Know The Difference Between Iron Deficiency And Thalassemia
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) is the first index to become abnormal in iron deficiency.
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Anaemia is a blood disorder affecting millions across the world. According to the findings of a study published in the journal┬аNutrients, two-third of pregnant women in developing countries are hit by this condition. It is one of the major culprits behind maternal mortality and low birthweight.
This is a condition characterised by low count of┬аred blood cells. You are diagnosed with this condition if your blood test reveals that you have low┬аhaemoglobin, the main protein of red blood cells. Its main function is to supply oxygen to different parts of the body. So, when the level of this protein is low, there is a depletion of oxygen in your vital organs or tissues. This condition gives you symptoms like easy fatigability, shortness of breath, so on and so forth. There are multiple triggers behind this blood disorder. However, the most common cause is┬аiron deficiency.[/caption]
Iron-deficiency anaemia - This is a very common type of anaemia due to insufficient iron stores in an individual. It may occur because of the loss of blood or poor iron absorption and may be seen in pregnant individuals because of childbirth-related blood loss or post-surgery.
Vitamin-deficiency anaemia - This may occur because of the insufficient dietary intake of vitamin B12 or folic acid. When vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, it is called pernicious anaemia.
Aplastic anaemia - This type of anaemia occurs due to insufficient blood cell production from the bone marrow. This usually occurs because of an immune response in which oneтАЩs own body destroys the stem cells.┬аAplastic anaemia can be caused by certain radiations, toxic chemical exposure, or drugs.
Hemolytic anaemia - This occurs because of the breakdown of red blood cells in the spleen or in the bloodstream.┬а It may also occur because of infections, autoimmune disorders, certain mechanical causes such as defective heart valves, and certain abnormalities in the red blood cells, which may be congenital in nature. Certain types of anaemia can be inherited like thalassemia or glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency. The cause of the anaemia dictates the treatment.
Sickle cell anaemia - This type of anaemia is inherited. It causes an abnormality in the haemoglobin protein, which results in rigid red blood cells and may obstruct the blood flow through smaller blood vessels.
Anaemia caused by chronic diseases┬а┬а┬а- There are certain diseases like kidney disease, which result in insufficient production of the hormone erythropoietin; it is required to stimulate the bone marrow to produce additional red blood cells. This results in reduced production of red blood cells. Moreover, a side effect of chemotherapy may result in anaemia because of the impaired ability of the body to produce more red blood cells. Some diseases can affect the body's ability to make red blood cells.
In terms of iron-deficiency anaemia, which is the most common type of anaemia, three stages exist.
Stage 1 - In this stage, the iron levels and ferritin levels become low. Signs and symptoms may not be seen at this stage.
Stage 2 - In this stage, there are reduced transferrin levels, which results in decreased transport of iron within the body. The time taken for heme to be produced is lesser. At this juncture, the individual will have decreased energy levels, lethargy, decreased cognitive abilities; moreover, pica (in which individuals may crave non-food items such as clay, paste or ice) may be observed too.
Stage 3 - This stage is that of iron deficiency in which RBCs take on a pale (hypochromic) or small (microcytic) appearance. An individual may have weakness, fatigue on exertion, pallor, headaches, and poor immunity.
The symptoms of anaemia may vary depending on the underlying cause behind this blood disorder, severity and associated complications. However, there could be some generic manifestations too. Here are some of them:
Causes
There could be innumerable culprits behind anaemia. Here are the most common causes behind this blood disorder:
Anaemia caused due to genetic predisposition cannot be prevented. However, eating a well-balanced diet rich in iron and vitamin B 12 can reduce your risk of certain forms of this blood disorder. Here are the steps to follow:
In order to detect anaemia, your doctor will first review your medical and family health history and follow it up with a physical exam. He may also want to assess your risk factors of this condition. So, expect questions on your exposure to environmental toxins which can increase your risk of this blood disorder. If your physician finds suspects anaemia, he may suggest the following tests:
Blood tests
The line of treatment for this blood disorder depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. You may need additional treatments in case of associated complications.
Anaemia caused by blood loss:┬аIn this case, the source of bleeding is identified first and then efforts are made at stopping it. Oxygen therapy and┬аblood transfusion┬аmay be required.
Anaemia caused by iron deficiency:┬аIron supplementation is the usual line of treatment. Generally, the ferrous form of iron is prescribed as itтАЩs easier for your body to absorb it. Taking your iron capsule with orange juice or any other┬аvitamin C┬аworks best. Your doctor will also suggest you to increase dietary intake of iron with the help of foods like red meat, beans, egg yolk, whole-grain products, nuts, and seafood. In rare cases you may need intravenous iron injections and blood transfusion. During the course of treatment, your red blood cell count, ferritin (an iron containing protein) and haemoglobin levels will be regularly monitored.
Anaemia caused by distorted red blood cells (Sickle cell anaemia):┬аThe aim of treatment is symptom relief. Oral medications for managing symptoms like pain, headache, nausea,┬аdiarrhoea, fatigue, etc. may be prescribed. While some may require blood transfusion, kids and teenagers may require a stem cell transplant.
Anaemia caused by deficiency of vitamins:┬аYour doctor may prescribe vitamin B12 injections or pills while advising you to increase your dietary intake of this vitamin. Good food sources include meat, fish, oysters, milk, cheese, and eggs. In case of folate deficiency, folic acid supplements may be advised. Including fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, dairy products and whole grain cereals will be a good idea. Do not overcook the vegetables if you want to retain the nutritional value.
Anaemia caused by destruction of red blood cells:┬аThe trigger behind cell destruction needs to be identified. And avoiding it altogether can lead to remission without any treatment. Surgical intervention may be required for associated complications like faulty heart valves, tumour or abnormal blood vessels. In extreme cases the spleen may need to be removed as the last resort. Supportive treatment may include pain medication, intravenous fluids,┬аsteroids┬а(to prevent the immune cells from attacking red blood cells) and blood transfusion.
If an individual has anaemia, there are certain lifestyle changes that an individual should be aware of.
Prognosis
Most people who have anaemia can live a normal life provided they receive appropriate treatment. Prognosis depends on the cause, intensity and overall health of the affected individual. If anaemia is caused by infections or certain medications, it will be resolved soon. If chronic diseases cause anaemia, it is tenacious but not severe. Individuals respond well to treatment if they have autoimmune hemolytic anaemia. For inherited anaemias, the prognosis is based on the severity of the inherited disease.
Complications
Complications of anaemia, can be life-threatening; if left untreated, they can be chronic or severe in intensity. Some of the complications are listed below.
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Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) is the first index to become abnormal in iron deficiency.
It is important for women to maintain optimal iron levels by incorporating iron-rich foods into their diet and considering iron supplementation, if needed.
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Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) is the first index to become abnormal in iron deficiency.
It is important for women to maintain optimal iron levels by incorporating iron-rich foods into their diet and considering iron supplementation, if needed.
Lifestyle modifications and coping strategies along with the prescribed treatment can help in improving people with SCD to have better physical and mental health.
Union Budget 2023 brings in a mission to eliminate sickle cell anaemia. Let's understand the fertility challenges associated with the disease.
India may have the world's second-highest Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) burden.
The data was based on a pan-India survey of over 3 lakh men and women during 2015-2017.
Sickle cell disease includes disorders such as sickle anaemia and thalassaemia. Today, on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day, let us see what this condition is all about.
The deficiency of haemoglobin can cause problems such as blood cell destruction, low red blood cell production, and blood loss anaemia.
Untreated anaemia can lead to complications that impact the heart and the lungs. Get to know the benefits of Ayurveda in managing iron deficiency.
Many of the health problems faced by women today can be avoided by simply paying more attention to your health. Marking the International Women's Day, we have compiled a list of 10 tests every woman should take for healthy 20s, 30s and beyond.
Popping an iron pill can help you up your heamoglobin count, but you can also incorporate a few dietary changes to maintain your haemoglobin levels naturally.
Do you bruise in places that you don't even remember bumping or hurting, and the bruise doesn't go away for months together? Read more about what could cause it.
Researchers have developed a new smartphone app that can measure your haemoglobin levels from the images of your eyelids. Find out how it works.
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Feeling cold all the time during the winter (even summer!) is more than just cold intolerance. It could signal health conditions like anaemia, hypothyroidism and excessive weight loss.
Contrary to belief, malaria, a parasitic infection that results from mosquito bites, can also survive in cold regions. Know how to avoid and also deal with this condition.
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