Women health


 What causes low blood count

Introduction

Anemia is a disorder in which there are insufficient healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to your body's tissues. Anemia, commonly known as low hemoglobin, can cause fatigue and weakness.

There really are numerous types of anemia, each with its own unique reason. Anemia can be mild to severe, and it can be transitory or chronic. Anemia is usually caused by a combination of factors. Consult your doctor if you feel you have anemia. It can be a sign of serious sickness.

Managements for anemia range from taking supplements to having medical treatments, depending on the cause. Some types of anemia may be prevented by eating a healthy, diversified diet.

Common Types

  1. Anemia of Aplastic Anemia
  2. Anemia due to iron deficiency
  3. Sickle cell disease
  4. Thalassemia
  5. Anemia due to vitamin insufficiency

The Symptoms

The clinical signs of anemia differ depending on the cause and severity of the anemia. You may have no symptoms depending on the reason of your anemia.

If common symptoms do arise, they may include:

  1. Fatigue
  2. Weakness
  3. Skin that is pale or yellowish
  4. Heartbeat irregularities
  5. Breathing difficulty
  6. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  7. Chest ache
  8. Hands and feet are frosty.
  9. Headaches

Anemia can become so mild at first that you don't even realize it. However, symptoms worsen when anemia worsens.

When should you see a doctor?

If you're feeling tired and also don't know why make an appointment with your doctor.

There are many causes of fatigue other than anemia, so don't assume that if you're tired, you're anemic. Whenever they donate blood, some people discover that their hemoglobin is low, indicating anemia. Make an appointment with a doctor if you're informed you can't donate due to insufficient hemoglobin.

The Causes

Anemia can be caused by a disorder that is present at birth (congenital) or by a condition that you develop (acquired). Anemia happens when your blood lacks sufficient red blood cells.

This can occur if:

  1. Your body produces insufficient red blood cells.
  2. When you bleed, you lose red blood cells faster than they can be replenished.
  3. Red blood cells are destroyed by your body.

What are the functions of red blood cells?

White blood cells combat infection, platelets help your blood clot, and red blood cells transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body & carbon dioxide from of the body back to the lungs.

Hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red hue, is found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin allows red blood cells to transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and carbon dioxide from other areas of your body to your lungs for exhalation.

The majority of blood cells, including red blood cells, are created on a regular basis in your bone marrow, which is a spongy material located within the cavities of many of your large bones. Your body requires iron, vitamin B-12, folate, and other nutrients from of the foods you eat to form hemoglobin and red blood cells.

Anemia Causes

The reasons for various forms of anemia vary. They are as follows:

Anemia due to iron deficiency This is the most prevalent type of anemia and is caused by a lack of iron in your body. Iron is required by your bone marrow to produce hemoglobin. Your body cannot make enough hemoglobin for red blood cells if you do not consume enough iron.

This kind of anemia develops in so many pregnant women who do not take iron supplements. It is also caused by blood loss, such as from heavy monthly bleeding; an ulcer in the stomach or small bowel; cancer of the large bowel; or regular use of various over-the-counter pain medicines, particularly aspirin, that can cause stomach lining irritation and blood loss. To prevent a repeat of anemia, it is critical to determine the source of the iron deficit.

Anemia due to vitamin insufficiency. In addition to iron, your body requires folate and vitamin B-12 to build enough healthy red blood cells. A diet low in these and other essential nutrients can result in diminished red blood cell formation. Some people who consume enough B-12 are unable to absorb it. This can result in vitamin deficiency anemia, commonly known as pernicious anemia.

Inflammatory anemia Certain disorders Cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, renal illness, Crohn's disease, and other acute or chronic inflammatory conditions can all interfere with the generation of red blood cells.

Aplastic anemia this unusual and potentially fatal anemia happens when your body does not make enough red blood cells. Infections, some medications, autoimmune illnesses, and exposure to hazardous substances are all causes of aplastic anemia.

Anemias are caused by bone marrow disorders. Anemia can be caused by a number of disorders that impact blood production in your bone marrow, such as leukemia and myelofibrosis. The symptoms of various cancers & cancer-like illnesses range from minor to life-threatening.

Anemias due to hemolysis When red blood cells are destroyed quicker than bone marrow can replace them, anemia occurs. Certain blood illnesses cause an increase in the death of red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia can be inherited or developed later in life.

Sickle cell disease. Hemolytic anemia is indeed an inherited and potentially fatal illness. A faulty type of hemoglobin causes red blood cells to form an aberrant crescent (sickle) shape. The abnormal blood cells die prematurely, leading in a persistent red blood cell deficit.

Prevention

Most types of anemia are incurable. However, iron deficiency anemia & vitamin deficiency anemia can be avoided by eating a diet rich in minerals and vitamins such as:

Iron-based. Beef and other meats, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, and dried fruit are all high in iron.

Folate. This nutrient, as well as its synthetic version folic acid, can be found in fruits and juices, dark green leafy vegetables, green peas, kidney beans, peanuts, and enriched grain products such as bread, cereal, pasta, and rice.

B-12 vitamin Meat, dairy products, fortified cereals, and soy products are all high in vitamin B-12.

Vitamin C Citrus fruits and juices, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, melons, and strawberries are all high in vitamin C. These also aid in iron absorption.

Whether you're worried about obtaining enough minerals and vitamins from meals, talk to your doctor about taking a multivitamin.

 

 

 

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