Anemia is a condition in which there is reduced concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a reddish- brown substance in the red blood cells. That transports oxygen to different organs and tissues of the body. Good supply of oxygen is vital for the normal functioning of the organs and tissues. Anemia is the most common sign you find in the people of developing countries due to improper and malnourished diet.
Anemia has wide spread effects on the body. It is estimated 60 to 80% of pregnant women and 50% of children in India are anemic.
Causes of anemia:
1. Nutritional anemia: it is the most common type which is due to a deficiency of iron, folic acid, vitamin B 12, vitamin C are vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in the diet.
2. Anemia due to blood loss or excessive destruction of red blood cells:
This may occur due to injuries, Hookworm infestation, Excessive bleeding during menstruation, Ulcers, Piles, Thalassaemia and sickle cell Anemia (genetic conditions).
3. Anemia due to failure of bone marrow to produce red blood cells. This may be caused by drugs such as, chloranphenicol and anti-cancer drugs.
4. Anemia is also seen in chronic conditions: Such as –
1. Kidney diseases
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
3. Chronic infections
4. Cancer.
Signs and symptoms of Anemia:
1. Headache
2. Dizziness
3. Fatigue
4. Breathlessness
5. Palpitation
6. Chest pain
7. Pallor in the inner surface of the lower eyelids, tongue and nail beds
8. Increased heart rate
9. Swelling of the ankles and feet
10 swelling of the whole body (occasionally)
11. Changes in the appearance of the nails.
Diagnostic tests:
Blood test for hemoglobin is to be done. Depending upon Hb the treatment is given.
Treatment for anaemia:
1. Food:
Iron is better observed from animal foods than vegetarian foods. Green leafy vegetables, cereals, egg yolk, meat and fish, milk and milk products are good sources of iron and folic acid. Vitamin B12 is formed by micro-organisms in the soil, water and intestines of animals. (It is not present in plants). Meat, lever, fish, egg yolk, milk and milk products are good sources of vitamin B 12.
2. Drugs: Ferrous sulphate and Folic acid containing preparations (drugs) are used for treating Anemia.
These drugs to be given for some more months after the Anemia are corrected, So as to replenish the body stores of iron. So treatment should be continued for 3 to 4 months. In pregnancy, women should receive iron and folic acid from the fourth month onwards and continued during lactation period at least for the first six months.
Iron preparations are available in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, and injections. Iron by injection is required only in cases where iron taken orally is not tolerated or cannot be observed.
Side effects of anti-anemia drugs: These are usually mild when taken orally compared to when they are given injection. The usual symptoms are:
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Constipation
5. Discomfort is pain in the abdomen.
These can be lessened or avoided by taking the drugs after food and by increasing the dose gradually. Some patients might pass black- colored stools, however it is harmless.
Allergic side – effects: may occur after iron is given by injection, which include, Chest pain, Difficulty in breathing, rapid fall in blood pressure. Prompt anti –allergic should be given. Vitamin C present in the fruits (amla, guavas, oranges and lemons), increases the absorption of iron, when taken with it.
