When the body has a significantly lesser number of red blood cells, it causes anemia. Anemia is the most common type of blood disorder which is experienced by people around the globe. Symptoms could range from headaches and chest pains to pale and thin skin. Different types of anemia have different symptoms.
1. Facts on anemia
2. Treatment for anemia
There is a wide range of treatment for different types of anemia. All treatments aim to increase red blood cell count. As a result, it increases oxygen content in the blood.
Treatment depends on the cause and type of anemia:
Iron supplements are frequently given to patients with this type of anemia. However, if blood loss is the cause, the site of bleeding should be found and treated.
This anemia is due to a chronic and serious underlying condition. However, there are no treatments, but doctors focus on the cause.
Treatments include B12 shots and dietary supplements.
Treatment for thalassemia includes folic acid supplements, blood transfusion, spleen removal, or bone marrow transplant.
Aplastic anemia patients receive a blood transfusion and bone marrow transplant.
Treatment involves oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and pain relief. Antibiotics may be given to patients along with folic acid supplements as well as a blood transfusion.
Some medications worsen this patient. So, patients are suggested to avoid such medications and receive typical immunosuppressants for treatment. In case of infection, doctors prescribe necessary medications. In some cases, plasmapheresis (blood filtering) may be needed.
3. Diet to treat and prevent anemia
Some types of anemia are preventable. However, vitamin deficiency anemia and iron deficiency anemia are avoidable with the help of a nutritious diet containing all vitamins and vital nutrients.
Foods rich in iron, such as beef and some meats, lentils, beans, dark leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and iron-fortified cereals are rich sources of iron.
Foods like dairy products, soy products, and fortified cereals are rich in Vitamin B12
Citrus fruits are rich sources of vitamin C. They include oranges, lemons, and melons. Peppers, strawberries, broccoli and tomatoes are also excellent sources. Vitamin C increases iron absorption.
Folate is a synthetic folic acid, which is found in some fruits and fruit juices, kidney beans, dark leafy greens, peanuts, kidney beans, and some enriched products made of whole grains such as bread, pasta, rice, and cereals.
If you are concerned about vitamin deficiency, ask your doctor to give you a multivitamin supplement.
People with a family history of anemia, or inherited anemia like thalassemia or sickle cell anemia should consult a doctor and a genetic counselor for immediate treatment.