1. Signs and Symptoms of Anemia
Often, mild anemia goes unnoticed, but identifying the early symptoms of the condition can allow for early treatment, preventing the anemia from worsening. Anemia occurs when red blood cells (RBC) or the hemoglobin on RBC are below normal levels. Anemia prevents the needed amount of oxygen from reaching tissues throughout the body. Symptoms of anemia are: Weakness, pale skin, fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, cognitive problems, numbness or coldness in your extremities and headaches. Noticing symptoms and seeking early treatment can maintain or return normal health to organs and tissues, and improve how you feel.
2. Catching Anemia Early
Pregnant women and new moms are more prone to iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) because of the blood volume increases during pregnancy and blood-loss following pregnancy. Anemia in pregnancy limits the amount of oxygen reaching the developing baby's organs, sometimes causing stunted growth. Testing periodically during pregnancy can identify anemia before the baby's health is impacted by anemia. People with chronic diseases, such as cancer, kidney disease and intestinal disorders, are also at risk for anemia. Both chronic diseases and their treatments can cause anemia. If you are pregnant, have recently given birth or have a chronic disease, testing for anemia and seeking early treatment can prevent further complications and improve your body's ability to maintain health.
3. Determining Your Type of Anemia
There are more than 400 types of anemia and each of them has different symptoms and characteristics. Determining your particular type of anemia relies on lab-test results, medical and family history and a list of symptoms. Family and medical history can be particularly helpful if your type of anemia is genetic or chronic-disease related. Once you and your physician have determined your type of anemia, your medical team can look for the underlying cause of your anemia.
4. Uncovering the Cause of Your Anemia for Effective Treatment
Getting to the root cause of your anemia will help you and your doctor decide on the best course of treatment. Three factors cause anemia: (1) blood loss, (2) when the body does not produce enough RBC, and (3) when the body removes too many RBC from the blood. Blood loss primarily occurs in pregnancy/childbirth, surgery, intestinal infection and heavy menstrual periods. Low RBC production anemia results from a poor diet or different diseases impacting the body's ability to make new blood cells. Several different diseases, including some autoimmune disorders, destroy high amounts of RBC. The most effective anemia treatment will target the specific cause of your anemia.
5. Treatments for Most Types of Anemia
Treatment for anemia works by improving the ability of RBC to carry oxygen. Oxygen on RBC is carried to tissues throughout the body for normal tissue growth and function. Blood needs several vitamins and nutrients to carry proper amounts of oxygen. Including more foods rich in iron, vitamin C, folate and vitamin B-12 can effectively treat many types of anemia. Some simple medications or supplements can also treat most types of anemia with few to no side effects.
