Normally when a person anemic, we say he lacks iron. However anemia can be basically considered as a condition that develops when the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are the main agent in transporting oxygen to the body. If these red blood cells incur deficiency in hemoglobin the body lacks sufficient oxygen. The normal level of hemoglobin in human body differs in males as well as females. In men the required hemoglobin level should be less than 13.5gram/100ml while in females the required hemoglobin level should be less than 12.0gram/200ml.
Anemia patients often incur fatigue as the organs don't get required oxygen. Anemia can be caused by any process that disrupts the normal life span of red blood cells. Red blood cells are generated in the bone marrow and have a lifespan of around 120 days. Anemia can be caused either by the decrease in production of red blood cells or hemoglobin or by the loss or destruction of blood. Hemoglobin is based on MCV which is basically regarded as the volume of individual red blood cells. If the MCV is below 80 the anemia is considered as microcytic anemia, if the MCV is around 80-100 the anemia is regarded as nomocytic anemia however if the MCV is above 100 the anemia is regarded as macrocytic anemia. Looking at each of the components of a complete blood count (CBC), especially the MCV, a physician can gather clues as what may be the most common reason for anemia.
Some patients incur no symptoms of anemia however some common symptoms include tiredness, fatigue, pale appearance, developing of palpitations, having short of breath, hair loss, malaise, worsening heart problems. In case of chronic anemia (long lasting anemia) the body gets use to the low oxygen levels, the individual feels sick only when the anemia becomes severe while in case of acute anemia (anemia that occurs rapidly) patients experience certain symptoms quickly.
Anemia is normally detected after the CBC (Complete Blood Cell) count. CBC test may be ordered by a physician as a part of routine general check-up and screening or based on clinical signs and symptoms that may suggest anemia or other blood abnormalities.
The treatment of anemia depends on causes and diagnosis. Thus the first stage in the treatment of anemia is includes the discovery of the cause, identification and correction. For instance anemia as a result of blood loss from a stomach ulcer should begin with medications to heal the ulcer. Likewise, surgery is often necessary to remove a colon cancer that is causing chronic blood loss and anemia.
Anemia is also a caused due to iron deficiency. Doctors may prescribe you with iron supplements in that case. Sometimes anemia may also call for blood transfusion. Vitamin B12 injections will be necessary for patients suffering from pernicious anemia or other causes of B12 deficiency In certain patients with bone marrow disease (or bone marrow damage from chemotherapy) or patients with kidney failure, epoetin alfa (Procrit, Epogen) may be used to stimulate bone marrow red blood cell production. If a medication is thought to be the culprit, then it should be discontinued under the direction of the prescribing doctor.
