Anemia: symptoms, treatment, prevention

Anemia is a fairly common disease that is diagnosed in people regardless of age and gender. What kind of misfortune is this, for what reason does it arise and what danger does it pose? Today we will look into these issues, and also find out how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this disease using prevention. 

What is anemia

In simple terms, anemia is a type of clinical condition in which the level of hemoglobin in the blood is very low. In a healthy body, the figure is 120-130 g per liter; with anemia it is lower. As a rule, the disease is accompanied by a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood. Based on how much the level is reduced from normal, one can judge the severity of the patient’s condition.

Statistics show that anemia is diagnosed in 20% and most often the “victims” are women. About 90% of the total number of cases is associated with iron deficiency. In more rare cases, chronic anemia occurs due to a lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid. There are also severe types in which the disease occurs in several variations at once, for example due to a lack of iron and vitamin B12 at the same time.

Types of anemia

There are several types of anemia, these are:

• Iron deficiency.
• Pernicious.
• Aplastic.
• Sickle cell.
• Congenital spherocytic.
• Medicinal.

Let's look at each one separately.

Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by failures in the formation of hemoglobin, which contributes to iron deficiency. The fundamental cause of this type of anemia is blood loss or an unbalanced diet that does not contain enough iron.

It is this type that is most often diagnosed during pregnancy or in the post-perinatal period, as well as in children whose growth is accelerated. In adults, the disease often occurs due to blood loss and this does not necessarily have to be severe losses. Even microbleedings of an internal, hidden nature (about 5-10 ml per day) lead to imbalance. With a one-time volume loss of blood, anemia may also occur. The situation is especially aggravated if the blood loss is repeated, then the body simply does not have time to restore reserves.

If we prioritize the causes of blood loss that causes iron deficiency anemia, the order will be as follows:

1. Uterine bleeding.
2. Bleeding from the alimentary canal.

Less often, but still there were cases when anemia occurred due to (also prioritized):

• numerous nosebleeds;
• pulmonary hemorrhage;
• renal;
• traumatological;
• bleeding after tooth extraction.

This disease is often observed in avid donors. Some are of the opinion that even menstruation can lead to anemia.

To the above reasons it is worth adding an unbalanced diet and cases when the process of iron absorption in the body is disrupted. Lack of iron in the diet, constant malnutrition, especially when it comes to diets, high levels of sugar and fat are a risk factor. This approach of pregnant women leads to the disease being transmitted to the baby. In particularly critical cases, anemia leads to premature birth and other sad results.

The exact cause of the disease can only be determined by a specialist after a series of studies.

Pernicious anemia

Translated from Latin, the word “perniciosis” means disastrous, dangerous. This type of anemia is characterized by a lack of vitamin B12 in the body. Such malignant anemia primarily negatively affects the functioning of the bone marrow and tissues of the nervous system. The main cause of pernicious anemia is the high content of immature megaloblasts (red blood cell precursors) in the bone marrow. Even if there is enough vitamin B12 and folic acid in the diet, the body's absorption function may be impaired.

The causes may also be:

• stomach cancer;
• hereditary predisposition;
• toxic factors affecting the walls of the stomach;
• infection by tapeworms;
• long-term use of medications that reduce the level of acidity in the stomach;
• intestinal disorders, etc.

As you can see, one or another cause of anemia is associated with the intestines. This is due to the fact that the absorption of vitamin B12 occurs precisely in it. Therefore, any violation in its work can lead to similar consequences. This type of anemia is indeed very life-threatening for the patient, so its treatment should not be delayed under any circumstances.

Aplastic anemia

A disease of the hematopoietic system, which is characterized by a sharp decline in the growth and development of all cell lines located in the bone marrow. The causes of this disease can be:

• some medications: analgin, cytostatics, chloramphenicol, etc.;
• ionizing radiation;
• some chemicals such as salts of heavy metals, arsenic, benzene, etc.;
• various viruses;
• some autoimmune processes in the body.

Taking medications, in the presence of individual intolerance, can result in aplastic anemia. As was clear from the list, even analgin, which is familiar to many, is characterized by a similar effect. This is another reason to think about it when the desire to self-prescribe medications arises.

Hereditary aplastic anemia is called Fanconi anemia. Sadly, in more than half of those suffering from this disease, specialists are unable to identify the causes of the disease; there are only theories and guesses. The main part of them leans towards congenital internal disorders in the functioning of the body.

According to statistics, remission can be achieved only in half of the cases, and mostly children are among the happy patients. It's more difficult with adults.

Sickle cell anemia

A hereditary type of disease that is directly related to problems in the structure of the hemoglobin protein. It has a crystalline form. In a healthy body, red blood cells carry hemoglobin A, while in sickle cell anemia they carry hemoglobin S. If you look at such red blood cells under a microscope, you can see that their shape resembles a sickle. Actually, this is where the name of the disease comes from.

The disease is associated with a mutation in the HBV gene, which synthesizes abnormal hemoglobin. But this anomalous structure has an interesting feature. The fact is that people who have been diagnosed with such an “illness” are immune to malarial bites. This is probably the reason why most of the sick people are in places where malaria is found.

Congenital spherocytic anemia

Another name is Spherocytosis. Characterized by an abnormality of red blood cell membranes. In a healthy body, red blood cells are disc-shaped, with thickening at the edges and a flattened center. With Spherocytosis, red blood cells are spherical in shape, which leads to their premature destruction. The disease is most often diagnosed in people of Northern European origin. It can be very mild and not make itself felt, although in some cases, on the contrary, the disease progresses quickly, with pronounced symptoms. A certain peculiarity has been noticed: severe symptoms are typical for children, weak ones for older people. However, with treatment, development can be controlled.

Sometimes, in order to cure Spherocytosis, doctors decide to remove the patient’s spleen. The fact is that mutated red blood cells are so weak that when they get into this organ they are simply destroyed. The absence of a spleen will reduce the damage caused. But this is done only in the most severe cases. As a rule, treatment is limited to the usual intake of folic acid supplement.

Drug anemia

Three main reasons have been identified that may lead to the development of the disease, which are associated with the effects of drugs.

The first is when the medication provokes the formation of IgG antibodies, which leads to autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

The second is when the drug binds to the membranes of the erythrocyte bulk. For the most part, this behavior is typical for antibiotics (tetracycline, penicillin, etc.), especially when they are taken in large quantities.

The third is when antibodies from the IgM class come into contact with the drug, the immune complex attaches to the red blood cell for a short period of time, which activates the development of the disease.

Causes of anemia

Previously, we looked at the types of anemia and briefly touched on the cause of their occurrence. This is not a complete list, it is provided for informational purposes only. Each type of disease has its own causes, however, we can make a general list of “provocateurs” of the disease:

• disorders of the bone marrow;
• chronic and acute bleeding;
• the process of destruction or significant shortening of the life of red blood cells (normally, the life of red blood cells is 4 months).

Now a little more detail.

The first factor includes disturbances in the function of red blood cells. As a rule, this disease underlies diseases of the kidneys, endocrine system, protein depletion, oncology and chronic infections. This also includes a deficiency in the body of vitamin B12, folic acid and, in the rarest cases found in children, vitamin C. It is these elements that are involved in the creation of red blood cells.

Improper functioning of red blood cells, as well as their defect, also leads to the appearance of the disease. Violation of hemoglobin levels, hormonal changes may lead to the destruction of red blood cells. Speaking about bleeding, it is worth noting that the appearance of anemia is the basis of prolonged blood loss. Even when normal blood levels are restored, only red blood cells return to normal, but not iron. Therefore, to avoid problems, you need a special diet that provides plenty of this element in food.

Symptoms of anemia

The symptoms of anemia directly depend on the type of disease. Let's look at the clinic for each variety.

Symptoms of drug-induced anemia (hemolytic)

Symptoms of drug-induced anemia can be expressed in different ways. For example, very young children may have no symptoms at all, and the first echoes will appear only in adolescence. With some frequency, dizziness may occur and weakness throughout the body may be felt. Performance decreases significantly, unmotivated jumps are observed body temperature. Symptoms can come on unexpectedly or go away suddenly, and the patient will feel absolutely healthy. Later manifestations are characterized by yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes. Upon examination, a specialist may notice an enlargement of the patient’s spleen and liver.

In older age, hemolytic anemia leads to blockage of blood vessels with glued red blood cells, as well as long-term non-healing trophic ulcers, which, as a rule, occur on the patient’s legs.

The acute course of the acquired disease is characterized by rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and frequent fatigue.

Symptoms of spherocytic anemia

The main symptoms of spherocytosis:

• feeling of constant weakness;
• fatigue;
• if we talk about children, then this is increased irritability and nervousness;
• the appearance of gallstones;
• dyspnea;
• jaundice;
• pallor.

Symptoms of sickle cell anemia

• Eye damage;
• attacks of pain;
• fatigue;
• problems with the liver and spleen;
• the appearance of ulcers on the legs;
• heart and lung injuries;
• bacterial infection;
• arthritis;
• swelling and inflammation of the fingers and toes.

The symptoms and severity of the disease vary greatly, but there are still some common features. For example, during periods of crisis, the patient has a high temperature and black urine. Those suffering from this type of anemia are characterized by painful thinness, a long body, tall stature, and problems with the spine and teeth. In children under five years of age, practically no symptoms are visible, since they look and weigh according to the standard.

Symptoms of aplastic anemia

• Dizziness;
• painful pallor;
• inability to endure prolonged physical activity;
• fatigue;
• hemorrhagic syndrome;
• pallor of mucous membranes;
• rapid heartbeat;
• infectious complications.

Symptoms of pernicious anemia

• First bright red, and then like a “varnished” tongue;
• anemia;
• problems with the nervous system;
• formation of abnormalities in the bone marrow;
• gastric achylia;
• dyspnea;
• weakness;
• rapid heartbeat;
• poor appetite;
• impaired gait.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia

Symptoms of IDA appear exclusively in the last stages of the disease; at the very beginning, a person may not even notice that he is sick. There are three stages of the disease:

• Prelatent.
• Latent.
• Iron deficiency.

At the prelatent stage, depletion occurs; ferritin, which is responsible for the iron content in the blood, is lost in the blood. There are no symptoms and the stage can be identified through testing.

The latent period is characterized by insufficient iron intake. The activity of important enzymes begins to decline. The patient develops an addiction to spicy and highly seasoned foods, and taste preferences become distorted. Muscle weakness, skin dystrophy, etc. are noted. However, the symptoms are still not so strong, and are often detected only by tests.

At the last stage, as they say, all the symptoms are “visible”. Appear jams, hair and skin become dry, nails become brittle, burning and itching of the vulva occurs, fatigue, dizziness, fainting may occur, the skin becomes pale with a greenish tint.

As you may have noticed, the symptoms of all types of anemia are almost identical, so only a specialist can determine the specific type of disease after blood tests.

Indicators for anemia

Indicators help to identify the severity of the disease. The normal hemoglobin level in women is 120 g/liter, in men 130 g/liter. Now that the norms are clear, let's consider the degree of severity as they decrease.

• Light stage - 90 g/liter.
• Average - 70-90 g/liter.
• Heavy - 70 g/liter and below.

Consequences of anemia

The consequences of anemia occur when treatment is incorrect, untimely, or absent at all. Therefore, under no circumstances should you start treatment, and also not self-medicate. So, the main consequences of anemia:

• Reduced immunity. With a decrease in the number of red blood cells, there is a significant loss of platelets and leukocytes, which leads to the body's helplessness in countering the attacks of infections. Therefore man starts to get sick often and yet the diseases are difficult to treat.
• All metabolic processes in the body are disrupted and the general condition worsens: drowsiness occurs, neuralgic disorders appear, fatigue and apathy quickly set in.
• The nervous system is deformed: a person is characterized by tearfulness, increased irritability, coordination is impaired, memory and intellectual development deteriorate.
• Pathological changes in the epithelium: the organs of the cardiovascular and digestive systems are especially affected. Dry skin, dehydration and excessive brittleness of nails are noted.
• The consequences of anemia include the appearance of swelling and an increase in the size of the liver.

With anemia, the heart works at an increased rate, since without its assistant iron, it needs to “feed” the organs with oxygen. This can ultimately be fatal, but only in the most advanced stages.

Anemia during pregnancy

The level of iron in the blood of a pregnant woman is a very important indicator. If it is not enough, then oxygen starvation of the organs of both the mother and the baby may occur. No matter how scary it may sound, 90% of pregnant women experience a decrease in hemoglobin levels. As in the normal state, symptoms in a pregnant woman may be mild and even unnoticeable. After all, swelling, for example, even during the normal course of pregnancy can bother the expectant mother. Therefore, it is extremely important to regularly visit a doctor and take all necessary tests.

Often, anemia is diagnosed only in the second or third trimester. If there is a slight decrease in hemoglobin levels, the doctor will definitely prescribe prophylaxis that will not allow the condition to worsen. The risk group among pregnant women is those who have chronic diseases: gastritis, pyelonephritis, hepatitis, etc. There is a high risk of developing anemia in women who adhere to a vegetarian diet. This also includes women who often had abortions who have had miscarriages. A pattern has also been noticed that anemia is more often diagnosed in women under 18 and over 32 years of age.

During the perinatal period, a doctor can diagnose anemia at levels of 105 g/liter. Treatment, as a rule, is complex, since diet alone practically does not give satisfactory results. Treatment is prescribed with auxiliary drugs that help increase hemoglobin levels.

Anemia in children

Anemia in children can also be congenital or acquired. In the first case, it is often transmitted from the mother when she was unable to cure the disease during the perinatal period. Premature birth and multiple pregnancies can also cause the development of the disease. Acquired anemia occurs in most cases due to malnutrition, when the baby’s diet is monotonous and lacks a sufficient amount of iron. Even infants who do not receive the optimal amount of iron through their mother’s breast milk can become victims of the disease.

Children with food allergies and frequent nosebleeds also often have a lack of iron in the blood and, as a result, anemia. Anemia in childhood is diagnosed after testing, since the symptoms are mild. A doctor can make such a diagnosis when the hemoglobin level decreases to 110-120 g/liter.

If symptoms do appear, they are no different from “adults.” These are tearfulness, irritability, dry and brittle hair and nails, fatigue, lagging behind peers in development, etc.

Only a doctor can prescribe complete and high-quality treatment for children with anemia!

How to treat anemia

Considering such a variety of types of anemia and the degree of its severity, it is quite natural that the approach to each patient is built individually. First, the doctor will conduct all the necessary examinations that will help establish the presence of anemia. After this, the optimal solution to the problem will be selected.

As a rule, in mild and moderate stages, a certain diet is prescribed, which will contain a lot of iron, and vitamin complexes and potent medical drugs are also prescribed, which are also aimed at restoring balance. And only in severe cases, when destruction of red blood cells is noted, can an operation be prescribed to remove the spleen, in which the death of red blood cells occurs.

Treatment of anemia with folk remedies

Before using traditional medicine recipes, make sure that you do not have allergies into components.

• You can make up for the lack of strength, which is so common during illness, with a spoonful of garlic boiled with honey.
• Place 300 g of peeled garlic in a half-liter glass container and fill with alcohol, let it brew for about three weeks. Take an infusion of twenty drops dissolved in 100 ml of milk. Three times a day.
• Combine 250 g of honey with 150 ml of aloe juice and 350 ml of Cahors. Drink the composition three times a day with a large spoon.
• Brew a couple of tablespoons of dry rose hips with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for a while. You need to drink the infusion three times a day as tea, after meals.
• Pour 6 g of dandelion herb into a glass of water and cook over medium heat for about ten minutes, and then leave for half an hour. Take three times a tablespoon.
• Stir chicory in a glass of warm milk and drink the mixture throughout the day in three doses.
• Prepare and drink a couple of spoons three times a day of the following drink. Combine a glass of pomegranate juice, half a glass of lemon, apple and carrot juice. Add 70 g of honey to the drink and mix well.

Prevention of anemia

The only way to avoid anemia is to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat right, in order to saturate your body with oxygen and a sufficient amount of essential vitamins and microelements. Give up bad habits and replace them with useful ones, for example morning jog. Make sure you have enough iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 in your diet. But you shouldn’t be overzealous with taking them. An excess is also fraught with disastrous consequences and, as medical experience shows, it is much easier to treat a lack of vitamins than an excessive amount.