Being Anemic
Being Anemic Is Usually A Treatable Condition
Being anemic is a situation in which your body lacks a sufficient number of healthy red blood cells. The function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to the organs in your body. If the number of these cells is insufficient, your organs will not get enough oxygen. The main symptoms will be tiredness and fatigue, with more severe symptoms present in cases of an extreme shortage of red blood cells.
There are many possible causes behind being anemic. There may be a shortage of blood cells because of a loss of blood. We all know if we loose a sufficient amount of blood, say due to an accident, we will feel weak, and generally become weaker until the loss of blood is stopped. Of course accidents are not the only cause of blood loss. Blood loss can occur, slowly, because of a cancer, an ulcer, even hemorrhoids. When left untreated or unrecognized, a general feeling of tiredness or weakness will eventually make itself known. Women are normally somewhat anemic due to menstruation, and immediately after childbirth through blood loss, though these are normally short term conditions.
Anemia can also be attributed to illness or disease which either interferes with the functioning of the red blood cells, or contributes to their destruction. Sickle cell anemia, bone marrow diseases, and problems in the digestive system, can all contribute to an anemic condition, as can certain medications. Kidney diseases and hypothyroidism, affecting hormone production and balance, can cause anemia. Anemic conditions can also be inherited, as is the case with aplastic anemia where faulty stem cells are to blame. Chemotherapy can also affect bone marrow's ability to produce red blood cells. The most common causes of being anemic, and fortunately the most treatable, are due to a lack of certain nutrients in the system, mainly iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid.
Symptoms of being anemic due to an iron deficiency are general weakness, tiredness, and paleness. More serious symptoms, similar to those experienced by sufferers of heart disease, are a shortness of breath, chest pains and an increase or irregularity in the heart beat. Low blood pressure can be another symptom. Treatment generally consists of a greater intake of iron rich foods, including leafy green vegetables, seafood, and liver. Lima bean and dried fruit are other iron-rich sources. Iron supplements, in the form of pills, are often prescribed.
The symptoms of anemia are similar in the case of a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 is required in the production of red blood cells, and when lacking, can result in vitamin deficiency anemia, or megaloblastic anemia. An individual with vitamin deficiency may also experience circulatory problems, such as numbness in the extremities, difficulties in balance, and changes in mood or mental behavior. Jaundice may also be evident. Unfortunately, anemia due to a vitamin B12 deficiency can usually not be treated through changes in the diet or consumption of iron pills. Monthly injections of vitamin B12 may be required for the rest of the patient's life, although if caught at an early stage, total recovery is sometimes possible.
The symptoms of being anemic when there is a deficiency of folic acid in the system can be any of the above plus the anemic individual may suffer bouts of abdominal pain, general weight loss, and a dark or bloody stool. Folic acid, like vitamin B12, is necessary in producing red blood cells. If a folic acid deficiency is determined, a diet of poultry, dairy products, meat, and the same foods a prescribed for iron deficiency will help. Rapid recovery will often occur if folic acid pills are prescribed.
Being anemic therefore can be a condition that can easily be treated nutritionally, can be a short term condition due to accident or illness, or in a worst case condition, can be an indication of something more serious. In any event, an anemic condition should not be ignored.