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Anemia
Anemia is the most common blood disorder, and is defined as having a low count of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body. When the blood is unable to provide enough oxygen, it often leads to feeling weak or fatigued. There are several subcategories of anemia, but there are three classifications:
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Microcytic anemia: This type of anemia has red blood cells, don't have enough hemoglobin, resulting in smaller-than-normal red blood cells.
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Normocytic anemia: This type of anemia is typically accompanied by a chronic disease, and results in not having enough red blood cells to meet the body's needs.
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Macrocytic anemia: This type occurs when bone marrow creates larger-than-normal blood cells.
1
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors to anemia, such as: a diet lacking the proper vitamins and minerals, problems with small intestine, having a menstrual period, pregnancy, chronic conditions, family history, and age.
2
Symptoms
The possible symptoms of anemia include: tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeat, dizziness or lightheartedness, chest pain, cold hands and feet.
3
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose anemia, your provider might have you undergo blood tests to check red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or mean corpuscular volume (MCV) count. Or they might have you undergo bone marrow tests to ensure the bone marrow is healthy and creating a normal amount of red blood cells. However, please note your healthcare provider might order more exams to ensure they are accurately finding the cause of the anemia.
4
Treatment
Treatment is directed at the cause of the anemia, and can vary from being prescribed supplements or medications. In more severe cases, you may require a blood transfusion, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, or surgery.
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Prevention
The main ways to prevent anemia include changing your diet to include food rich in iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and vitamin C as it helps absorb iron, and taking supplements as instructed by your healthcare provider.