easily.
its exactly what syderman said..and you also feel tired all the time and your skin may turn yellowish
The previous two answers are good, but you need a doctor's evalulation and a blood test to rule out other problems and occasionally to categorize the anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia is common, but it is not the ONLY kind.
Anemia, one of the more common blood disorders, occurs when the level of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body becomes too low. This can lead to health problems because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemia can cause a variety of complications, including fatigue and stress on bodily organs.
Anemia can be caused by many things, but the three main bodily mechanisms that produce it are:
excessive destruction of RBCs
blood loss
inadequate production of RBCs
Among many other causes, anemia can result from inherited disorders, nutritional problems (such as an iron or vitamin deficiency), infections, some kinds of cancer, or exposure to a drug or toxin.
Anemia Caused by Destruction of RBCs
Hemolytic ("hemo" means blood, "lytic" means destroying) anemia occurs when red blood cells are being destroyed prematurely. (Normally, the lifespan of RBCs is 120 days. In hemolytic anemia, they have a much shorter lifespan.) And the bone marrow (the soft, spongy tissue inside bones that makes new blood cells) simply can't keep up with the body's demand for new cells. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, infections or certain medications - such as antibiotics or antiseizure medicines - are to blame.
In a condition known as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the immune system mistakes RBCs for foreign invaders and begins destroying them. Other children inherit defects in the red blood cells that lead to anemia. Common forms of inherited hemolytic anemia include sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Sickle cell anemia is a severe form of anemia found most commonly in people of African heritage, although it can affect those of Caucasian, Saudi Arabian, Indian, and Mediterranean descent. In this condition, the hemoglobin forms long rods when it gives up its oxygen, stretching red blood cells into abnormal sickle shapes. This leads to premature destruction of RBCs, chronically low levels of hemoglobin, and recurring episodes of pain, as well as problems that can affect virtually every other organ system in the body. About 1 out of every 625 African-American children is born with this form of anemia.
Thalassemia, which usually affects people of Mediterranean, African, and Southeast Asian descent, is marked by abnormal and short-lived RBCs. Thalassemia major, also called Cooley's anemia, is a severe form of anemia in which RBCs are rapidly destroyed and iron is deposited in the skin and vital organs. Thalassemia minor involves only mild anemia and minimal red blood cell changes.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency most commonly affects men of African heritage, although it has been found in many other groups of people. With this condition the RBCs either do not make enough of the enzyme G6PD or the enzyme that is produced is abnormal and doesn't work well. When someone born with this deficiency has an infection, takes certain medicines, or is exposed to specific substances, the body's RBCs suffer extra stress. Without adequate G6PD to protect them, many red blood cells are destroyed prematurely.
Anemia Caused by Blood Loss
Blood loss can also cause anemia - whether it's because of excessive bleeding due to injury, surgery, or a problem with the blood's clotting ability. Slower, long-term blood loss, such as intestinal bleeding from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can also cause anemia. Anemia sometimes results from heavy menstrual periods in teen girls and women. Any of these factors will also increase the body's need for iron because iron is needed to make new RBCs.
Anemia Caused by Inadequate Production of RBCs
Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow can't make enough RBCs. This can be due to a viral infection, or exposure to certain toxic chemicals, radiation, or medications (such as antibiotics, antiseizure drugs, or cancer treatments). Some childhood cancers can also cause aplastic anemia, as can certain chronic diseases that affect the ability of the bone marrow to make blood cells.
High levels of hemoglobin and RBCs help fetal blood carry enough oxygen to developing babies in the relatively oxygen-poor environment in utero. Thus, infants are born with some protection from iron deficiency. After the child is born, more oxygen is available and the baby's hemoglobin level normally drops to a low point at about 2 months of age, a condition known as physiologic anemia of infancy. This temporary and expected drop in the blood count is considered normal and no treatment is required because the infant's body soon starts making red blood cells on its own.
Anemia also occurs when the body isn't able to produce enough healthy RBCs because of an iron deficiency. Iron is essential to hemoglobin production. Poor dietary iron intake (or excessive loss of iron from the body) can lead to iron deficiency anemia, the most common cause of anemia in children. Iron deficiency anemia can affect children at any age, but is most commonly seen in those younger than 2 years old.
Girls going through puberty also have a particularly high risk for iron deficiency anemia because of the onset of menstruation; the monthly blood loss increases the amount of iron they need to consume in their diets.
Signs and Symptoms of Anemia
If your child has anemia, the first symptoms might be mild skin paleness, and decreased pinkness of the lips and nailbeds. These changes happen gradually, though, so they may be difficult to notice. Other common signs of anemia include:
irritability
fatigue
dizziness, lightheadedness, and a rapid heartbeat
Depending on what's causing the anemia, symptoms may also include jaundice (yellow-tinged skin), a yellowing of the whites of the eyes, an enlarged spleen, and dark tea-colored urine. In infants and preschool children, iron deficiency anemia can result in developmental delays and behavioral disturbances, such as decreased motor activity and problems with social interaction and attention to tasks. Recent research indicates that developmental problems may persist into and beyond school age if the iron deficiency is not properly treated.
Diagnosing Anemia
In many cases, doctors don't diagnose anemia until they run blood tests as part of a routine physical examination. A complete blood count (CBC) may indicate that there are fewer red blood cells than normal. Other diagnostic tests may include:
Blood smear examination: Blood is smeared on a glass slide for microscopic examination of RBCs, which can sometimes indicate the cause of the anemia.
Iron tests: These include total serum iron and ferritin tests, which can help to determine whether anemia is due to iron deficiency.
Hemoglobin electrophoresis: Used to identify various abnormal hemoglobins in the blood and to diagnose sickle cell anemia, the thalassemias, and other inherited forms of anemia.
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: This test can help determine whether cell production is happening normally in the bone marrow. It's the only way to diagnose aplastic anemia definitively and is also used if a disease affecting the bone marrow (such as leukemia) is a suspected cause of the anemia.
Reticulocyte count: A measure of young RBCs, this helps to determine if production of red blood cells is at normal levels.
In addition to running these tests, your child's doctor may ask about a family history of anemia and your child's symptoms and medications. This may lead the doctor to perform other tests to look for specific diseases that might be causing the anemia.
Treating Anemia
Treatment for anemia depends on its cause. It's important not to assume that any symptoms your child may be having are due to iron deficiency. Be sure to have your child checked by a doctor.
If your child does have iron deficiency anemia, the doctor may prescribe medication as drops (for infants) or as a liquid or tablet (for older children), and also may recommend adding certain iron-rich foods to your child's diet.
If your teenage daughter is anemic and has heavy or irregular menstrual periods, in some cases her doctor may prescribe a birth control pill to help regulate the bleeding.
Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements may be prescribed if the anemia is traced to a deficiency of these nutrients, although this is rare in children.
If a certain medication appears to be the cause, your child's doctor may discontinue it or replace it with something else - unless the benefit of the drug outweighs this side effect.
Anemia caused by an infection will usually improve when the infection passes or is treated.
Depending on the cause, treatment for more severe or chronic forms of anemia may include:
transfusions of normal red blood cells taken from a donor
removal of the spleen or treatment with medications to prevent blood cells from being removed from circulation or destroyed too rapidly
medications to fight infection or stimulate the bone marrow to make more blood cells
Bone marrow transplantation may be considered in some cases of sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia. This procedure involves taking bone marrow cells from a donor and injecting them into the child's vein; the donated cells then travel through the bloodstream to the child's bone marrow, where they begin producing new blood cells.
Caring for a Child With Anemia
The type, cause, and severity of your child's anemia will determine what kind of care is needed. Rest assured, though, that children often tolerate anemia much better than adults.
In general, a child with significant anemia may tire more easily than other children and therefore need to limit activity levels. Make sure that your child's teachers and other caregivers are aware of the condition. If iron deficiency is the cause, follow the doctor's directions about dietary changes and taking any iron supplements.
If the spleen is enlarged, your child may be prohibited from playing contact sports because of the risk that the spleen could rupture or hemorrhage if your child is hurt. Certain forms of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, require other more specific kinds of care and treatment.
Preventing Anemia
Whether anemia can be prevented depends on its cause. Currently, there is no way to prevent anemia due to genetic defects affecting the production of RBCs or hemoglobin.
However, you can take steps to help prevent iron deficiency, the most common form of anemia. Before following any of these suggestions, be sure to talk them over with your child's doctor.
Cow's milk consumption. During the first 6 months of life, babies are usually protected against developing iron deficiency by the stores of iron built up in their bodies pre-birth. But after month 6, as infants continue to grow, they often don't get enough iron through breast milk alone or regular cow's milk (which contains less iron than fortified infant formula). Regular cow's milk can also cause some infants to lose iron from their intestines, and drinking lots of it can make an infant less interested in eating other foods that are better sources of iron. For these reasons, regular cow's milk is not recommended for children until they reach 1 year of age and are eating an iron-rich diet. In addition, your child should not drink more than 24-32 ounces (709-946 ml) of milk each day. If you can't get your child to eat more iron-rich foods, speak with your child's doctor about giving your child an iron supplement.
Iron-fortified cereal and formula. These products can help ensure that your baby is getting enough iron, especially during the transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods.
Well-balanced diet. Make sure that your child or teen regularly eats foods that contain iron. Good choices include iron-fortified grains and cereals, red meat, egg yolks, leafy green vegetables, yellow vegetables and fruits, potato skins, tomatoes, molasses, and raisins. If your child is a vegetarian, you'll need to make an extra effort to ensure sufficient iron sources because iron found in meat, poultry, and fish is more easily absorbed than iron found in plant-based and iron-fortified foods. Also, be aware that certain food combinations can inhibit or promote absorption of iron. For example, drinking coffee or tea (including iced tea) with a meal can significantly lower the amount of iron absorbed. On the other hand, vitamin C helps the body absorb iron.
If you have any questions about anemia, or you think your child might have the condition, talk with your child's doctor.
I Think such a person should refer to a BLOOD SPECIALIST PHYSICIAN, as soon as possible, for a complete blood check up. It's a matter very serious and you should not ask it from some usual people.
Cheers and Take care.
Lack of iron. You feel sluggish and can barely function.
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me
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