Anemia is one most common blood condition and is describe by intense decline in number of red blood cells and level of hemoglobin in blood. Anemia is classified into three types depending on its different factors. For instance, it may occur due to lack of iron or it may because of lack of folic acid and vitamin B12 as well. This medical condition develops various symptoms relying on the particular type and the severity of condition. In short, deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid are the underlying risk factors responsible for developing anemia. According to studies, this disease affects around 3.5 million Americans. Women and people suffering from other severe health disorders are at higher risk of anemia.
RISK FACTORS OF ANEMIA IN WOMEN
• Women of childbearing age have more chances of developing iron deficiency anemia. This happens because women usually loss lots of blood during menstrual periods. In addition, women develop this chronic condition during pregnancy also as the demand for blood supply increases during particular that period.
• Types of anemia are endless which includes vitamin deficiency anemia, iron deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia and anemia associated with other serious diseases and diseases of bone marrow.
• Among several types, iron deficiency anemia is most common. This chronic illness takes place because of excessive loss of iron. Blood loss is most common reason behind loss of iron and conditions like peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, heavy menstrual periods, tumors and polyps are the biggest culprit behind blood loss. Lack or iron in diet and poor absorption of iron are prime causes which develops this severe medical condition.
• Inadequacy of vitamin B12 and folic acid are leading risk factors behind occurrence of vitamin deficiency anemia. Diet low in these vitamins and the incapability of body to soak up vitamin B12 are associated with increasing risk of vitamin deficiency anemia. Besides these, several life threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, kidney failure, Crohn’s disease, myelodysplastic syndromes and leukemia may also lead to develop this condition.
• In case of aplastic anemia, bone marrow fails to develop blood cells significantly. Whereas hemolytic anemia is one such condition, where red blood cells are ruined quickly means more speedily comparing to that speed in which they are produced. Sickle cell anemia is believed to be most severe form anemia, in which bone marrow give preference to producing sickle shaped red blood cells, which are not long lasting and die easily within short period of time.
SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA IN WOMEN
The signs of anemia in women are not much different than the symptoms found in men. The symptom varies according to several types of anemia considerably. In some case, mild anemia does not show any symptoms and sometimes may develop minor symptoms as well which may go unchecked. However, most commonly observe symptoms develop by this condition includes fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty while breathing, extreme fatigue and tiredness, lack of concentration, cold hands and feel, memory loss, headache, irritability, pale skin and so on.
Besides above mentioned common symptoms, those women who are having iron deficiency may notice some other symptoms. The list of which includes decreased appetite, Restless leg syndrome, sore tongue, weakness, brittle nails, craving for unusual things such as hair, wax, grass, dirt, paper, ice and many more.
Apart from these, people with sickle cell anemia are more likely to develop symptoms like jaundice, frequent infections, swollen hands and feet, chest pain, pain in abdomen and joints and vision problem.
People suffering from hemolytic anemia have more possibilities of developing jaundice, leg ulcers, pain in abdomen and other several parts of body and common symptoms of anemia.
People affected with aplastic anemia may notice more or less same symptoms as like hemolytic anemia. In addition, aplasitic anemia also includes symptoms of bleeding gums, delayed blood clotting and nosebleeds as well.
TREATMENT TO COPE WITH ANEMIA
Treatment of this severe medical condition is totally depends on the fundamental causes. In order to deal with iron deficiency anemia, locating the source of bleeding is necessary as well as right measure should also be adopted to stop Adequate amount of iron supplements may work wonderfully in treating this condition. A diet that holds an excellent source of iron rich foods may help significantly to get rid of this condition. In fact, supplements and food rich in these needed vitamins may prove extremely beneficial to treat anemia occurred by lack of vitamin B12 and folic acid. But, bone marrow transplant and blood transfusions are necessary to be treated while treating aplastic anemia. Bone marrow transplant and proper medication with chemotherapy are adopted in order to treat anemia induced by bone marrow diseases and life threatening cancer.
To cope with sickle cell anemia use of antibiotics, supplements of folic acid, oxygen, blood transfusion and administration of pain alleviating medicines is done. This is because; treatment of this condition varies according to its specific type.
Some common signs of anemia such as irritability, weakness, poor concentration, extreme fatigue are often neglected because they are also linked with condition like mental and physical stress. If you are neglecting these mild signs means you are doing biggest mistake. You should not ignore these minor problems as they are known to be warning signs of anemia. As a result, if they remain untreated for longer period of time may contribute to increases risk of other several health complications. In addition, to treat this condition of blood disorder diet plays a key role. Includes foods like spinach, beetroot, peanut butter, red meat, tomatoes, eggs, pomegranate, soy beans, whole grain bread, nuts, seafood, peaches, honey, prunes, raisins, apple and dates in your daily regime and in moderate amount. Consumption of these foods on daily basis may help you to fight against anemia effectively. Hence, increase intake of these foods and keep anemia at bay. Long term anemia may increase risk of depression and may make you prone to infection. Keep in mind, prolonged untreated anemia may also lead to nerve damage. This is so because, try maximum to include above mentioned foods in your diet and stay from this chronic health disorder naturally.