Anemia is the most common blood disorder. It affects approximately 25% of the world population.

Human blood has red blood cells that have haemoglobins (an iron rich protein) whose function is to attach oxygen to themselves and carry it to cells and tissues of the whole body. A person is anemic if he/she does not have enough red blood cells or their RBCs do not function properly.

A person can become anemic due to the following reasons:

Body is not making enough red blood cells

Excess bleeding can result in losing blood more quickly than they can be replaced

Body is destroying red blood cells

Some common types of anemia are:

Iron-deficiency anemia: It is the most common type of anemia which happens due to deficiency of iron in your body.

Vitamin deficiency anemia: This anemia happens due to low levels of vitamin B-12 or folic acid.

Pregnancy related anemia: A lot of iron is required for the baby during pregnancy and a blood is also lost during childbirth if the child bearing woman doesn't take enough iron in diet it can lead to pregnancy related anemia.

Aplastic anemia: This is a rare type of anemia which happens because bone marrow stops making enough blood cells. Order medicines online from 3MEDS, the best online pharmacy.

Sickle cell anemia: It is a genetic disorder which causes the RBCs to be in irregular shape due to which it is unable to carry oxygen.

When you are anemic the oxygen level of your body is low which may cause these symptoms to happen:

Weakness: This happens because oxygen plays an important role in generating energy in our body.

Shortness of breath: The body tries to inhale more oxygen in the body.

Dizziness: Anemic person can often feel dizziness due to weakness.

Irregular heartbeat: This is due to the person’s body trying to intake more oxygen.

Headache: This is another result of weakness and fatigue.

Cold hands and feet: Lack of oxygen leads to lesser energy production in our body, further leading to cold hands and feet.

Pale and yellow skin: Lack or iron can make your body pale and yellow.

Chest pain: This happens due to irregular functioning of the heart.

Complications that can be caused by anemia if left untreated:

Fatigue: Severe anemia can make you very tired that you would not be able to do even the everyday task.

Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women with anemia are likely to have complications in giving birth.

Heart problems: Anemia forces your heart to pump more blood to make up for the lack of oxygen which can lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure.

Death: Sickle cell anemia can be a life threatening disease.

Treatment of anemia depends on the type of anemia the patient has:

Iron deficiency anemia: This type of anemia can be treated with change in diet to iron rich food and taking iron supplements.

Vitamin deficiency anemia: This type of anemia is treated by increasing the deficit vitamin in diet and taking supplements for it.

Aplastic anemia: This type of anemia is treated by blood transfusions and/or bone marrow transplant.

Sickle cell anemia: This type of anemia is treated using several methods such as giving oxygen artificially, pain relievers, fluids to reduce pain, blood transfusions, folic acid supplements and antibiotics. Buy medicines online in India from 3MEDS and get your medicines at your doorsteps.

Though most types of anemia cannot be prevented, iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia can be avoided by eating iron and vitamin rich diet.

Iron: Iron is the main component of red blood cells. Some iron rich foods are- meat, beans, green leafy vegetables, dry fruits.

Folic acid: This can be found in Fruits, fruit juices, green leafy vegetables, kidney beans, peanuts etc.

Vitamin B-12- This vitamin can be found in meat, dairy products, soy products ect.

Vitamin C- Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, chillies etc.

The most common type of anemia i.e. iron/ vitamin deficiency anemia are preventable with proper diet. Risks involved with other kinds of anemia can be reduced by early diagnosis. Women are at more risk of being anemic due to menstruation and childbirth so menstruating women should take extra care of iron and vitamins content in their diet. If you feel continuously tired without doing much then you should probably see a doctor.

July 22, 2020