subject: Anaemia - the causes, types and treatment [print this page] Anaemia - the causes, types and treatment
Anaemia a common disorder which is characterized by the reduction of red blood cells or the amount of haemoglobin(iron rich pigment that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells. This reduction results to an inadequate supply of oxygen in the bloodstream resulting to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and light headedness and in severe cases heart failure.
The main causes of anaemia include excessive bleeding, decreased cell production or cell destruction. The main types of are:
Iron Deficiency Anaemia- this occurs when the body lacks enough iron to make haemoglobin. This can be caused by an inadequate diet, pregnancy or excessive blood loss. Treatment includes blood transfusion in terms of blood loss or replacing lost iron with iron tablets or syrups.
Aplastic Anaemia- this occurs when the bone marrow cannot make enough blood cells, this may occur due to an hereditary defect, exposure to radiation and certain chemicals or anti cancer medication or some antibiotics. Treatment involves a bone marrow transplant otherwise fatal.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia- this occurs when the body lacks vitamin B1 to form DNA which is used to produce blood cells; thus the deficiency of these vitamins leads to less blood cell production thus anaemia develops. This condition can be caused by inadequate vitamin B12 intake, parasites or certain diseases of the intestines. Treatment involves replacement of the vitamins by injection or in the worst cases blood transfusion. Thus to avoid this type of anaemia one should take a balanced diet which includes a lot of meat, eggs, seafood and milk.
Haemolytic Anaemia- this occurs when the red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can produce new ones. This type of anaemia may be acquired or congenital; other causes may be the result of diseases like malaria or sickle cell. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, in severe cases a blood transfusion.
Anaemia is a treatable disease but always remember prevention is better than cure.
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