HOW TO MANAGE ANAEMIA

A woman in her late 40s once presented herself in the hospital with features of extreme weakness, tiredness, headache and abdominal pain.

She said she had not enjoyed her life for a single day in the two years she had had them, due to lethargy.

She had been treating malaria and typhoid fever via self-medication, and given intravenous fluids (drips) but all symptoms persisted.

She had also taken several iron injections, blood transfusions and self-administered medications.

A comprehensive test done suggested that she had a fibroid which made her to see her menstrual period occur earlier than expected every month.

This was the cause of her low blood level. She was encouraged to have the fibroid removed surgically since it was affecting her day-to-day activities.

She initially refused on account of fear and likely poor outcome of the surgery, but after much counselling and support she had the surgery done.

Her blood level is stable now, she no longer visits the hospitals; neither does she have to take blood capsules, iron injections and blood transfusions.

The import of this woman’s story is that patients who develop low blood levels need to have a comprehensive test done to find out why the blood level is low and should not be ingesting blood supplements.

Anaemia is a medical condition in which a person’s red blood cell count is below normal, causing a range of health concerns and risks.

Human blood is made up of both red and white cells. While white blood cells fight infection, red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

When red blood cell levels drop too low, the body feels tired due to lack of oxygen, which is why people with anaemia are sometimes said to have “tired blood.”

Those who take the risk of anaemia include vegetarians, teenage girls and women with heavy menstrual cycles, children especially during rapid growth, premature babies, pregnancy, cancer, immunosupression, elderly, sickle cell disease.

Causes of anaemia

There are many causes of anaemia, including: blood loss, stomach or colon bleeding or heavy periods, poor dietary intake or illness, worm infestations, malaria, infections like HIV, side effects of medication and cancers.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms are paleness, tiring quickly or easily, dizziness, pain in the chest, cold hands and feet, confusion, fatigue, headaches, increased heartbeat, the desire to eat or chew ice.

Most of these symptoms are relatively harmless at first, but can lead to serious problems if left untreated.

In worst-case scenarios, anaemia can create a serious oxygen deficiency in bodily organs. And this can lead to heart attack.

Types of anaemia

The most common types of anaemia include iron deficiency (low iron levels), low vitamin B12 levels, chronic lead poisoning, low folic acid levels and haemolytic – the body destroys your red blood cells at an earlier time than it should.

How do I know I have anaemia?

To diagnose anaemia, a doctor conducts a physical examination, check your lungs and heart, refer you for tests that include full blood count, perform tests to determine the size and shape of your red blood cells.

Treatment of anaemia

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your anaemia. If it is due to an iron deficiency, your doctor may recommend a supplement and changes to your diet.

A healthy iron-rich diet includes lean red meat, poultry, iron-enriched cereals, fish green vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals and nuts.

Treatment for anaemia might also include: antibiotics – to treat infections, iron injections or infusions, blood transfusion, hormones – for women and teenage girls who experience heavy menstrual cycles.

Anaemia may also result from an enlarged or a diseased spleen. In severe cases, the spleen may be surgically removed.

Preventions

You may be able to prevent some forms of anaemia, particularly if they are related to dietary or vitamin deficiency.

Sickle cell anaemia is preventable through premarital and genetic counselling. Severe malaria, worm infestations and other infections are preventable.

Make it a date next week on my piece on Family Physician. A family physician is a multi-competent specialist who is trained to provide comprehensive health care both at first contact and in continuity.