Anemia Introduction

NAME: KHAN SHAHANA ABDUL SAMAD
PRN NO. : 2015017003080722

CENTRE NO. : 35254
T.Y.BSC. MLT
TOPIC: ANEMIA
ANEMIA- INTRODUCTION
 Anemia happens when the number of healthy red blood cells in

your body is too low. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all of the
body’s tissues, so a low red blood cell count indicates that
the amount of oxygen in your blood is lower than it should be.
Many of the symptoms of anemia are caused by decreased
oxygen delivery to the body’s vital tissues and organs.
ANEMIA- DISEASE
 Anemia is a decrease in the total amount of red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin in the blood,[3][4] or
a lowered ability of the blood to carry oxygen.[5] When anemia comes on slowly, the symptoms are
often vague and may include feeling tired, weakness, shortness of breath or a poor ability to
exercise.[1] Anemia that comes on quickly often has greater symptoms, which may include
confusion, feeling like one is going to pass out, loss of consciousness, or increased thirst.[1] Anemia
must be significant before a person becomes noticeably pale.[1] Additional symptoms may occur
depending on the underlying cause.[1]
 The three main types of anemia are due to blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, and
increased red blood cell breakdown.[1] Causes of blood loss include trauma and gastrointestinal
bleeding, among others.[1] Causes of decreased production include iron deficiency, a lack of vitamin
B12, thalassemia, and a number of neoplasms of the bone marrow.[1]Causes of increased
breakdown include a number of genetic conditions such as sickle cell anemia, infections
like malaria, and certain autoimmune diseases.[1] It can also be classified based on the size of red
blood cells and amount of hemoglobin in each cell.[1] If the cells are small, it is microcytic
anemia.[1] If they are large, it is macrocytic anemia while if they are normal sized, it is normocytic
anemia.[1] Diagnosis in men is based on a hemoglobin of less than 130 to 140 g/L (13 to 14 g/dL),
while in women, it must be less than 120 to 130 g/L (12 to 13 g/dL).[1][6] Further testing is then
required to determine the cause.
ANEMIA- DISEASE
 Certain groups of individuals, such as pregnant women, benefit from the use of iron pills for
prevention.[1][7] Dietary supplementation, without determining the specific cause, is not
recommended.[1] The use of blood transfusions is typically based on a person's signs and
symptoms.[1] In those without symptoms, they are not recommended unless hemoglobin levels are
less than 60 to 80 g/L (6 to 8 g/dL).[1][8] These recommendations may also apply to some people with
acute bleeding.[1]Erythropoiesis-stimulating medications are only recommended in those with severe
anemia.[8]
 Anemia is the most common blood disorder, affecting about a third of the global population.[1][2] Iron-
deficiency anemia affects nearly 1 billion people.[9] In 2013, anemia due to iron deficiency resulted in
about 183,000 deaths – down from 213,000 deaths in 1990.[10] It is more common in women than
men,[9] during pregnancy, and in children and the elderly.[1] Anemia increases costs of medical care
and lowers a person's productivity through a decreased ability to work.[6] The name is derived
from Ancient Greek: ἀναιμία anaimia, meaning "lack of blood", from ἀν- an-, "not" and αἷμα haima,
"blood"
CAUSES
 Dietary iron, vitamin B-12, and folate are essential for red blood
cells to mature in the body. Normally, 0.8 to 1 percent of the
body’s red blood cells are replaced every day, and the average
lifespan for red cells is 100 to 120 days. In general, any
process that has a negative effect on this balance between red
blood cell production and destruction can cause anemia.
SYMPTOMS
 People with anemia appear pale and may often complain of

being cold. They may also have lightheadedness or dizziness,
especially when they are active or standing up. Some people
with anemia have unusual cravings such as wanting to eat ice,
clay, or dirt. They often complain of feeling tired and have
problems with constipation and concentration. Some anemias
can cause inflammation of the tongue, resulting in a smooth,
glossy, red, and often painful tongue.
TYPES
 Iron deficiency anemia: Iron deficiency
anemia is the most common form of
anemia. It occurs when your iron levels are
too low.
 Vitamin deficiency anemia: Your body also
needs vitamin B12 and folate in order to
produce enough red blood cells. Anemia
due to vitamin B12 deficiency is
called pernicious anemia and usually
occurs when the body is not able to
absorb vitamin B12 properly or due to
intestinal problems.
 Sickle cell anemia: This type of anemia is
due to a problem with hemoglobin that
causes red blood cells to have an
abnormal crescent shape. The body
destroys these cells quickly and new red
blood cells cannot be made fast enough.
TYPES
 Hemolytic anemia: This is due to red blood
cells being destroyed faster than the bone
marrow can produce new ones. The reason
for the premature death of red blood cells
may be due to the red blood cells themselves
(inherited) or because of outside factors.
 Aplastic anemia: This is a rare type of anemia
in which the bone marrow decreases its
production of all types of blood cells
(including red blood cells, white blood cells,
and platelets). The cause is uncertain but it
may be due to an autoimmune disorder, a
viral infection, cancer treatments, or exposure
to toxic chemicals.
 Anemia of chronic disease: There are many
chronic diseases that can disrupt the body's
ability to produce red blood cells. Examples
include HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis,
Crohn's disease, and kidney diseases.
EFFECTS
 Having anemia involves much more than just feeling a little tired
throughout the day. Possible complications of anemia are heart
and lung problems because of the additional strain put on these
organs when there isn’t enough iron in the body. More specifically,
an abnormal heartbeat known as tachycardia may occur, as well
as heart failure following a failure to treat severe iron deficiency
anemia. Other complications of anemia that isn’t treated are
heart attack, arrhythmia, and angina.
DIAGNOSIS
 To diagnose anemia, your doctor may ask you about

your medical and family history, perform a physical
exam, and run the following tests: Complete blood count
(CBC). ... For anemia your doctor will be interested in the
levels of the red blood cells contained in the blood
(hematocrit) and the hemoglobin in your blood.
TREATMENT
 Iron deficiency anemia. Treatment for this form of anemia usually
involves taking iron supplements and making changes to your diet.
 If the underlying cause of iron deficiency is loss of blood — other than
from menstruation — the source of the bleeding must be located and
stopped. This may involve surgery.
 Vitamin deficiency anemias. Treatment for folic acid and B-12
deficiency involves dietary supplements and increasing these
nutrients in your diet.
 If your digestive system has trouble absorbing vitamin B-12 from the
food you eat, you may need vitamin B-12 shots. At first, you may
receive the shots every other day. Eventually, you'll need shots just
once a month, which may continue for life, depending on your
situation.
TREATMENT
 Anemia of chronic disease. There's no specific treatment for
this type of anemia. Doctors focus on treating the underlying
disease. If symptoms become severe, a blood transfusion or
injections of synthetic erythropoietin, a hormone normally
produced by your kidneys, may help stimulate red blood cell
production and ease fatigue.
 Aplastic anemia. Treatment for this anemia may include
blood transfusions to boost levels of red blood cells. You may
need a bone marrow transplant if your bone marrow is
diseased and can't make healthy blood cells.
 Anemias associated with bone marrow disease. Treatment of
these various diseases can include medication,
chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation.
TREATMENT
 Hemolytic anemias. Managing hemolytic anemias includes avoiding suspect
medications, treating related infections and taking drugs that suppress your
immune system, which may be attacking your red blood cells.
 Depending on the severity of your anemia, a blood transfusion or
plasmapheresis may be necessary. Plasmapheresis is a type of blood-
filtering procedure. In certain cases, removal of the spleen can be helpful.
 Sickle cell anemia. Treatment for this anemia may include the
administration of oxygen, pain-relieving drugs, and oral and intravenous
fluids to reduce pain and prevent complications. Doctors also may
recommend blood transfusions, folic acid supplements and antibiotics.
 A bone marrow transplant may be an effective treatment in some
circumstances. A cancer drug called hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea) also is
used to treat sickle cell anemia.
 Thalassemia. This anemia may be treated with blood transfusions, folic acid
supplements, medication, removal of the spleen (splenectomy), or a blood
and bone marrow stem cell transplant.
DIET
 If the anemia is caused by nutritional deficiencies, a change to an iron-rich diet can

help alleviate the symptoms. The following foods are high in iron:
 iron-fortified cereals and breads
 dark-green leafy vegetables, for instance, curly kale and watercress
 pulses and beans
 brown rice
 white and red meats
 nuts and seeds
 fish
 tofu
 eggs
 dried fruits, including apricots, raisins, and prunes
RISK FACTORS
 Anemia can occur in people of all ages and race, both males and females. However,
certain factors increase the risk.
 These include:
 menstruation
 pregnancy and childbirth
 being born preterm
 being aged 1 to 2 years
 having a diet that is low in vitamins, mineral, and iron
 losing blood from surgery or injury
 long-term or serious illness, such as AIDs, diabetes, kidney disease,
cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, heart failure, and liver disease
 family history of inherited anemias, such as sickle cell anemia
 intestinal disorders-affects absorption of nutrients

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NAME: KHAN SHAHANA ABDUL SAMAD

PRN NO. : 2015017003080722

 Anemia happens when the number of healthy red blood cells in

 People with anemia appear pale and may often complain of

 To diagnose anemia, your doctor may ask you about

 If the anemia is caused by nutritional deficiencies, a change to an iron-rich diet can

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