Anemia – Causes and Cure

Anemia is a condition where the number or quality of red blood cells is compromised. A person with anemia has fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen around his body or the the red blood cells have a lower than normal level of hemoglobin, which is a component of red blood cells that absorbs and distributes oxygen throughout the body. Anemia is not classified as a disease in itself and is usually a symptom of some other disorder or condition.

There are three broad groups of causes for anemia:
1. Loss of blood volume due to bleeding.
2. Failure to produce sufficient red blood cells.
3. Red blood cells that are produced being destroyed.

The treatment of anemia would differ depending on the underlying cause. Therefore it is vital to properly diagnose the trigger for the anemia. Common causes include:

Internal bleeding from an ulcer or other internal injury. Certain forms of cancer such as bowel cancer may lead to internal bleeding. Therefore any suspicion of internal bleeding needs to receive prompt medical attention.

Loss of blood due to particularly heavy menstruation may also cause anemia in women.

Unbalanced diet – A diet deficient in iron, which is a vital ingredient of hemoglobin could contribute to anemia. Even where diet is adequate some individuals may suffer from conditions which prevent proper absorption of nutrients and consequently become anemic.

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, so defects or disorders of bone marrow, including cancer or infections can compromise red blood cell production leading to anemia.

Certain auto-immune diseases may cause the body to attack its own red blood cells and thereby lead to anemia.

Other diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, sickle cell disease and septicemia are also known to cause anemia. Alcohol and certain medications (especially those used on a long term basis) may also affect the level of red blood cells in the body.

As stated anemia affects the body’s capacity to distribute oxygen around the body as a result some symptoms would be:

- Paleness – This can often be noticed more markedly in the mucous membranes and pits of the fingernails;
- Fatigue and weakness;
- Breathlessness;
- Recurring and frequent headaches;
- Inability to concentrate;
- Dizziness especially when standing up;
- Rapid heart beat or palpitations.

Certain groups of people are more susceptible to anemia than others. These include:

- Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding;
- Women with heavy menstruation;
- Vegetarians. Meat is a common source of iron. Hence, vegetarians may suffer iron deficiency if their diet is deficient in other forms of iron rich food;
- People with cancer or on long term medications;
- Adolescents going through puberty.

Diagnosis of the condition is closely liked with the cause of the anemia and usually may involve:

- Physical examination and observation of symptoms;
- Blood tests to determine blood count;
- Colonoscopy or endoscopy if internal bleeding is suspected;
- Urine exams to detect blood in urine;
- Stool tests to detect invisible blood in stools;
- Bone marrow biopsy if bone marrow defects or disorders are suspected.

Treatment of course will depend on the underlying cause of the anemia. Common remedies would include:

- Vitamin B12 or iron injections or supplements where dietary considerations are identified as the cause. However, iron supplements should be taken with caution as too much could lead to poisoning;
- Antibiotics where infection is to blame;
- Surgery to stop internal bleeding;
- Where medication is to blame dosages may be varied or substituted with other drugs;
- Blood transfusions.

Long term prognosis is very much dependent on the cause of anemia. Some types of anemia such as those resulting from dietary deficiency respond well and quickly to remedial action while others may be more persistent. Given that anemia may be a symptom of something very much more sinister it is important that it is dealt with and monitored in a timely manner.