Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues. Symptoms usually include things like fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin. Treatments for anemia typically involve medication, dietary changes, or both.
Anemia symptoms
The most common symptoms of anemia include extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, irritability, and headache. Additionally, people with anemia may experience symptoms like pale lips, nail beds, and eyelids, cold hands and feet, irregular heartbeat, and chest pain.
What is the cause of anemia?
Anemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin or both in the blood. Causes include inherited conditions, diet and absorption problems, chronic diseases, infections, and bleeding.
Types of anemia
1. Iron Deficiency Anemia
2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia
3. Folate Deficiency Anemia
4. Aplastic Anemia
5. Sickle Cell Anemia
6. Pernicious Anemia
7. Hemolytic Anemia
8. Thalassemia
Anemia treatment
Anemia is typically treated with medicines, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Depending on the type and cause of your anemia, the treatment option may differ.
Common treatments include:
1. Iron supplements: These are most often prescribed for iron-deficiency anemia. Your doctor may recommend you take one or more iron supplements daily, typically for several months.
2. Vitamin B12 or folic acid supplements: These are prescribed for pernicious anemia or other types of anemia caused by a vitamin deficiency.
3. Dietary changes: Dietary changes including adding foods that are rich in iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid can improve anemia symptoms.
4. MEDS: Your doctor may also recommend medications, such as the sulfa drug Bactrim to treat certain forms of anemia.
5. Blood transfusions: In some cases, you may need a blood transfusion to treat anemia.
What does anemia do to a person?
Anemia is a condition in which a person has a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in their blood. This can lead to fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, weakness, headaches, cold hands and feet, and other symptoms. In more severe cases, anemia can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and an irregular heartbeat.
Anemia medication
Common medications used to treat anemia include iron supplements, vitamin B12 shots, and folic acid. Other medications that may be prescribed by a doctor include erythropoietin, Epogen, Procrit, or Aranesp.
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