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Anemia

This category is for questions about the lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin called anemia: its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

936 Questions

Is craving ice a sign of anemia?

Craving ice is more likely a sign of some dehydration and/or fever than as an indicator of anemia. The only sure way to know if you are anemic is through blood tests of a Complete Blood Count (CBC). If you have a fever, a "Diff" (Differential) would be added to the bloodwork. If you are dehydrated, eating ice is not enough to replenish fluids.

An individual diagnosed with anemia has a low count of red blood cells why do they lack energy?

Because iron is necesary in the production of red blood cells. Since its job is pretty much to bond with oxygen and take it to its place the cells are only produced at the rate that the iron allows it to. Low iron=low Blood cell Count=anemia. Iron can be found in spinach, beef, peanutbutter, iron pills...ect

What causes skin on inner thighs to look spotted?

Inner thigh spots or darkening is caused by friction when walking. Normally the upper thighs for either male or female are usually close to each other and when one walks it causes friction which could lead to the above mentioned. You could try using lotion with vitamin E to neutralize your skin color or if it makes you self conscience check with your dermatologist for better advice on skin products.

Is sickle cell heterozygous?

yes there are two concentrations of sickle cell

they are:

sickle cell trait: co-dominance is established and only 50% of your cells are malformed

sickle cell anemia: sickle cell is totally dominant and all cells are malformed, this only happens when both alleles are coded for sickle cell

Explain why excessive bleeding occurs with a plastic anemia?

i think the cause of plastic anemia is the lack of red cell in the bone marrow

A cell with a defective p53 gene is likely to?

A defective P53 gene is likely to cause poor regulation of cell cycles. P53 is a protein that suppresses tumor production and is implicated as a factor in cancer development. It prevents genome mutation and damage. 50% of human tumors have mutated or deleted P53 genes.

How is Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia related to anemia?

At least 50% of individuals with WM have hyperviscosity syndrome, an increased viscosity or thickening of the blood caused by the accumulation of IgM in the serum.

How is iron deficiency anemia characterized?

There are a number of characteristics that will show when children have an iron deficiency. Children with an iron deficiency are typically cold and pale.

This mineral is essential for healthy red blood cells and a deficiency causes anemia?

Grossly speaking IRON is the answer but on an whole lot other minerals can lead to anemia if they are deficient.

Can parasite cause severe anemia?

Yes, absolutely. If you even SUSPECT this, go to a doctor immediately, and ask him or her to specifically screen for parasites , and if you can possibly afford it, ask for a refferal to a specialst in Tropical Medicine, or go to a University hospital, as they will more likely have a Parasitologist handy.Good for you for being pro-active with your health care. Don't stop til you get an answer.

What is the main cure for people who suffer from anemia?

Since anemia is a lack of iron, the cure for most people suffering from anemia is the prescription of an iron supplement. For some types of anemia this will not work, and those people must receive blood transfusions or take another medication.

When should acute blood loss anemia following surgery be coded as a complication of the?

When the physican states that the large amount of amount of blood loss is due to the surgery and causing the anemia.

What is a description of iron-deficiency anemia?

Definition

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are many types of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a decrease in the number of red cells in the blood caused by too little iron.

See also: Iron deficiency anemia - children

Alternative Names

Anemia - iron deficiency

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. About 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men do not have enough iron in their body.

Iron is a key part of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in the blood. Your body normally gets iron through diet and by recycling iron from old red blood cells. Without iron, the blood cannot carry oxygen effectively. Oxygen is needed for every cell in the body to function normally.

The causes of iron deficiency are:

  • Blood loss
  • Poor absorption of iron by the body
  • Too little iron in the diet

It can also be related to lead poisoning in children.

Anemia develops slowly after the normal iron stores in the body and bone marrow have run out. In general, women have smaller stores of iron than men because they lose more through menstruation. They are at higher risk for anemia than men.

In men and postmenopausal women, anemia is usually caused by gastrointestinal bleeding due to:

Iron deficiency anemia may also be caused by poor absorption of iron in the diet, due to:

Other causes of iron deficiency anemia include:

Adults at high-risk for anemia include:

  • Those who use aspirin, ibuprofen, or arthritis medicines for a long time
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding who have low iron levels
  • Seniors
  • Women of child-bearing age
Symptoms

Note: There may be no symptoms if the anemia is mild.

Signs and testsTreatment

The cause of the iron deficiency must be found, especially in older patients who face the greatest risk for gastrointestinal cancers.

Iron supplements (ferrous sulfate) are available. For the best iron absorption, take these supplements with an empty stomach. However, many people cannot tolerate this and may need to take the supplements with food.

Patients who cannot tolerate iron by mouth can take it through a vein (intravenous) or by an injection into the muscle.

Milk and antacids may interfere with the absorption of iron and should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements. Vitamin C can increase absorption and is essential in the production of hemoglobin.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women will need to take extra iron because their normal diet usually will not provide the required amount.

The hematocrit should return to normal after 2 months of iron therapy. However, iron should be continued for another 6 - 12 months to replenish the body's iron stores in the bone marrow.

Iron-rich foods include:

  • Eggs (yolk)
  • Fish
  • Legumes (peas and beans)
  • Meats (liver is the highest source)
  • Poultry
  • Raisins
  • Whole-grain bread
Expectations (prognosis)

With treatment, the outcome is likely to be good. Usually, blood counts will return to normal in 2 months.

Complications

There are usually no complications. However, iron deficiency anemia may come back. Get regular follow-ups with your health care provider.

Children with this disorder may be more likely to get infections.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

  • You have symptoms of this disorder
  • You notice blood in your stool
Prevention

Everyone's diet should include enough iron. Red meat, liver, and egg yolks are important sources of iron. Flour, bread, and some cereals are fortified with iron. If you aren't getting enough iron in your diet (uncommon in the United States), take iron supplements.

During periods when you need extra iron (such as pregnancy and breastfeeding), increase the amount of iron in your diet or take iron supplements.

References

Mabry-Hernandez IR. Screening for iron deficiency anemia--including iron supplementation for children and pregnant women. Am Fam Physician. 2009 May 15;79(10):897-8.

Alleyne M, Horne MK, Miller JL. Individualized treatment for iron-deficiency anemia in adults. Am J Med. 2008;121:943-948.

Brittenham G. Disorders of Iron Metabolism: Iron Deficiency and Iron Overload. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 36.

What is other name of anaemia?

Another name for anemia is called Iron Deficiency.

How Sickle Cell Disease Can Affect The Body?

Sickle Cell Disease is a blood disorder that is permanent. It is a lifelong struggle for those who have it. Those suffering from the disease need to take a variety of medications in order to maintain their health and survive.

Can blood thinners cause anemia?

Yes, according to the Cleveland Clinic, people who consume blood thinners are at increased risk for iron-deficient anemia.

Why do people make cigarettes and it kill people?

because it makes millions of £ per year and it's people's dicission if they want to smoke

How much folic acid is prescribed to treat anemia?

There are different doses of folic acid prescribed by doctors for different ages. If you are an adult suffering from anemia and you are prescribed folic acid then the dosage would be 1mg orally once a day. An infant is 0.1mg orally once a day and if your child then it is 1mg orally once a day. But remember to to read the leaflet given with your folic acid before you take any medicine.

Is sickle cell anemia a disease from mutation?

Yes, but the mutation happened many many thousands of years ago. It has been passed on through all these generations because the same gene that causes sickle cell anemia in a person that inherits two copies of the gene also causes resistance to the malaria parasite in a person that inherits only one copy of the gene.

In areas of the world where malaria is a common disease, the resistance to it is a stronger selective advantage than sickle cell anemia is a selective disadvantage; so the gene becomes very common in those populations.

What type of disorder is sickle cell disease?

It is when your body does not produce alot of blood and you become very skinny and sick. It can be passed on to babies by mothers and mostly occurs in African countries and some parts of Asia, too.

Can anemia cause cancer?

== == No, anemia is just the term for low iron in your blood. While it's not a healthy condition, it doesn't cause cancer. Diet can help anemia, eating foods high in iron like meat, or if your vegetarian, certain beans and other non-meat foods.

What does it mean if someone is bleeding from the anus?

It might the body is overheated - in this case the bleeding should stop in a few minutes.

Otherwise it could mean Piles, anal fistula etc.

If it doesn't stop in a few hours you ought to go to the doctor.

Can anemia cause death?

Mostly, no. People don't die often from being anemic. However, if you are seriously lacking your vitamins, then yes, possibly. As long as you're taking medication for it I think you'll be okay. I'm a vegetarian, have been for six years now, I'm anemic and they said my case is really bad, but I'm still alive due to medicine.