Anemia: A Condition That Needs Attention

Anemia is a condition in which the body has a lower than normal amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin (Hb) in the blood. Hb is the main component of red blood cells, which is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the cells in the body. When you have anemia, your body lacks oxygen, leading to various health issues and affecting your overall well-being.

I. Medical History:

• Duration of symptoms:

• The time when symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, and abnormal results in routine checkups appeared.

• Note: It’s important to remember when the symptoms began and how they progressed.

• Subjective symptoms:

• Fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, menstrual irregularities, erectile dysfunction.

• Note: Pay attention to the severity, frequency, and duration of these symptoms.

• Compensatory cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms:

• Palpitations, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat.

• Note: These are the body’s compensatory responses to anemia and should be closely monitored.

• Clinical manifestations:

• Note: Record any other unusual symptoms related to various organs and systems in the body.

II. Past Medical History:

• Personal:

• Pregnancy, menstruation, bleeding (in all forms), blood loss, nutrition, jaundice, splenectomy.

• Note: These factors can contribute to anemia.

• Family:

• Hereditary hemolytic anemia, abnormal hemoglobin.

• Note: Family history can be a risk factor for developing anemia.

III. Physical Examination:

• Acute anemia:

• Rapid pulse, low blood pressure, pale skin and mucous membranes, sweating.

• Note: Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent complications.

• Chronic anemia:

• Pale skin, pale mucous membranes, cardiovascular (heart failure), respiratory (shortness of breath), musculoskeletal (aches and pains), gastrointestinal (disturbances), nervous system (headaches, dizziness, fainting), reproductive (menstrual irregularities, erectile dysfunction, decreased function).

• Note: Treatment of the underlying cause and regular monitoring are necessary to minimize complications.

IV. Laboratory Investigations:

• Complete blood count (CBC):

• Decreased red blood cell (RBC) count, decreased Hb, decreased hematocrit.

• Note: These results help diagnose anemia and assess its severity.

• Blood chemistry:

• Increased bilirubin in hemolytic anemia.

• Note: These results help determine the cause of anemia.

V. Causes of Anemia:

• Blood loss:

• Acute or chronic blood loss due to accidents, surgeries, gastrointestinal diseases, gynecological diseases.

• Note: It’s essential to control and treat the cause of blood loss.

• Insufficient red blood cell production:

• Bone marrow suppression (due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, poisoning), malabsorption (iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency), increased demand for hematopoietic factors (during pregnancy, postpartum), chronic inflammation.

• Note: It’s important to supplement necessary hematopoietic factors and treat underlying diseases.

• Increased red blood cell destruction:

• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, drug-induced anemia, infections.

• Note: It’s necessary to identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

• Combined causes:

• Combination of several causes listed above.

VI. Classification of Anemia Based on Red Blood Cells:

• Microcytic anemia (decreased MCV, decreased MCH):

• Iron deficiency, thalassemia.

• Note: Iron supplementation or treatment of the underlying disease is necessary.

• Normocytic anemia:

• Bone marrow failure, hematologic malignancy, chronic inflammation.

• Note: Treatment of the underlying cause is necessary.

• Macrocytic anemia (increased MCV, increased MCH):

• Vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, liver disease.

• Note: Supplementation with vitamin B12, folic acid, or treatment of liver disease is necessary.

VII. Classification Based on the Speed of Blood Loss:

• Acute anemia:

• Sudden, massive blood loss.

• Note: Prompt blood transfusions are necessary to replace lost blood.

• Chronic anemia:

• Slow, prolonged blood loss.

• Note: Treatment of the underlying cause and supplementation with iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are necessary.

VIII. Notes:

• Anemia diagnosis and treatment should be performed by a specialist.

• Regular checkups are recommended for early detection and effective treatment.

• A balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid helps prevent anemia.

• Follow the doctor’s instructions regarding treatment and health monitoring.

IX. References:

• Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of anemia from the Ministry of Health

• Medical literature on anemia

X. Conclusion:

Anemia is a common condition that affects health and quality of life. Understanding anemia, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment empowers individuals to proactively protect their own and their families’ health.