Anemia

You may have heard of people who have to get vitamin B12 shots because of a condition called pernicious anemia. What is this, how is it different from other anemia, and what are the symptoms?

Pernicious anemia is a deficiency of the B12 vitamin. Vitamins do not provide nutrition to the body on their own, rather they work with food or other elements in the body such as bacterias and enzymes to help the body work properly. Their absorption is also affected by other substances in the body, some that are already there, and some that people may ingest. In order to absorb vitamin B12, the body uses a substance called intrinsic factor, which is produced by the stomach. Some people’s bodies either do not produce intrinsic factor at all, or they do not produce enough to effectively process vitamin B12 taken through food sources (like milk) or oral supplements.

Older people may suffer from pernicious anemia even if they did not have it earlier in life, because as we age, our bodies produce less intrinsic factor. Also, more women than men suffer from it. People with pernicious anemia have to receive B12 by injection, because this form does not require combination with intrinsic factor to be absorbed by the body. People can also suffer from B12 deficiency unrelated to intrinsic factor problems, and this is called macrocytic anemia. It can be caused by poor diet, alcoholism, or metabolic disorders.

Symptoms of pernicious anemia include fatigue, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. While these symptoms fit a large range of maladies, people with pernicious anemia may also exhibit the Babinski reflex. When you stroke the bottom of the foot, the big toe flexes up and the other toes fan out. It is a reflex present in newborns and usually disappears by the age of 2, as the nervous system matures. When the reflex exists in older people, it can be a sign of nerve damage. It can be inherited, and is rarely diagnosed until age 30. All anemia is characterized by lower than normal numbers of red blood cells. There are several different types of anemia with different causes.

Common anemias you may be familiar with are anemia caused by iron deficiency, and sickle cell anemia, where red blood cells are sickle, or crescent moon shaped and can stick together, causing fatigue and other symptoms. In pernicious anemia, patients have a low red blood cell count, but the red blood cells they do have are abnormally large, and their white blood cells have abnormally large nuclei. Further tests for antibodies against intrinsic factor can be performed to make a diagnosis of pernicious anemia.

By Linda Polansky

Labels: anemia, anemia causes, anemia symptoms, anemia treatment, iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, what anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a lifelong, chronic disease that affects over 72,000 people in the United States. In most cases, there are not continual symptoms but periodic painful attacks. It can also weaken the immune system and cause other complications such as strokes. People with sickle cell anemia also typically have a shortened life span. There is no cure for this disease but treatment options are available.

It is essential to seek a consultation with a medical profession if symptoms of this disease are present. Even if a person is not currently experiencing pain or symptoms, continual treatment is necessary. Treatment will help reduce the frequency of episodes and delay the time in between them. Children with this disease are often hospitalized and given intravenous antibiotics. These help prevent bacterial infections commonly seen in children. They also generally continue to take oral antibiotics until they are five years old.

Advances in science are producing newer drugs to help combat symptoms, but the drug hydroxyurea is the most commonly prescribed. There have been indications that this drug may increase the risk of acquiring leukemia but no concrete evidence to this effect is yet to be shown. There are also common side effects to this drug such as painful urination and back pain.

Treatment for pain is necessary for people with this disease. Those experiencing mild, short lived episodes may be prescribed a variety of non-narcotic pain medications. However, acute pain may require use of narcotic drugs to help control it. These are valuable in lessening symptoms and leading a more comfortable life, but they can be addictive.

It is also important to maintain health with proper diet and exercise. In addition to a well balanced diet, a regular exercise routine should be implemented. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises are helpful to reduce stress and can also be used as pain relief. Ensure adequate bed rest and a good night’s sleep.

Blood transfusions are often implemented to increase the quantity of normal red blood cells. These treatments can be performed regularly with low risk. In more extreme cases a bone marrow transplant may be recommended. However, this is rarely used due to the high risk and low probability of finding a suitable donor.

Continual treatment and monitoring of this disease is essential in keeping complications at bay. Although this disease generally lowers life expectancy, with proper treatment most people suffering from this disease can lead full lives. Over the past thirty years, there has been an increase in the life expectancy for people suffering from sickle cell anemia.

By Gray Rollins

Labels: anemia, anemia aplastic, anemia causes, anemia symptoms, anemia treatment, aplastic anemia, ferritina, iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle cell anemia, symptoms of anemia, what anemia

Anemia, though sounds a simple disease to have, could actually get fatal. It is therefore extremely important to identify anemic cases so that proper treatment can be done on time.

Anemia is a case where the blood of the patient lacks the normal level of RBC cells in it. It could also be caused due to a deficiency in iron which lowers the hemoglobin level of the RBC cells. Since these cells are the carriers of oxygen in the body, lack of RBCs or weak RBCs can actually lead to starvation of the whole body from oxygen.

Anemia can be traced to a number of causes and several different types. However, the most important and persistent cause of the disease remains the intake of an unbalanced diet that lacks in iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin C that helps the body to absorb iron.

Normocytic anemia is caused when the hemoglobin level of the body falls, without any change in the RBC level. Such cases can offer when the body loses a large amount of blood or there is a failure in the red bone marrow or when the body is suffering from a major and chronic disease. Failure in synthesis of hemoglobin or insufficiency of iron in the body can cause Microcytic anemia. The RBCs in this case are a lot paler in color and shrink to an abnormal size.

Megalosblastic anemia occurs due to a failure of DNA synthesis with the synthesis of RNA in the patient’s body restricting the division of the progenitor cells. Megaloblastic anemia and non-megaloblastic macrocytic anemia together form a group, called macrocytic anemia. Often Heinz bodies which may include some prescribed drugs could lead to RBCs in the body taking an abnormal shape and thus causing Heinz body anemia.

Symptoms of anemia, though vague can subtly be observed as the following:

-Excessive restlessness and easy tiring out of the body

-Fatigue due to insufficient oxygen supply throughout the body

-Increased pulse rate

-Difficulties in breathing

-Lack in concentration

Treatment of anemia is a lot tougher than it may seem, especially when the cause is the lack of iron in the body. The treatment should be done keeping in mind the cause of the disease. In acute cases, blood transfusion may be necessary to save an anemic patient. In some cases however, EPO can be injected in to the patient’s bloodstream. In fact, EPO treatments are found to reduce the need for blood transfusion to almost 50%.

Recently, some Ayurvedic herbal treatments of anemia are also being talked about. The proponents claim that patients might get considerable relief following some simple things like:

-Having bath with cold water twice a day

-Professional massages to flush out body toxins

-Practicing deep breathing exercises for ten minutes a day

-Practicing yoga and involving oneself in vibrant exercises

However, as we all know, prevention is better than cure, you should indulge yourself to a healthy diet. Even on noticing the slightest of symptoms, consult a doctor and investigate the cause so that a proper treatment regimen can be taken on time.

By James S. Pendergraft

Labels: anemia, anemia aplastic, anemia causes, anemia symptoms, anemia treatment, aplastic anemia, blood anemia, ferritina, iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle cell anemia, symptoms of anemia, what anemia

Anemia refers to condition where the body is deficient in iron content of the blood. Iron and protein are the two constituents of hemoglobin, and lack of iron rich diet leads to deficiency of hemoglobin and thereby, anemia. Anemic people witness weakness because lack of hemoglobin leads to improper circulation of oxygen to the various parts of body. Anemia leads to many problems like, rapid heartbeat, indigestion, restlessness, insomnia and many more. Therefore, this situation must be overcome as soon as possible.

The best thing is that the cure and control of anemia is not difficult and one can take care of it even at home. Taking bath in cold water for two times a day is very effective in controlling anemia. Keeping regularity in exercises and performing yoga like asanas, shavasanas are very helpful in maintaining good health and proper blood circulation.

A wonderful home remedy for anemia is daily intake of mix juice of beetroot and apple in equal quantities along with sugar or honey. In fact, beetroot must be included in the regular diet of an anemic patient as it has rich content of iron. Green leafy vegetables that are rich in folic acid, iron and vitamin B12 are highly recommended, such as spinach, lettuce, celery, and broccoli.

Intake of fresh and green vegetables ensures a sure relief from the problem of anemia, and it is in any way preferred more than medicines. Amongst fruits, apple is recommended after each meal for its rich iron content. Figs and citrus fruits like lemons, oranges etc are very helpful when eaten in large quantity. Black grapes, strawberries, onions, carrots, tomatoes, plums and raisins are very effective in healing anemia. Ripe banana with honey has been considered very useful in providing energy, and should be generally taken twice a day. In fact, honey taken in any form is ideal for anemic patient because of its high content of iron, manganese and copper. Soya beans and almonds are also effective in anemic condition, as these also help in synthesis of hemoglobin due to its iron content. All healthy and iron rich foods are effective in combating anemia. Pulses, whole grain cereals, dry dates and nuts are also amongst the recommended food for the home remedies for anemia.

You may also want to try these treatments:

• Boil water in a small pot and add parsley leaves. Drink several times daily to make you feel better.

• Eat lots of apples every day for more energy. You can cook the apples or eat them fresh.

• Mash 1 banana and mix with 1 tablespoon of honey, eat daily.

• Drink tomato juice.

• Eat a lot of lettuce to treat anemia; add lettuce to your salad or sandwich.

• Drink white cabbage juice daily to help you feel better and get more energy.

• Drink beetroot juice mixed with apple juice and honey to treat anemia.

• Eat spinach daily to make you stronger and help you fight the anemia naturally.

• Mix egg yolk with honey and eat one teaspoon every morning.

• Eat many almonds.

The home remedies might take longer duration to cure the problem of anemia, but is sure to cure it from root and is beneficial in the long run.

By David Klein

Labels: anemia, anemia aplastic, anemia falciforme, anemia symptoms, anemia treatment, ferritina, hemolytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, remedies, sickle cell anemia, symptoms of anemia

First Home Remedies for Anemia: Consume a ripe banana among one tablespoon of honey two times a day.

Second Home Remedies for Anemia: Sweets ready by mixing sesame (til) seeds in syrup prepared of jaggery should be consumed. The outer husk of til seed contains a plenty of iron, and therefore, it should not be removed while making sweets.

Some other Home Remedies for Anemia:

# Consume plenty of dark green leafy vegetables. They are more excellent sources of iron.

# Soak 10 currants during the night. Take away seeds and have for three to four weeks and have first thing in the sunrise.

# Prepare a decoction among one teaspoon of liquorice (‘Mulhati’) powder and water and swallow two times a day with some honey.

# One Cup of beetroot juice and one cup of apple juice combine with either sugar or honey one time a day.

# Half to one teaspoon of the tincture of Yellow dock root three times everyday, or half to one teaspoon of take out of Dandelion leaf and or root or two capsules two times on a daily basis, or consume Dandelion greens in your salads.

# Together with sugarcane juice and apples in your diet is also very supportive in anemia.

# Try to make a food in iron pots; it is confirmed that doing it can considerably raises the quantity of iron in your foods.

# Raisins among sugar or honey consumed two times a day, which is effective cures anemia.

# Honey is very excellent for an anemic person because it helps boost the hemoglobin in the blood. It is wealthy in iron, manganese and copper.

# Combine gooseberry (amla) juice and honey to sugarcane juice and swallow on a daily basis to ward off anemia.

# The juice of sour grapes is an extra more successful home remedy for anorexia. The juice of these grapes should be used in kneading the flour earlier than making chapattis. Chapattis made in this method should be eaten always for two to three weeks.

# Make confident you are consumption plenty of iron wealthy food, such as, dried fruits, bran flake, oysters, brown rice, liver, green leafy vegetable, beets, lentils and molasses, raisins, prunes; breads and pastas ready from whole grain flour.

# Take one teaspoon of the crush of the dried out root of banana with milk two times a day every day.

# Stays away from drinking tea, coffee and ingesting antacids, because they reduce iron absorption.

# Prepare a combination by adding one tablespoon poppy seeds, one teaspoon edible gum, 1 teaspoon cardamom powder, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (jaiphal) powder, and two tablespoon sugar, and break up to a powder. Take this powder every two hours.

# Due to the iron well-off content of fig (Anjeer), it is supreme to contain it in ones diet in anemia.

# During the pregnancy it's very essential to take the proper vitamins that will help you and as well as your baby to be healthy.

# Prepare a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper powder and drink it. This is a very helpful home cure for weakness.

# The fruit and leaves of Ash Gourd (‘petha’) are dried up and make a powdered. One teaspoon of this powder is taken on a daily basis with one glass of buttermilk.

By Dr.Jenny Hobson

Labels: anemia, anemia aplastic, anemia falciforme, anemia symptoms, anemia treatment, aplastic anemia, ferritina, hemolytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle cell anemia, symptoms of anemia

Anemia is a blood disorder that is created when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells. These cells are the main transporters of oxygen to organs. If red blood cells are also deficient in hemoglobin, then your body is not getting enough iron.

Anemia is usually detected or at least confirmed by a complete blood cell (CBC) count. It is the common blood disorder. There are several kinds of anemia, produced by a variety of underlying causes. Anemia can be classified in a variety of ways, based on the morphology of RBCs. It is found in the person when the number of red blood cells in your blood is low. For this reason, doctors sometimes describe anemia as having a low blood count

Symptoms of anemia:

• Feeling of restless and loss of energy.

• Fatigue -- occur because organs aren't getting enough oxygen.

• Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise.

• Shortness of breath and headache in exercise also

• Difficulty in concentrating on something

Types & causes of Anemia

1) Macrocytic anemia: Macrocytic anemia can be further divided into "megaloblastic anemia" or "non-megaloblastic macrocytic anemia". The cause of megaloblastic anemia is primarily a failure of DNA synthesis with preserved RNA synthesis, which result in restricted cell division of the progenitor cells.

2) Microcytic anemia: Microcytic anemia caused due to hemoglobin synthesis failure or insufficiency .Iron deficiency anemia is the common type of anemia so it has many causes. RBCs often appear hypochromic (paler than usual) and microcytic (smaller than usual) when viewed with a microscope

3) Normocytic anemia :Normocytic anaemia causes when the overall Hb levels are decreased, but the red blood cell size (MCV) remains normal. Causes include:

• Accurate blood loss

• Anemia of chronic disease

• Bone marrow failure Aplastic anemia

• Hemolytic anemia

4) Heinz body anemia: Heinz bodies are an abnormality that forms on the cells in this condition. This form of anemia may be brought on by taking certain medications; it is also triggered in cats by eating onions or acetaminophen (Tylenol). It can be triggered in dogs by ingesting onions or zinc and in horses by ingesting dry Red Maple leaves.

There are more than 400 types of anemia found in the medical science, which are divided into 3 groups

• Anemia caused by decreased or faulty red blood cell production

• Anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells

• Anemia caused by blood loss

5) Dimorphic anemia : When two causes of anemia act simultaneously, e.g., macrocytic hypochromic due to hookworminfestation leading to deficiency of both iron and vitamin B12or folic acid or following a blood transfusion more than one abnormality of red cell indices may be seen

Treatments of Anemia

To over come the problem of anemia,

1) A proper diet including green vegetables is must

2) Consult with doctor or physician to diagnose the type of anemia and treatment options

3) Take proper nourishments, vitamins and nutritional supplements - Iron, B12 or folic acid

4) Infections treatment , inflammations or malignancies

5) Blood transfusions provides red blood cell transfusions for bleeding and/or severe chronic anemias can save the life of a person.

6) Red cell transfusions are the old mainstay, which offers the quickest relief for anemias provided proper consultation should be taken as several risks are associated with transfusion.

By Manika Batta

Labels: anemia, anemia aplastic, anemia falciforme, anemia symptoms, aplastic anemia, ferritina, hemolytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle cell anemia

To increase awareness of one type of anemia that has a concentrated number of suffers in one community of Americans, we focus in on sickle cell anemia; the symptoms of anemia; some practical types for creating an anemia diet and other anemia treatments to consider.

This month is sickle cell anemia awareness month, and for those who don’t know, its time to get familiar with this lifelong syndrome affecting thousands. Anemia, meaning a lower than average red blood cell count, makes you tired, causes pain, and makes it harder to get things done: your oxygen is more infrequently replenished that in a body housing healthy red blood cells. Health red blood cells are donut shaped. Sickle cells are moon shaped, and its their shape that makes then move more slowly and sometimes get stuck in your tubes.

Tiny but important, blood cells are essential to the running of your body. Sickle cell anemia is passed through the genes. If your parents have it, you have a high chance of having it too. African Americans carry the disease to the degree of one in 12. It doesn’t mean one in 12 have the disease, but it does mean that if two in 24 get together, they could make children who have the problem. With good medication, and nutrition, a sickle cell anemic can live quite well, but with more awareness and screening, cases will be discovered earlier and preventative action put in place from the start.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sickle cell anemia are irritating (literally), but can all be overlooked without care. Anemia symptoms (sickle cell) include fatigue, joint and abdominal pain, irritability, yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, leg sores, gum disease, frequent respiratory infections. People with sickle cell anemia might end up with further anemia symptoms later on in life: blindness, and periods of prolonged, sometimes painful erections in males. People with sickle cell anemia can have anemia symptoms of severe pain in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen that may be accompanied by fever, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

Dietary habits help

People with sickle cell anemia suffer from many nutrient deficiencies, but preliminary research on dietary habits shows that food and nutrient intake by sickle cell patients in general meets or exceeds recommendations and is not significantly different from healthy controls.1 2 3 This suggests the higher rate of nutrient deficiencies may be due to an increased need for many nutrients in sickle cell patients. The effectiveness of dietary interventions in supplying adequate nutrition to meet these higher demands has not been examined. Health care practitioners typically advise people with sickle cell anemia to avoid high altitudes, to maintain an adequate fluid intake, and to receive vaccinations. Occasionally bone marrow transplants are recommended.

By Lac Tran

Labels: anemia, anemia aplastic, anemia falciforme, anemia hemolytic, anemia pernicious, aplastic anemia, ferritina, hemolytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle cell anemia, talasemia