Eshealthtips.com – You may not realize it, but you are at risk of dangerous anemia levels if your hemoglobin level is lower than normal. A low hemoglobin level can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, intestinal disorders, chronic diseases, and infections. People most at risk of anemia are women during their menstrual cycle, people with chronic diseases, and the elderly. Most people have no idea they have dangerous anemia levels until they undergo a blood test.
Occurs If One Mechanism Is Disrupted
Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow by a variety of mechanisms, including nutrients, cytokines, erythroid-specific GF, and EPO. Red blood cells have a lifespan of about 110 days, and about 1% of them are removed every day. These processes balance RBC production and destruction in the body, so dangerous anemia levels can result when either of these mechanisms is disrupted.
Some common symptoms of dangerous anemia include weakness, headaches, irritability, and fatigue. In some cases, gastrointestinal bleeding may be a sign of anemia, and a fecal occult blood test may indicate other diseases. Rarely, a bone marrow biopsy may be necessary to diagnose severe cases of anemia. However, most cases of anemia are treatable with proper treatment. If your child is suffering from anemia, the best option is to see a doctor right away and avoid any treatments that may make the symptoms worse.
A hemoglobin level of less than 6.5 gm/dL is considered life-threatening. There are several factors involved in determining the proper blood transfusion dosage for the individual patient. A low hemoglobin level may be the result of an internal bleed, or it may be the result of gradual degradation of hemoglobin levels. Some patients may benefit from one unit of blood, while others may need two. A blood transfusion can be costly and may not be necessary.
Reduction of Red Blood Cells The First Symptoms of Anemia
A reduction of red blood cells (RBCs) is the first symptom of anemia. Anemia may develop even when a hemoglobin level is above the normal range. Some cancer treatments can affect the bone marrow, which makes red blood cells. These red blood cells have a limited lifespan, and your body replaces them constantly. However, certain diseases or treatments can speed up this process. As a result, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible.
Anemia is often mistaken for a common illness. However, women can develop dangerous anemia during pregnancy. In fact, iron-deficiency anemia can lead to premature delivery and low birth weight. Pregnant women often take iron pills to ensure their iron levels are not too low. Iron-rich foods that contain the B vitamin may also help prevent pregnancy-related anemia. A healthy diet with plenty of iron-rich foods will keep anemia from affecting a woman’s baby.
If your blood test shows a dangerous level of anemia, you should seek medical attention. EPO and other medications, known as Epogen, and Procrit, can correct iron and vitamin deficiencies. Your doctor may also prescribe a blood transfusion if necessary, but this should only be considered a last resort. To avoid the high hemoglobin levels associated with pregnancy, you should try to quit smoking. You should also try to eat foods high in iron and vitamin C.
The prognosis for anemia is generally good. It depends on the cause of the anemia, the severity of the anemia, and the patient’s overall health. There is no cure for anemia, but the good news is that it is treatable in many cases. If you are at risk of developing anemia, your doctor can prescribe a course of treatment that can help you achieve the goal of being cancer-free.
There are many causes of anemia. Treatment options for anemia depend on the underlying causes and are usually managed in an outpatient setting. If the cause of the anemia is unclear, an interprofessional team can help. Anemia management may vary from simple to complex, and the primary care physician may need the help of a gynecologist, hematologist, or gastroenterologist. If there is a complication, a referral to a specialist should be sought.
Iron-deficient anemia is also caused by a poor diet. Iron absorption is poor in people with recent gastrointestinal surgery, heavy menstrual periods, or ongoing bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Overuse of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is another factor. Some medications can also cause iron-deficiency anemia. People with chronic diseases may have dangerous anemia levels as a side effect of medication.
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