Anemia

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of anemia often starts with discussing the symptoms with a doctor. He or she may conduct a physical examination and assessment of family and medical history. To aide in the diagnosis, several tests may be required:

• Complete blood count (CBC): This a blood test that requires a healthcare provider take a blood sample and sends it to a lab for analysis. A CBC analyzes and counts the blood cells.

The doctor would most likely be focused on the levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood to diagnose anemia. Normal hemoglobin levels for men range from 13.2 to 16.6 grams per deciliter, while women’s levels range from 11.6 to 15 grams per deciliter. For hematocrit readings, normal value for adult men ranges between 38.3% and 48.6%, while women’s values range between 35.5% and 44.9%.

The normal ranges for CBC may vary slightly depending on factors such as smoking and being at a high altitude may increase the number. People who participate in excessive physical exercise, are pregnant, or are older may have lower numbers.

• Peripheral blood smear test: This test reveals the appearance of the red blood cells and platelets under a microscope. It will show changes in the size and form of the blood cells and platelets that may indicate a blood illness or malignancy. It can determine variations in the amount and count of the blood cells and platelets. Changes in blood cell and platelet counts may indicate that something is wrong with the bone marrow, which is responsible for the production of red blood cells and platelets.

Anemia can sometimes be diagnosed by studying a sample of the bone marrow. The doctor may prescribe additional tests to identify the cause of the anemia.

Treatment

Anemia may be treated according to its underlying cause. Common treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, blood transfusion and surgery.

• Iron deficiency anemia: Prescribed iron supplements that are taken orally or administered through a vein is the common treatment for this type of anemia. If iron deficit is caused by blood loss other than periods, the source of the bleeding must be identified and stopped.

Most cases of iron deficiency anemia may require a change in diet.

• Vitamin deficiency anemias: Dietary supplements are used to treat folic acid and vitamin C deficiencies. The doctor may require eating foods rich with these nutrients as part of the treatment plan.

If the vitamin B-12 in the food that consume isn’t being properly absorbed by the digestive system then vitamin B-12 shots may be required. Shots may be administered every other day. In time, patient may only need injections once a month, or maybe for life, depending on the condition.

• Anemia of a chronic disease: Severe cases of this type of anemia may need a blood transfusion or injections of erythropoietin, a synthetic hormone ordinarily produced by the kidneys. It may help promote red blood cell formation and relieve exhaustion. This form of anemia has no specific treatment. Doctors concentrate on curing the underlying disorder that is causing the anemia.
• Aplastic anemia: A bone marrow transplant and blood transfusions are the common treatments for aplastic anemia. A blood transfusion is given to replace red blood cells and platelets that may be too low.

In a bone marrow transplant, the patient receives healthy stem cells to replace the damaged bone marrow. This will enable the body to make new red blood cells.

• Anemias associated with bone marrow disease: Medication, chemotherapy, or stem cell transplant can be used to treat these certain disorders.
• Hemolytic anemias: Removing questionable medications, treating infections, and taking medication that inhibit the immune system, which may be attacking the red blood cells, are all part of managing hemolytic anemia. Generally, healthcare providers will focus on treating the cause of the anemia. Severe hemolytic anemia usually necessitates continuing treatment.
• Sickle cell anemia: A cancer medication known as hydroxyurea is used to treat sickle cell anemia. Blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, and antibiotics may also be recommended by doctors. To ease discomfort and avoid complications, treatment may include oxygen, oral and intravenous fluids, and pain reliever medications.
• Thalassemia: Blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, medication, spleen resection, or a blood and bone marrow stem cell transplant are usually required for more severe cases of thalassemia. Thalassemia ranging from no symptoms to mild usually does not require any medical intervention.