There are three types of cells in our blood:
1-Red blood cells, 2-White blood cells, 3-Thrombocytes. These cells are made in the bone marrow and released into the circulation. White blood cells are elements related to the immune system. Platelets enable blood clotting. These are the structures that first stop bleeding when we are cut. Red blood cells are cells that carry oxygen to the remotest corners of the body through capillaries. It does this through the substance called hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color.
Anemia is not a single disease!
It is a common finding that occurs due to many different diseases. When this situation occurs, problems arise in meeting the body's oxygen needs. Weakness and fatigue occur, pallor appears. The body tries to send more blood to the tissues to compensate for the deficiency. Therefore, the heart has to pump more blood, the heart rate increases and palpitations occur.
Iron deficiency anemia is most common.
It is usually seen in women. Iron deficiency may also occur during pregnancy and growing children due to increased need. Iron deficiency in men most often occurs due to hidden bleeding in the gastrointestinal system. These bleedings that occur unconsciously; It may be due to diseases such as gastritis, ulcer, polyp and hemorrhoids. However, the most serious disease is colon cancer. Therefore, if an adult man has iron deficiency, he should be examined for colon cancer.
Oral iron pills are given in the treatment. Iron pills should be taken on an empty stomach or with meat. Vitamin C increases absorption. For this reason, drinking orange juice and taking vitamin C tablets with iron allows anemia to be cured more quickly. Since drinks such as milk and tea impair iron absorption, iron pills should be swallowed at least two hours after taking such foods, and no other food other than meat and orange juice should be consumed for at least one hour after taking the pill to allow iron absorption. Sometimes anemia may not improve despite iron treatment. There may be two main reasons for this: First, the iron given is not enough because blood loss continues. The second reason is the malabsorption of the given iron in the digestive system. Iron treatment if malabsorption is detected It should be done intravenously.
Mediterranean anemia: A hereditary disease.
Another common cause of anemia is Mediterranean anemia, that is, thalassemia. Beta thalassemia carrier status is not uncommon in our country and Cyprus. A detailed examination makes it easy to distinguish between iron deficiency and Mediterranean anemia carrier status. Since Mediterranean anemia carrier is a congenital disease, if there are blood levels from previous years, these should be reviewed. Low hemoglobin levels from years ago raise suspicion of being a carrier of Mediterranean anemia. Of course, we should not ignore patients with iron deficiency anemia that has recurred over the years and has not been fully treated. Another important point is that since it is a hereditary disease, the same situation applies to the mothers, fathers or relatives of Mediterranean anemia carriers. These people should also be investigated.
Anemia, which can sometimes be confused with iron deficiency, may also occur in some chronic diseases that progress with inflammation, such as rheumatic diseases, connective tissue disorders, brucellosis and tuberculosis.
Vitamin B 12 deficiency: Vegetarians should be careful. !
Another disease in which anemia is frequently seen is vitamin B 12 deficiency. This vitamin is a substance required for DNA synthesis of dividing cells in the human body, especially bone marrow cells. It is not synthesized in the body and is taken externally with food. Vitamin B 12, which reaches the digestive system, cannot be absorbed directly. Especially the blood cells in the bone marrow are destroyed early and anemia occurs.
Vitamin B 12 deficiency is a treatable disease. For this purpose, vitamin B 12 is administered externally through the muscles. B 12 injections are given every day in the first days when the deficiency is detected. It is then applied once a week. After a few applications, vitamin B 12 must be administered once a month for life. Deficiency of another B vitamin called folic acid also causes anemia similar to B12 deficiency. It may occur in cases where we do not get enough of this vitamin from food or when the need increases. In treatment, folic acid pills are given orally.
All these conditions are disorders related to the production of blood cells. Also, all blood cells are destroyed rapidly. There are situations where one of the important reasons is the size of the spleen. Spleen enlargement can be seen in a wide variety of diseases. It does not necessarily have to be a blood disease. A number of conditions, from liver diseases to infections, can cause this.
As can be seen, a person whose anemia has been going on for a long time must be examined in detail and treated according to the underlying disease.
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