![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/anemia-469898777-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThere are three main causes of anemia. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- A decrease in red blood cell production <\/li>
- An increase in red blood cell destruction <\/li>
- Blood loss <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
There are several factors that may lead to a decrease in red\ncell production, here a few:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Not having enough iron, folate or vitamin B-12 in\nour diets <\/li>
- Hypothyroidism <\/li>
- Bone marrow or stem cell problems<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Factors that can lead to an increase in red blood cell\ndestruction are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Infections <\/li>
- Severe hypertension <\/li>
- Toxins produced by advanced liver or kidney\ndisease <\/li>
- Genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Blood loss can be the result of an injury; it can also occur\nfor other reasons such as heavy menstrual periods or gastrointestinal disorders\nsuch as inflammatory bowel disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people are more at risk than others for developing\nanemia. Those who have an increased risk are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Women who have heavy periods <\/li>
- Women who are pregnant and are not taking\nprenatal vitamins that include iron and folic acid<\/li>
- Older adults <\/li>
- Individuals with a family history of anemia <\/li>
- Individuals living with chronic conditions such\nas diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease<\/li>
- Individuals with a diet that lacks sufficient\niron, vitamin B-12 or folate<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The signs and symptoms of anemia can be mild or severe depending on the cause, they may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Headaches<\/li>
- Fatigue <\/li>
- Weakness <\/li>
- Shortness of breath <\/li>
- Chest pain <\/li>
- Irregular heartbeats<\/li>
- Dizziness or lightheadedness<\/li>
- Cold hands and feet<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It is recommended that you see a doctor if any of these symptoms persist. During your appointment, your doctor may perform a physical examination and ask questions about your diet as well as family and medical history. A physical examination may be conducted and a series of tests ordered to determine a diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatment for anemia depends on the cause. A patient’s treatment plan can involve making changes to their diet, and taking supplements. Prescription medications, chemotherapy, blood transfusions or marrow transplants may be needed in other instances<\/p>\n
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.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Anemia is defined as having a lack of healthy red blood cells to carry adequate amounts of oxygen to the body\u2019s tissues. It is one of the most common blood conditions in the United States, affecting almost 6% of the … Continue reading