Blood is a vital fluid of human origin and its production is possible only by the human body. In order for this fluid, which can be called the fluid of life, to be produced in a healthy way in a balance and order, the vitamins and minerals in its structure must be taken into the body in sufficient quantities. This is only possible with a healthy and balanced diet. Due to the lack of a healthy and balanced diet or various diseases in the body, there may be insufficiency of micronutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, which contribute to the structure of the blood and prevent anemia. In this case, the development of the table called anemia becomes inevitable. Anemia makes it difficult to perform daily functions in the body and manifests itself by causing some symptoms in the body. If not noticed or treated in time, more serious health problems can occur.
What are the Causes of Anemia?
The body needs a certain level of iron element for blood production and people should consume foods containing iron in their daily diet. As a result of iron deficiency, blood production begins to slow down day by day. As a result, iron deficiency anemia occurs. In addition to iron, there are types of vitamin deficiency anemia.
B12 deficiency and folic acid deficiency anemia can be given as examples. As a result of some diseases, the absorption of these vitamins and iron from the intestines may decrease. Inflammatory diseases such as colon cancer lead to unwanted bleeding in the body. As a result, anemia may occur due to iron loss.
In normal situations, the human body is suitable for blood donation every 3 months. Because the body renews itself in a 3-month period and brings the body's blood level to normal levels. Blood donations made regardless of these processes and the body's blood rate can also lead to anemia. Frequent blood tests are also among the causes of anemia, especially in newborn babies and children. In order to replace the lost blood, it is more important than ever to get enough iron in the body during these periods. There is a possibility of anemia due to blood loss in a heavy and long operation. Some hereditary conditions may also cause anemia. Mediterranean Anemia is a type of anemia disease that is transmitted together with genes.
What are the Symptoms of Anemia?
Anemia can be graded as mild or severe. It is not always possible to encounter any symptoms in patients with mild or moderate anemia. However, in cases where the severity of anemia increases, some obvious symptoms occur and the patient's condition may worsen accordingly.
If these symptoms occur, treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. Otherwise, life-threatening complications may develop in the patient. The nails of bloodless individuals are generally more fragile and unhealthy. Cracks may appear around the mouth and in some parts of the body. The patient's skin color gradually becomes pale. It may even be seen that the tongue hurts and swells from time to time.
There is a possibility that chest pain may occur in daily activities. Even in the hot summer months, people with anemia have colder hands and feet. In addition, there is a possibility of problems such as lack of concentration and inability to focus. Dizziness is frequently seen in the later stages due to insufficient amount of oxygen. This causes difficulty in performing even daily activities other than sports activities. Restless legs syndrome is possible, especially at night, due to muscle pain. Headache begins to appear frequently in the bloodless patient. Although the patient does not change his diet, he may become weak and shortness of breath accompanies it.
How to Diagnose Anemia?
Blood tests are frequently among the blood tests. Count values allow the determination of values such as hemoglobin and erythrocytes and are sufficient for the diagnosis of anemia. However, in some cases, the doctor may order different tests in addition to this. The doctor may ask about the patient's medical history and symptoms. A physical examination is required for a more precise diagnosis. During this examination, it is checked whether there is bleeding in any part of the body. Tongue and nails can be examined.
Heart can be monitored to see if the heartbeat is fast or irregular, and the lungs can also be listened to to determine whether breathing is normal. Abdominal examination may be done to check if the spleen is of normal size. In addition to these, stool samples can be taken to investigate gastrointestinal system diseases that can cause anemia, and whether there is blood in the stool can be examined. If blood is detected in the stool, additional endoscopic applications or some other tests may be requested. Colonoscopy may also be performed to examine conditions such as bleeding, colonic mucosal growth, or colon cancer.
How to Treat Anemia?
Treatment of anemia is determined according to the severity of the disease. Iron, B12 and folic acid supplements can be made to eliminate anemia in the beginning or intermediate stages. These supplements can be in the form of pills taken orally, or they can be administered by injection. Iron supplementation in pregnant women is carried out according to the doctor's recommendation. In some cases, the supplements that every patient can take are also recommended for pregnant women, while in some cases different drugs should be used. Getting too much iron in the body can damage other organs. In addition to iron, some patients may also experience anemia as a result of B12 or folic acid deficiency. In these patients, B12 or folic acid supplementation is applied in the same way.
In some serious cases, it is used as replacement therapy. A blood supplement may be required. As a result, there are many treatment methods for anemia, which has many types, and these treatments are carried out according to the type of anemia and the doctor's recommendations. Mostly, the treatments are completed successfully and the patient continues to lead the rest of his life normally.
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