Anemia Symptoms And Treatment

The National Institute of Health estimates that there are at least 400 types of anemia, so if you are concerned that you or someone you know is experiencing anemia symptoms, you should learn about anemia symptoms and treatment. The type of treatment for anemia depends on what is causing it. Anemia is characterized by a lack of red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Anemia can occur if there is not enough red blood cell production (often due to diet), if the red blood cells are being destroyed (due to disease), or if the red blood cells are damaged (often due to sickle cell anemia). Here are some symptoms of anemia and common treatments:

1.  Anemia From diet related vitamin deficiency. One common cause of anemia is vitamin deficiency. If you are feeling fatigued, depressed, or lightheaded, you could be experiencing a lack of B12, folate, and/or iron. Your body needs these vitamins and minerals in order to produce red blood cells. And depending on how severe your anemia is, you could experience other symptoms such as pale skin, constipation, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms could also be indicative of various other medical conditions, so it is best to check with your doctor. Treatment for anemia related to vitamin or iron deficiency is generally simple and can include dietary changes, such as adding more red meat to your diet or taking supplements.
2. Pernicious Anemia. Pernicious anemia is a condition in which your body cannot absorb the red blood cells you produce. This causes you to have a deficiency in red blood cells. The symptoms of pernicious anemia are similar to most other forms of anemia; you will likely feel tired and/or depressed and you could have pale skin. Other symptoms of pernicious anemia include bleeding gums, and in prolonged cases of pernicious anemia, you could experience nerve related symptoms such as numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. Treatment for pernicious anemia usually includes B12 injections and dietary changes.
3. Anemia from another medical condition. Many medical conditions that cause digestion problems can also cause anemia because you cannot properly absorb iron or the necessary B vitamins for red blood cell production. Some examples of these medical conditions include Cron's disease, Celiac's disease. Your symptoms will vary depending on the Primary condition. Treatment for anemia that is related to another medical condition involves finding the primary cause and treating it.