may interest you Anemia(1)
Anemia(2)
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What
is the main cause of anemia?
People may be born
with certain types of anemia or develop anemia because they have certain
chronic diseases. But poor diet causes iron-deficiency anemia, which is the
most common form of anemia.
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DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTS
How do
healthcare providers diagnose anemia?
Your healthcare
provider will ask questions about your symptoms. As anemia happens when you
don’t have enough healthy red blood cells, they’ll do blood tests to check on
your red blood cells:
- Complete blood count (CBC): Healthcare providers use this
test to check on all of your blood cells, with a focus on your red blood
cells. They count your red blood cells and evaluate your red blood cells’
size and shape. Healthcare providers may use this test to check on your
vitamin B12 or B9 levels.
- Peripheral blood smear: Healthcare providers examine
your red blood cells under a microscope.
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MANAGEMENT
AND TREATMENT
How do
healthcare providers treat anemia?
First, your healthcare
provider will determine if you have anemia caused by a poor diet or a more
serious health problem. They may refer you to a hematologist, a healthcare
provider who specializes in blood disorders. Here are some examples of common
anemia treatments:
- Healthcare providers may recommend changing your diet
or taking supplements if you have iron-deficiency anemia or pernicious
anemia.
- If you have anemia because you have a chronic disease,
your provider will treat the underlying condition. They may prescribe
medication to boost red blood cell production.
Providers may use
medications like immunosuppressants or treatments like blood transfusions to
treat anemias that happen when you have abnormal red blood cells, like aplastic
anemia or hemolytic anemia.
PREVENTION
Can I
prevent developing anemia?
You can’t prevent some
kinds of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia or aplastic
anemia. People with chronic diseases who may develop anemia should watch for
anemia symptoms. And you can prevent nutritional anemias by eating a healthy
diet.
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OUTLOOK
/ PROGNOSIS
What can
I expect if I have this condition?
Your prognosis or
expected outcome depends on why you have anemia, the type of anemia you have
and whether you have a severe form of it. Most of the time, healthcare
providers can treat anemia by helping you manage your diet or with medications.
But there are times when you may be living with anemia for the rest of your
life.
What
happens if anemia isn’t treated?
People who have
undiagnosed or untreated anemia may have life-threatening organ failure.
Children who have severe anemia may have developmental delays. People in their
80s may develop heart conditions, including angina, arrhythmias and myocardial
infarction.
LIVING
WITH
How do I
take care of myself?
While some types of
anemia are short-term and mild, others can last for a lifetime. There are
several ways to help manage anemia, including:
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- Following a
healthy diet:
- Poor diet is the primary reason why people develop
anemia. Ask your healthcare provider about iron-rich foods and other foods
you should eat.
- Drinking enough water to stay hydrated.
- Getting regular
exercise:
Check with your healthcare provider about ways to exercise safely.
- Avoiding exposure
to certain chemicals:
Exposure to certain metals may cause hemolytic anemia.
- Washing your hands
often to avoid infection: You may also want to ask your healthcare provider
about vaccines that defend against common infections.
- Taking good care of your teeth and going to the
- dentist
regularly:
Iron-deficiency anemia may cause dental problems.
- Tracking your symptoms and letting your healthcare
provider know about any changes.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you have anemia,
you should check with your provider if your symptoms get worse despite
treatment or if you notice changes in your body that may be new symptoms of
anemia.
When should I go to the emergency room?
Anemia may increase
your risk of a heart attack. Call 911 if you have the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing.
- Nausea.
- Sweating.
- Chest pain
What questions should I ask my healthcare
provider?
Anemia may affect your body in many ways. It may happen for many different reasons. If you’re concerned about developing anemia or you have anemia, here are some questions you may
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want to ask your healthcare provider:
- What kind of anemia do I have?
- What caused it?
- What treatments do you recommend?
- When will I start to feel better?
- How long will I need treatment?
- Can you cure my anemia?
A note
from Cleveland Clinic
Anemia happens when
you don’t have enough red blood cells or your red blood cells aren’t working as
well as they could. Some people are born with forms of anemia, but most people
who have anemia develop the condition over time. That’s why it’s important to keep
track of changes in your body. For example, we all have days when we feel worn
out. But if you’re feeling very tired for several days despite getting rest,
consider talking to your healthcare provider. Most of the time, anemia is a
short-term issue easily treated by changing your diet or taking supplements.
Untreated, anemia may cause serious medical issues
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With my best wishes