Anemia :-About, Symptoms, Test, Treatment and Diet.

Decrease number of red blood cells or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood called Anemia.
Anemia is a health condition when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells in your body.
Red blood cells are essential because they have a protein called hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from your lungs to your body.
Normal value of hemoglobin – in adult males is between 13.5-17.5 g/dL, while in adult females 12.0-15.5 g/dL. Hemoglobin levels below the normal range indicate Anemia.

Symptoms of Anemia

The symptoms of Anemia can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

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Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin
Headaches
yellowish Eyes
Weakness
Irregular heartbeat
Difficulty concentrating
Chest pain
Cold hands and feet

Types of Anemia

There are many types of Anemia, each with its causes and characteristics. Some of the most common types of Anemia include:

1. Sickle Cell Anemia: –Sickle cell Anemia is a genetic condition that affects the shape of red blood cells. Instead of being round, these cells are shaped like crescents, which can cause them to get stuck in blood vessels and reduce the flow of oxygen to the body’s tissues.
2. Iron-Deficiency Anemia: –. It occurs when body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin. This can be due to a poor diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, or an inability to absorb iron properly.
3. Hemolytic Anemia: – Hemolytic Anemia occurs when body destroys red blood cells faster than it can produce them. This can be due to a variety of factors, including inherited conditions, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
4. Aplastic Anemia: –Aplastic Anemia is a rare condition in which body stops producing enough red blood cells. This can be due to damage to the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing blood cells.
5. Vitamin Deficiency Anemia / Pernicious anemia: –Vitamin deficiency Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12 or folic acid, to produce enough red blood cells.
6. Microcytic anemia: red blood cells small in size and shape, due to low iron called Microcytic Anemia, which causes fatigue, treated with iron supplements.
7. Folate-deficiency anemia: when your body lacks enough folate, a type of vitamin B. It’s vital for making red blood cells and DNA.
8. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS): is a serious illness causing kidney problems, often due to infections, and can lead to anemia and low platelet levels.

Diagnostic tests for Anemia

Physical Examination: Doctor will examine the patient’s skin, eyes, and tongue for signs of pallor or jaundice. They will also listen to the patient’s heart and lungs for any abnormalities, such as a rapid heart rate or murmurs.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): In Anemia, the CBC will show a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
Peripheral Blood Smear: A peripheral blood smear is a microscopic examination of a drop of blood to evaluate the size, shape, and color of the red blood cells.
Iron Studies
Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels
Bone Marrow Examination

Treatment option for Anemia

Here are some common medications used to treat Anemia:

Iron supplements: Iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous gluconate can help increase the amount of iron in the body and improve red blood cell production.
Vitamin B12 supplements: treated with oral or injectable vitamin B12 supplements.
Folic acid supplements.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs): ESAs such as epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa can stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells.
Blood transfusions: In severe cases of Anemia, blood transfusions may be necessary to quickly increase the number of red blood cells in the body.

*It is important to note that medication names and dosages should always be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional after a thorough evaluation of the individual’s conditions.*

Healthy Diet for Anemia

Iron-rich foods:- Foods that are rich in iron include Raisins, Dates, Prunes, Pomegranates, Berries, Apples, red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, fortified cereals, and leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale.
Vitamin C foods:- Foods that are high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, melons, peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.
Folic acid foods:- Folic acid is essential for the production of red blood cells. Good sources of folic acid include leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, peas, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin B12 foods:- Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
Avoid caffeine and calcium-rich foods during meals: Calcium and caffeine can interfere with the absorption of iron, so it is best to avoid these foods during meals that contain iron-rich foods.

ICD-10 codes for types of anemia

The ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition) code for anemia is D64
Iron-deficiency anemia ICD-10 Code: D50
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia ICD-10 Code: D51
Folate-deficiency anemia ICD-10 Code: D52
Hemolytic anemia ICD-10 Code: D55-D59
Sickle cell anemia ICD-10 Code: D57
Thalassemia ICD-10 Codes: D56.0 (Thalassemia minor), D56.1 (Thalassemia major)
Aplastic anemia ICD-10 Code: D61
Pernicious anemia ICD-10 Code: D51.0
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome ICD-10 Code: D59.3
Fanconi anemia ICD-10 Code: D61.0

Commonly asked questions about anemia

q.1. What causes anemia?
Ans.- Anemia can be caused by various factors, including iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies (such as B12 or folic acid), chronic diseases, genetic conditions, and more.

Q.2. What are the risk factors for anemia?*
Ans.- Risk factors include a poor diet, chronic medical conditions, family history, certain medications, and pregnancy.

Q.3.Can anemia be hereditary?
Some types of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, are hereditary and passed down through genes.

Q.4. How long does it take to recover from anemia with treatment?
Ans.- Recovery time varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of anemia. Improvement may be seen within weeks to months.

Q.5. What are the 3 main causes of anemia?
Ans.- The three main causes of anemia are:

Iron deficiency (low iron levels)
Vitamin deficiency (especially B12 and folate)
Chronic diseases (such as kidney disease or inflammation)

Q.6. Why do people with anemia crave ice?
People with anemia crave ice due to a condition called “pica.” Low iron levels make them want to chew ice, a non-food item.

Q.7. How to treat anemia causes of heavy bleeding periods?
Ans.- Take Iron Supplements, Eat Iron-Rich Foods and vitamin C, Manage Heavy Bleeding, and Regular Check-Ups to treat anemia due to heavy bleeding periods.

Q.8.what is the most common cause of hemolytic anemia?
Ans.- The most common cause of hemolytic anemia is an inherited condition called “sickle cell disease.”

Q.9. What is microcytic anemia?
Ans.- Microcytic anemia is when red blood cells are too small in size. It’s often due to low iron levels, causing less hemoglobin in the blood.

**The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health doctor.**