Anemia: What You Should Know

Typically, anemia is a condition that is associated with women and individuals with chronic illnesses, but a recent Israeli study suggests that young men are also at risk of developing anemia. A study on young men (age 18) engaging in high intensity physical activity, shows that anemia and iron deficiency increased by three to six times in six month. The long-standing association of anemia just with women may prevent the treatment of the condition in young men. This Israeli study indicates that young men are also at risk of developing anemia and iron deficiency. Understanding and recognizing the causes and symptoms of anemia and iron deficiency will better equip you to effectively communicate with your physician so that you and your loved ones can receive appropriate medical attention and treatment.

What is anemia?

A person develops anemia when they are lacking a sufficient number of red blood cells, which are responsible for providing the body's organs with oxygen. Iron-deficiency anemia results when the number of red blood cells in the hemoglobin is insufficient and poor levels of iron are distributed throughout the body.

What causes anemia?

There are hundreds of causes of anemia that typically fall into one of these three categories: blood loss, poor red blood cell production, and red blood cell death. Some gastrointestinal conditions, menstruation, childbirth, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can cause blood loss and the depletion of red blood cells in the body. In the event the body produces too few blood cells or destroys existing blood cells, anemia can result. Sickle cell anemia, vitamin deficiency, bone marrow and stem cell problems, among other medical conditions can lead to the development of anemia.

Who is at risk of developing anemia?

Traditionally, anemia and iron deficiency anemia has been associated with women of menstruating age, breast feeding, child birth, people having chronic illnesses that inhibit the production of red blood cells or destroys existing red blood cells, individuals suffering from prolonged blood loss, and older people. Individuals who eat a vegetarian diet (typically vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anemia and iron deficiency anemia) or consume an insufficient amount of iron in their diets, babies, and young children are at risk of developing anemia. A recent Israeli study indicates that young men participating in strenuous physical activities for a period of six months are at also at an increased risk of developing anemia.

What are the symptoms of anemia?

If you or your loved one suffers from unexplainable fatigue, arrhythmia, difficulty breathing, dizziness, cold extremities, difficulty processing information, other cognitive difficulties, or headache check with your physician. Symptoms that may have been seemed relatively inconsequential at first may become a source of continued discomfort and pain in your daily life.

How is anemia diagnosed?

In order to diagnose anemia, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and take note of heart rate, pale skin, or other symptoms. In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may choose to conduct a blood test or blood marrow test.

What are treatment options for anemia?

If you or your loved one has anemia, your condition may require increasing iron, vitamin B12, and folate through the use of supplements and the increase vitamin rich foods in your diet. Because the cause of your condition varies, treatment options also vary. The cause of your anemia may require treatment by blood transfusion, immune system suppressing medications, and medications encouraging the production of blood cells.

Be informed

Many times, mild symptoms can soar under your radar. Having a non-stop, busy day may prevent you from regularly taking inventory of your health or from recognizing symptoms of possible illness. Pay close attention to what your body may be telling you and become educated on what your symptoms may indicate. Communicate with your doctor regularly to ensure timely diagnosis of any condition that you may have. Timely diagnosis is essential to the development of an appropriate treatment plan and good prognosis. Be informed, be health.

References

Young men under intense physical activity at risk of anemia. SmartBrief. http://www.smartbrief.com/news/aabb/storyDetails.jsp?issueid=D397A579-D5F6-4D06-BEE5-75A5C07339C8©id=914BA511-7B64-44B7-B283-1F05076B442A

Understanding Anemia-the Basics. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics

Anemia Symptoms. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anemia/DS00321/DSECTION=symptoms

Anemia. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000560.htm