Thanks to visit codestin.com
Credit goes to www.scribd.com

Scribd
Upload
85 views1 page

Anemia: Anemia, Also Spelt Anaemia, Is Usually Defined As A Decrease in The Amount of

Anemia is a condition defined by a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, which lowers its ability to carry oxygen. There are three main types caused by blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, or increased red blood cell breakdown. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, confusion, or feeling faint. Diagnosis depends on hemoglobin levels below certain thresholds. Treatment options include iron supplements, blood transfusions, or medications, depending on the severity and underlying cause of anemia. It is one of the most common blood disorders globally, affecting around a quarter of all people.

Uploaded by

cassiopeia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
85 views1 page

Anemia: Anemia, Also Spelt Anaemia, Is Usually Defined As A Decrease in The Amount of

Anemia is a condition defined by a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, which lowers its ability to carry oxygen. There are three main types caused by blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, or increased red blood cell breakdown. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, confusion, or feeling faint. Diagnosis depends on hemoglobin levels below certain thresholds. Treatment options include iron supplements, blood transfusions, or medications, depending on the severity and underlying cause of anemia. It is one of the most common blood disorders globally, affecting around a quarter of all people.

Uploaded by

cassiopeia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Anemia

Anemia, also spelt anaemia, is usually defined as a decrease in the amount ofred blood cells (RBCs)
or hemoglobin in the blood.[1][2] It can also be defined as a lowered ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
[3]
When anemia comes on slowly the symptoms are often vague and may include: feeling tired,
weakness,shortness of breath or a poor ability to exercise. Anemia that comes on quickly often has
greater symptoms which may include: confusion, feeling like one is going to pass out, loss of
consciousness, or increased thirst. Anemia must be significant before a person becomes
noticeably pale. Additional symptoms may occur depending on the underlying cause. [4]
There are three main types of anemia: that due to blood loss, that due to decreased red blood cell
production, and that due to increased red blood cell breakdown. Causes of blood loss
include trauma and gastrointestinal bleeding, among others. Causes of decreased production
include iron deficiency, a lack of vitamin B12, thalassemia and a number of neoplasms of the bone
marrowamong others. Causes of increased breakdown include a number of genetic conditions such
as sickle cell anemia, infections like malaria and some autoimmune diseases among others. It can
also be classified based on the size of red blood cells and amount of hemoglobin in each cell. If the
cells are small it is microcytic anemia, if they are large it is macrocytic anemia and if they are normal
sized it is normocytic anemia. Diagnosis in men is based on a hemoglobin of less than 130 to 140 g/L
(13 to 14 g/dL), while in women it must be less than 120 to 130 g/L (12 to 13 g/dL).[4][5] Further testing
is then required to determine the cause.[4]
Certain groups of individuals, such as pregnant women, benefit from the use of iron pills for
prevention.[4][6] Dietary supplementation, without determining the specific cause, is not recommended.
The use of blood transfusions is typically based on a person's signs and symptoms.[4] In those without
symptoms they are not recommended unless hemoglobin levels are less than 60 to 80 g/L (6 to
8 g/dL).[4][7] These recommendations may also apply to some people with acute bleeding.
[4]
Erythropoiesis-stimulating medications are only recommended in those with severe anemia. [7]
Anemia is the most common disorder of the blood with it affecting about a quarter of people globally.
[4]
Iron-deficiency anemia affects nearly 1 billion.[8] In 2013 anemia due to iron deficiency resulted in
about 183,000 deaths down from 213,000 deaths in 1990. [9] It is more common in females than
males,[8] among children, during pregnancy, and in the elderly.[4] Anemia increases costs of medical
care and lowers a person's productivity through a decreased ability to work. [5]The name is derived
from Ancient Greek: anaimia, meaning "lack of blood", from - an-, "not" + haima,
"blood".

You might also like