Understanding Anemia and How to Treat It

Definition of Anemia

Anemia is a condition when the body lacks healthy red blood cells or when red blood cells do not function properly. As a result, the body’s organs do not get enough oxygen, making people with anemia pale and easily tired. Anemia is a health problem that occurs when the number of red blood cells in the body is lower than normal, often known as red blood cell deficiency disease. Not only that, anemia can also occur when the hemoglobin contained in red blood cells is unable to meet the body’s needs, such as iron-rich proteins that give blood its red color.

The protein will help red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. This is why, a body that does not get enough oxygen-rich blood will be prone to anemia. This condition causes the body to tire easily and become weak. In addition, you can also feel headaches and shortness of breath.
Here are some types of anemia that can occur:

1. Iron deficiency anemia.
2. B12 deficiency anemia.
3. Folate deficiency anemia.
4. Anemia due to chronic disease.
5. Hemolytic anemia.
6. Aplastic anemia.
7. Megaloblastic anemia.
8. Pernicious anemia.
9. Sickle cell anemia.
10. Thalassemia.

Causes of Anemia

Bone marrow is a soft tissue located in the center of bones that helps form all the blood cells in the body. Healthy red blood cells have a lifespan of 90 to 120 days. After that, old red blood cells will be replaced with new, healthier red blood cells, and this process will continue continuously. In order to make more red blood cells in the body, there is a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) which is made in the kidneys. Meanwhile, hemoglobin is a protein that functions as an oxygen carrier in red blood cells. This type of protein is what gives red blood cells their red color. For people with this condition, they do not have enough hemoglobin.

The following are possible causes of anemia:

1. Have a history of chronic illness, such as cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or ulcerative colitis.
2. Having some form of anemia, such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia, which can be inherited.
3. Consumption of certain medications.
4. The elimination of red blood cells earlier than usual is caused by immune system problems.
5. Is pregnant.
6. Having health problems with the bone marrow, such as lymphoma, leukemia, aplastic anemia or myelodysplasia, and multiple myeloma.

Anemia occurs when the body lacks healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. As a result, cells in the body do not get enough oxygen and do not function normally (hypoxemia). In general, anemia occurs due to the following three conditions:

1. Insufficient production of red blood cells.
2. Excessive blood loss.
3. Destruction of red blood cells too quickly.

Meanwhile, factors that can increase a person’s risk of experiencing anemia include:

1. Hereditary or inherited diseases from parents.
2. Hypothyroidism.
3. Inadequate stimulation of red blood cell production is influenced by hormones.
4. Several health disorders that can increase red blood cell damage.
5. Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, such as low iron, vitamin B12, and folate.
6. Intestinal health disorders, so that the ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins is reduced.
7. Having chronic diseases.
8. Other factors, such as exposure to toxic substances, immune system conditions, and so on.

Symptoms of Anemia

The most common symptoms of anemia are the body quickly feels tired and looks pale and often complains of cold.
Some other symptoms that may occur, namely:

1. Headaches.
2. Constipation.
3. Always feeling irritable.
4. Having trouble concentrating or thinking.

If anemia gets worse, the following conditions will appear:

1. Blue to white color of the eyes.
2. Dizziness when standing.
3. Pale skin color.
4. Brittle nails.
5. Desire to eat ice cubes, dirt, or other non-food items (“pica”).
6. Shortness of breath.
7. Sore tongue.

There are also several types of anemia that can cause specific symptoms, including:

1. Hemolytic anemia
   This type can cause jaundice, dark urine, fever, and abdominal pain.
2. Aplastic anemia
   This disease can cause fever, frequent infections, and skin rashes.
3. Sickle cell anemia
   This disease can cause painful swelling in the feet and hands, as well as fatigue and even jaundice.
4. Folate deficiency anemia
   This disorder can cause irritability, diarrhea, and discomfort on the tongue.

Diagnosis of Anemia

To determine whether a patient is anemic, the doctor will perform a complete blood count. Diagnosis is made by means of a blood test to determine the common types of anemia which consist of:

1. Iron, hematocrit, vitamin B12, folate, and other vitamins and minerals levels and check kidney function.
2. Red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.
3. Reticulocyte count.

The purpose of the test is to find out the cause of anemia. In addition to blood tests, the doctor will perform other further examinations to find the cause of anemia, such as:

1. Endoscopy, to see if the stomach or intestines are bleeding.
2. Pelvic ultrasound, to determine the cause of menstrual disorders that cause anemia.
3. Bone marrow aspiration examination, to determine the levels, shape, and maturity level of blood cells directly from the ‘factory’.
4. Examination of amniotic fluid samples during pregnancy to determine the possibility of the fetus suffering from a genetic disorder that causes anemia.

This blood test can provide an indication of overall health. It can also help your doctor check for other underlying conditions, such as leukemia or kidney disease. If the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are below the normal range, then a person is likely to have this condition.

Anemia Treatment

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause of the condition. This health problem often occurs due to insufficient iron, vitamin B12, and folate. So, most of the treatment methods focus on taking supplements. However, in some cases, sufferers may need B12 injections because it is not properly absorbed from the digestive tract.

The method of treating anemia depends on the type of anemia the patient is suffering from. It should be noted that treatment for one type of anemia can be harmful to another type of anemia. Therefore, the doctor will not start treatment before knowing the cause for sure.

Some examples of anemia treatment or blood deficiency medication based on the type are:

1. Iron deficiency anemia
   This condition is treated by consuming iron-rich foods and supplements. In severe cases, blood transfusions are needed.
2. Anemia during pregnancy
   This condition is treated by administering iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 supplements, the dosage of which is determined by the doctor.
3. Anemia due to bleeding
   This condition is treated by stopping the bleeding. If necessary, the doctor will also provide iron supplements or blood transfusions.
4. Aplastic anemia
   Treatment is with blood transfusions to increase the number of red blood cells, or bone marrow transplants if the patient’s bone marrow can no longer produce healthy red blood cells.
5. Hemolytic anemia
   Treatment is by stopping consumption of drugs that trigger hemolytic anemia, treating infections, taking immunosuppressant drugs, or removing the spleen.
6. Anemia due to chronic disease
   This condition is treated by treating the underlying disease. In certain conditions, blood transfusions and erythropoietin hormone injections are needed to increase red blood cell production.
7. Sickle cell anemia
   This condition is treated with iron and folic acid supplements, bone marrow transplants, and chemotherapy, such as hydroxyurea. In some cases, doctors will prescribe painkillers and antibiotics.
8. Thalassemia
   In treating thalassemia, doctors can perform blood transfusions, administer folic acid supplements, remove the spleen, and perform bone marrow transplants.

Anemia Prevention

In the prevention of anemia, the most important thing that can be done is by consuming foods that contain iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Meanwhile, some other ways of prevention are:

1. Ensure sufficient vitamin C in the body through food, drinks, or supplements. This is so that the body can absorb iron. The way to do this is by having a balanced diet.
2. Take calcium supplements as they can affect how the body absorbs iron.
3. Avoid consuming caffeinated drinks and take vitamin C so that the body can absorb more iron from food.

Complications of Anemia

Anemia that is not treated immediately for a long time can cause damage to the brain, heart, and other organs in the body. Here are some other serious complications that can occur:

1. Difficulty in doing activities because the body tires easily.
2. Having heart problems, such as arrhythmia or heart failure.
3. Lung problems.
4. Pregnancy complications can occur such as premature birth or low birth weight.
5. Growth and development disorders if anemia attacks children or babies.
6. Susceptible to infection.