Test your blood for anemia
Red blood cells and hemoglobin oxygenation
What Is Anemia?
Anemia is a condition where there is an abnormally low number of red blood cells circulating in the body. It is the most common disorder of the red blood cells, affecting about 3.5 million Malaysian.
Anemia is not a disease. It is a condition that results from below-normal levels of hemoglobin, in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the iron-containing pigment of the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.
There are many different kinds of anemia, each with its own cause. For example, a poor diet can cause anemia. The more severe types of this condition are often inherited.
Why Does Anemia Occur?
To understand why anemia occurs, it's important to understand the function of blood itself. Blood is a mixture of plasma (the fluid part of the blood) and cells. Its red color comes from the predominant cells found in the blood, called erythrocytes.
A healthy person has about 5 million red cells in every cubic millimeter of blood. Each cell contains a protein (hemoglobin) that carries oxygen through the body.
If the red blood cells fail to effectively transport oxygen throughout the body, anemia can result.
Facts About Anemia
The word anemia is Greek for "without blood."
Anemia is a common problem for menstruating women because their iron supplies are depleted monthly.
In young children, marrow in all the bones produces red blood cells. As a person ages, red blood cells are eventually produced only in the marrow of the spine, ribs, and pelvis.
The life span of a red blood cell is between 90 and 120 days.
Old red blood cells are removed from the blood by the liver and spleen, and the iron is returned to the bone marrow to make new cells.
What Causes Anemia?
There are three general causes of anemia:
· Decreased red cell production by the bone marrow
· Increased red cell destruction, or hemolysis
· Blood loss from heavy menstrual periods or internal bleeding
When you're anemic, your body either produces too few healthy red blood cells, or destroys them faster than they can be replaced or loses too many of them. If your diet lacks certain vitamins and minerals, the production of hemoglobin can slow down.
Types of anemia caused by decreases in red cell production include:
· Iron deficiency anemia
· Vitamin deficient anemia
If something in the body destroys or attacks red blood cells, the bone marrow tries to produce more blood. If the destruction of red blood cells is rapid, the marrow can't catch up. This problem is often inherited. The resulting anemia is called hemolytic anemia.
A healthy person whose diet contains plenty of iron and vitamins can produce large amounts of new blood, reducing the risk of anemia.
What Are The Symptoms Of Anemia?
A person with anemia will feel tired and weak because the body's tissues are being starved of oxygen. In fact, fatigue is the main symptom of most types of anemia. The severity of symptoms is in part related to the severity of anemia. Mild anemia can occur without symptoms and may be detected only during a medical exam that includes a blood test.
Symptoms of anemia include:
· Fatigue
· Weakness
· Fainting
· Breathlessness
· Heart palpitations (rapid or irregular beating)
· Dizziness
· Headache
· Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
· Difficulty sleeping
· Difficulty concentrating
Common signs include:
· Pale complexion
· The normally red lining of the mouth and eyelids fades in color
· Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
· Abnormal menstruation (either absence of periods or increased bleeding)
· Other signs depend on the cause of the anemia. These can include spoon-shaped finger nails and toenails in iron-deficiency anemia, mild jaundice in hemolytic anemias, and leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia .
The Different Kinds Of Anemia
There are different kinds of anemia. Some forms of this condition are inherited, while others are brought on by poor nutrition.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
The body needs iron to produce the hemoglobin necessary for red blood cell production. In general, most people need just 1 milligram of iron daily. Menstruating women need double that dose.
Vitamin Deficiency Anemias
Vitamin B-12 is also essential in hemoglobin production. Normally, a chemical secreted by the stomach helps the body absorbs this vitamin. However, some people can't readily absorb B-12. The result is B-12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).
A lack of folic acid, another one of the B vitamins, can also lead to anemia. Folic acid deficiency is a particular problem for alcoholics.
Hemolytic Anemias
Anemia caused by the premature destruction of red blood cells is known as hemolytic anemia. In this type of anemia, antibodies produced by the immune system damage red blood cells.
Toxic materials such as lead, copper, and benzene can also cause the destruction of red blood cells. Blood transfusions may be necessary for some people with this kind of anemia.
Hemolytic anemia can be acquired or inherited.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is also known as Hemoglobin S disease. This is a serious, life-threatening inherited form of anemia. Persons with this disease have sickle-shaped red blood cells that are stiff and unable to squeeze through blood vessels.
Persons with this disease often suffer from pain in the joints and bones. Infections and heart failure can also occur.
Thalassemia
This is a group of anemias due to the defects in the genes producing hemoglobin. It is most common in people of Mediterranean descent.
Aplastic Anemia
This is one of the deadliest and most rare forms of anemia. Only two to six people per million have this type of anemia. The condition results from an unexplained failure of the bone marrow to produce all types of blood cells.
How Is Anemia Diagnosed?
Anemia can be detected by a simple blood test. Most causes can be diagnosed by analysis of blood samples and by examination of the blood cells under a microscope.
A complete blood count test is always performed. The red blood cells and their iron-bearing protein, hemoglobin, are measured. The percentage of red blood cells in the blood is called a hematocrit.
A blood smear will determine the size, shape, and color of the blood cells. The shape of the red blood cells can be distorted in many blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia is suspected when the red cells are low in number and unusually small. Measuring the amount of iron and its associated proteins in the blood can confirm this diagnosis.
How Is Anemia Treated?
The treatment for anemia depends on the type and cause.
Iron deficiency anemia is treated with iron (ferrous sulphate) supplements, initially taken three times a day. If nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation occur, the medication may be taken with a little bit of food.
Treatment should be continued for three to six months in order for the body to fully replenish its iron supply. As long as excessive bleeding is not present and there are no other complicating factors, the anemia will be corrected within a few weeks. However, if the iron deficiency is caused by blood loss that is not due to menstruation, the source of bleeding must be found and stopped.
.
Pernicious anemia, or vitamin B-12 deficiency, is treated by a life-long course of intramuscular injections of B-12. Persons with this type of anemia receive a shot of B-12 several times a week when first diagnosed. The treatment may continue for life, with one shot about four times a year.
Folic acid deficiency anemia can be corrected by taking folic acid supplements once a day.
Hereditary hemolytic anemias, such as thalassemia is treated by first eliminating any existing infections and avoiding medications that suppress the body's immune system. These medications may attack red blood cells. In addition, persons with these types of anemia may require regular blood transfusions.
Sickle cell anemia patients may be given oxygen, oral and intravenous fluids and pain-killing drugs to reduce pain and prevent complications. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed as well. Sufferers will need blood transfusions when the anemia becomes severe.
Need To Know:
Most cases of anemia are mild. Without treatment, however, serious problems can occur, since the reduction in red blood cells decreases the ability to absorb oxygen from the lungs.
You should never self-diagnose yourself with anemia. The symptoms of fatigue and weakness can be the result of many other diseases. If you suspect you have anemia, contact your doctor.
Herbs that can help to reduce the impact of anemia on your body
Our product is Iron folic Tea® formulated from the best herbs contains voluble Iron and folic acid and B vitamin all together
What Is Anemia?
Anemia is a condition where there is an abnormally low number of red blood cells circulating in the body. It is the most common disorder of the red blood cells, affecting about 3.5 million Malaysian.
Anemia is not a disease. It is a condition that results from below-normal levels of hemoglobin, in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the iron-containing pigment of the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.
There are many different kinds of anemia, each with its own cause. For example, a poor diet can cause anemia. The more severe types of this condition are often inherited.
Why Does Anemia Occur?
To understand why anemia occurs, it's important to understand the function of blood itself. Blood is a mixture of plasma (the fluid part of the blood) and cells. Its red color comes from the predominant cells found in the blood, called erythrocytes.
A healthy person has about 5 million red cells in every cubic millimeter of blood. Each cell contains a protein (hemoglobin) that carries oxygen through the body.
If the red blood cells fail to effectively transport oxygen throughout the body, anemia can result.
Facts About Anemia
The word anemia is Greek for "without blood."
Anemia is a common problem for menstruating women because their iron supplies are depleted monthly.
In young children, marrow in all the bones produces red blood cells. As a person ages, red blood cells are eventually produced only in the marrow of the spine, ribs, and pelvis.
The life span of a red blood cell is between 90 and 120 days.
Old red blood cells are removed from the blood by the liver and spleen, and the iron is returned to the bone marrow to make new cells.
What Causes Anemia?
There are three general causes of anemia:
· Decreased red cell production by the bone marrow
· Increased red cell destruction, or hemolysis
· Blood loss from heavy menstrual periods or internal bleeding
When you're anemic, your body either produces too few healthy red blood cells, or destroys them faster than they can be replaced or loses too many of them. If your diet lacks certain vitamins and minerals, the production of hemoglobin can slow down.
Types of anemia caused by decreases in red cell production include:
· Iron deficiency anemia
· Vitamin deficient anemia
If something in the body destroys or attacks red blood cells, the bone marrow tries to produce more blood. If the destruction of red blood cells is rapid, the marrow can't catch up. This problem is often inherited. The resulting anemia is called hemolytic anemia.
A healthy person whose diet contains plenty of iron and vitamins can produce large amounts of new blood, reducing the risk of anemia.
What Are The Symptoms Of Anemia?
A person with anemia will feel tired and weak because the body's tissues are being starved of oxygen. In fact, fatigue is the main symptom of most types of anemia. The severity of symptoms is in part related to the severity of anemia. Mild anemia can occur without symptoms and may be detected only during a medical exam that includes a blood test.
Symptoms of anemia include:
· Fatigue
· Weakness
· Fainting
· Breathlessness
· Heart palpitations (rapid or irregular beating)
· Dizziness
· Headache
· Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
· Difficulty sleeping
· Difficulty concentrating
Common signs include:
· Pale complexion
· The normally red lining of the mouth and eyelids fades in color
· Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
· Abnormal menstruation (either absence of periods or increased bleeding)
· Other signs depend on the cause of the anemia. These can include spoon-shaped finger nails and toenails in iron-deficiency anemia, mild jaundice in hemolytic anemias, and leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia .
The Different Kinds Of Anemia
There are different kinds of anemia. Some forms of this condition are inherited, while others are brought on by poor nutrition.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
The body needs iron to produce the hemoglobin necessary for red blood cell production. In general, most people need just 1 milligram of iron daily. Menstruating women need double that dose.
Vitamin Deficiency Anemias
Vitamin B-12 is also essential in hemoglobin production. Normally, a chemical secreted by the stomach helps the body absorbs this vitamin. However, some people can't readily absorb B-12. The result is B-12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).
A lack of folic acid, another one of the B vitamins, can also lead to anemia. Folic acid deficiency is a particular problem for alcoholics.
Hemolytic Anemias
Anemia caused by the premature destruction of red blood cells is known as hemolytic anemia. In this type of anemia, antibodies produced by the immune system damage red blood cells.
Toxic materials such as lead, copper, and benzene can also cause the destruction of red blood cells. Blood transfusions may be necessary for some people with this kind of anemia.
Hemolytic anemia can be acquired or inherited.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is also known as Hemoglobin S disease. This is a serious, life-threatening inherited form of anemia. Persons with this disease have sickle-shaped red blood cells that are stiff and unable to squeeze through blood vessels.
Persons with this disease often suffer from pain in the joints and bones. Infections and heart failure can also occur.
Thalassemia
This is a group of anemias due to the defects in the genes producing hemoglobin. It is most common in people of Mediterranean descent.
Aplastic Anemia
This is one of the deadliest and most rare forms of anemia. Only two to six people per million have this type of anemia. The condition results from an unexplained failure of the bone marrow to produce all types of blood cells.
How Is Anemia Diagnosed?
Anemia can be detected by a simple blood test. Most causes can be diagnosed by analysis of blood samples and by examination of the blood cells under a microscope.
A complete blood count test is always performed. The red blood cells and their iron-bearing protein, hemoglobin, are measured. The percentage of red blood cells in the blood is called a hematocrit.
A blood smear will determine the size, shape, and color of the blood cells. The shape of the red blood cells can be distorted in many blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia is suspected when the red cells are low in number and unusually small. Measuring the amount of iron and its associated proteins in the blood can confirm this diagnosis.
How Is Anemia Treated?
The treatment for anemia depends on the type and cause.
Iron deficiency anemia is treated with iron (ferrous sulphate) supplements, initially taken three times a day. If nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation occur, the medication may be taken with a little bit of food.
Treatment should be continued for three to six months in order for the body to fully replenish its iron supply. As long as excessive bleeding is not present and there are no other complicating factors, the anemia will be corrected within a few weeks. However, if the iron deficiency is caused by blood loss that is not due to menstruation, the source of bleeding must be found and stopped.
.
Pernicious anemia, or vitamin B-12 deficiency, is treated by a life-long course of intramuscular injections of B-12. Persons with this type of anemia receive a shot of B-12 several times a week when first diagnosed. The treatment may continue for life, with one shot about four times a year.
Folic acid deficiency anemia can be corrected by taking folic acid supplements once a day.
Hereditary hemolytic anemias, such as thalassemia is treated by first eliminating any existing infections and avoiding medications that suppress the body's immune system. These medications may attack red blood cells. In addition, persons with these types of anemia may require regular blood transfusions.
Sickle cell anemia patients may be given oxygen, oral and intravenous fluids and pain-killing drugs to reduce pain and prevent complications. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed as well. Sufferers will need blood transfusions when the anemia becomes severe.
Need To Know:
Most cases of anemia are mild. Without treatment, however, serious problems can occur, since the reduction in red blood cells decreases the ability to absorb oxygen from the lungs.
You should never self-diagnose yourself with anemia. The symptoms of fatigue and weakness can be the result of many other diseases. If you suspect you have anemia, contact your doctor.
Herbs that can help to reduce the impact of anemia on your body
Our product is Iron folic Tea® formulated from the best herbs contains voluble Iron and folic acid and B vitamin all together
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