Anemia (Anemia — Anemia)

Anemia (anemia) is a disease characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. The origin of anemia can be very diverse. It can occur as a result of disruption of the hematopoietic process, acute or chronic blood loss, increased destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes), as well as due to insufficient function of the bone marrow, which is the main hematopoietic organ. Anemia can develop with certain diseases, such as infectious diseases.

The most common anemias are associated with iron and vitamin B12 deficiency. Iron plays an important role in the life of the body: it is necessary for the construction of hemoglobin contained in red blood cells, which delivers oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. With a lack of iron, the function of the digestive glands, nervous system and muscular system is impaired. Iron deficiency anemia is most often a consequence of blood loss. The cause of significant anemia can be small but prolonged bleeding, for example, with hemorrhoids or peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum. Iron deficiency anemia is especially common in women who suffer from prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Repeated frequent pregnancies and prolonged breastfeeding of children play a significant role in the development of iron deficiency anemia, since during pregnancy and breastfeeding, part of the iron reserves enters the fetus and then the child from the mother's body. In young children, iron deficiency, leading to the development of anemia, is often caused by poor nutrition - a lack of meat in the diet, which is the main source of dietary iron.

The main signs of iron deficiency anemia are a decrease in the hemoglobin content in the blood with a slightly reduced or normal number of red blood cells, but each red blood cell contains significantly less hemoglobin than normal (hypochromic anemia). The so-called color index becomes low. Patients with iron deficiency anemia are pale, often complain of fatigue, headaches, dizziness, spots before the eyes, hair loss and brittleness, brittle nails, sometimes shortness of breath, palpitations, decreased appetite and impaired taste.

To diagnose iron deficiency anemia, laboratory tests are carried out, including determining the level of hemoglobin, the number of red blood cells and other indicators. An additional test may also be prescribed to measure the level of iron in the blood and transferrin, which is a protein that transports iron in the blood.

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia is aimed at eliminating iron deficiency. For this purpose, iron supplements are prescribed, which must be taken for several months. Improvement usually occurs 2-3 weeks after starting medication, but long-term treatment may be required to fully restore health. In addition to drug therapy, it is important to follow a proper diet, including foods rich in iron, such as meat, liver, fish, eggs, green vegetables, fruits and berries.

In general, iron deficiency anemia is a serious disease that requires timely diagnosis and treatment. At the first signs of anemia, you should consult a doctor who will help determine the cause of the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.