Ideas on What is Anemia and How to Treat Anemia
Anemia is basically a condition related to the blood wherein one of its components which is known as hemoglobin, is low in number. Hemoglobin is essential in the body system because it is the one that transports oxygen and food to the cells of the body.
A marked low hemoglobin can cause the body to weaken, and may further all down to other illnesses. There are several types of anemia, depending on the causative factor. There is the pernicious anemia, which are usually prevalent in pregnant women. There is also a type of anemia where there is self- destruction of pre mature red blood cells, also known as hemolytic anemia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause vitamin deficiency anemia and the list goes on. However, the Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type among different individuals, most especially in women because they undergo menstrual cycle every month.
Knowing how to treat anemia depends on what type of anemia the individual possess. Whatever is lacking on the individual that causes the anemia should be replaced to avoid further complications. Depending on the cause of the anemia, there are many ways on how to treat anemia.
Have your complete blood count checked to asses if you do have low hemoglobin. If so, consult a physician regarding the present condition as to evaluate what causes the low hemoglobin production in your body.
For iron deficiency anemia, you can treat this condition by a simple diet modification. Include foods that are high in iron such as beans, eggs, chicken, fish, pork, turkey and shellfish. Fruits such as apricots, peaches, raisins and prunes are high in iron and should be included in your every meal.
For vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, you can ask the physician regarding what type of B12 supplement he or she will recommend. Vitamin B12 is available in any drug store in oral, sublingual, or in forms of injection. However, you should know that Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin, which means it can be flushes away by urination. Also, you should know that itchiness or sudden flushing of the skin is some of them mild side effects of this supplement.
Most importantly, you must know when to stop and take a rest. Since anemia causes weakness, do not push yourself some more if you feel a little bit light headed in the middle of the day. Save your energy and lie down as to minimize the workload of the cells in your body.
Have your complete blood count checked every week as to monitor for the effectiveness of the home treatments. Continue home treatments on how to treat anemia if the treatments are effective.
If not, consult your physician about it so both of you can work out a different approach in treating anemia. For severe cases of anemia, blood transfusion is commonly done to replace the amount of blood in the body. Therefore, at the first sign of anemia, it is best to take action on it as to avoid having the need for a serious blood transfusion.
