Anemia

Anemia — is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the level of hemoglobin in the blood decreases, resulting in tissues receiving less oxygen.

It is not an independent disease, but a manifestation of disorders in metabolism, nutrition, or the functioning of internal organs.

Causes of Occurrence

The main causes of anemia:

• deficiency of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12 in the diet;
• blood loss (menstrual, gastrointestinal, after injuries);
• impaired absorption of iron due to intestinal diseases;
• increased destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic processes);
• decreased production of red blood cells due to bone marrow pathologies;
• prolonged inflammation or intoxication that blocks iron absorption.

Symptoms and Manifestations

In anemia, tissues suffer from a lack of oxygen, which manifests itself with the following signs:

• pallor of the skin and mucous membranes;
• weakness, fatigue, drowsiness;
• shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat during exertion;
• dizziness, ringing in the ears, darkening of vision;
• brittle nails, hair loss, dry skin;
• distortion of taste (desire to eat chalk, raw dough, ice);
• in women — menstrual cycle disturbances, in men — decreased potency.

Types of Anemia

The most common types are:

• iron deficiency anemia — due to lack of iron;
• B12 deficiency and folate deficiency — due to impaired hematopoiesis;
• hemolytic — due to destruction of red blood cells;
• aplastic — due to suppression of bone marrow function;
• post-hemorrhagic — due to blood loss.

Prevention and Treatment

Treatment of anemia is aimed at eliminating the cause and restoring normal hemoglobin levels:

• the diet should contain sufficient protein, iron, copper, vitamins B6, B9, B12, and C;
• it is important to regularly consume meat, liver, fish, eggs, greens, and vegetables;
• if necessary, iron supplements and B vitamins are prescribed;
• gastrointestinal diseases that hinder nutrient absorption should be treated;
• monitor ferritin and B12 levels in the blood, not just hemoglobin;
• in severe cases — blood transfusion or erythropoiesis stimulants.

The main prevention of anemia is a balanced diet with sufficient amounts of animal proteins and fats, avoiding prolonged vegetarian diets, and timely diagnosis of hidden blood losses.