Anemia

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when the body has low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, which carry oxygen throughout the body.

Anemia can be short-term or long-term and can range from mild to severe. There are many forms of anemia and each has its cause. The forms of anemia are:

Aplastic anemia- is a rare, life-threatening condition where the body doesn’t make enough new blood cells
Iron deficiency anemia- is the most common type of anemia, where there isn’t enough iron in the body
Sickle cell anemia- is a serious inherited condition where the hemoglobin forces red blood cells into a crescent shape
Thalassemia- is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to have less hemoglobin than normal
Vitamin deficiency anemia- there isn’t enough folate and vitamin B-12 to make enough red blood cells

Anemia symptoms depend on the cause and severity. It can be mild enough that there are no symptoms at first. However, symptoms can get worse as the anemia gets worse. Possible symptoms of anemia can include:

Tiredness
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Pale or yellowish skin
Irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest pain
Cold hands and feet
Headaches

Anemia can happen if:

The body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin or red blood cells
Bleeding causes loss of red blood cells and hemoglobin faster than they can be replaced
The body destroys red blood cells and the hemoglobin that is in them

Many factors can increase the risk of anemia, including:

A diet that doesn’t have enough of certain vitamins and minerals
Problems with the small intestines
Menstrual periods
Pregnancy
Chronic conditions
Family history

Other factors like a history of certain infections, blood diseases, and autoimmune conditions, drinking too much alcohol, being around toxic chemicals, and taking some medicines can affect the making of red blood cells and also increase the risk of anemia.

If anemia is not treated, it can cause many health problems, including:

Severe tiredness
Pregnancy complications
Heart problems
Death

Many types of anemia can’t be prevented. However, eating a healthy diet might prevent iron and vitamin deficiency anemias. A healthy diet includes:

Iron
Folate
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin C

To diagnose anemia, your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical and family history, do a physical exam, and order blood tests. Tests might include:

Complete blood count
A test to show the size and shape of the red blood cells
A bone marrow biopsy

Treatment for anemia depends on the cause. If you have anemia because of an underlying condition, your provider will treat that condition. But they may also do the following treatments that include:

Dietary supplements
Medications
Procedures

If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment for anemia, you can schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What Is Anemia?

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Anemia is the most common blood condition in the United States and affects over two billion people globally. More women suffer from iron deficiency anemia than men. Anemia reduces the number of healthy red blood cells available to carry oxygen throughout your body, leaving you feeling tired and weak.

The symptoms of anemia can range from mild and temporary to chronic and severe, potentially causing life-threatening complications such as heart failure. Severe symptoms may be more likely for people over the age of 65.

The severity of anemia mainly depends on its cause, which can include factors such as:

Deficiency of iron, folate, or vitamin B-12
Acute or chronic inflammatory diseases
Radiation and chemotherapy
Infections and autoimmune diseases
Exposure to toxic chemicals
Bone marrow disease
Blood disease
Genetics

Not all forms of anemia are preventable, particularly if it’s inherited genetically or the result of a condition with unclear causes. Increasing your intake of foods rich in iron, folate, and vitamins B-12 and C can help prevent certain forms of anemia or manage anemic symptoms.

Additionally, you may be able to prevent anemia associated with other conditions by managing the risk factors of those conditions. This may include reducing your intake of alcohol or avoiding exposure to toxic substances as much as possible.

A hematologist can provide treatment to help relieve anemia symptoms through intravenous infusions, red blood cell transfusions, bone marrow transplants, erythropoietin injections, or surgery to stop internal bleeding that may cause the condition.

If you’re looking for a diagnosis or anemia treatment, you can schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

March is Hemophilia Awareness Month

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Michael Hinck

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan designated March as Hemophilia Awareness Month to raise awareness for the approximately 20,000 Americans living with the blood disorder.

Hemophilia is a general term for a wide range of bleeding disorders where the ability for blood to clot is dramatically reduced. The result is the sufferer bleeds excessively and for a prolonged period of time. When a person who does not have Hemophilia is cut, their vessels constrict and platelets “plug up” the leak by clotting to stop the bleeding. Those with Hemophilia lack certain chromosomes responsible for this function so bleeding continues.

Hemophilia is an inherited disorder that is caused by a defect in genes carried in the X chromosome. When a family member is diagnosed with Hemophilia, it is important that other family members (especially siblings and children) are also tested by performing a coagulation study.

In addition to excessive bleeding, symptoms of Hemophilia include: deep bruises, swelling, joint pain, blood in the urine or stool, and unexplained nosebleeds. Symptoms in newborns include unexplained irritability and excessive bleeding after immunizations.

Treatment for Hemophilia varies, depending on the specific type of the disorder and the severity. For some, clotting factor concentrates can be infused to prevent or treat bleeds. There are also topical products and nasal sprays available. Others may require plasma treatments administered in a hospital setting.

To be tested foe Hemophilia or to learn about treatment, speak to your doctor. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care, please call 718-206-7001.