Anemia, in simple terms, is a low red blood cell count caused by the body not producing enough healthy red blood cells or when the healthy red blood cells are being lost or destroyed. There are several different forms of anemia, most of which can be an independant illness or a symptom of something else.
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of anemia but common symptoms can include fatigue, breathlessness, headaches and pallor.
Iron deficiency anemia is easily treatable, usually with iron tablets and, in some cases, a simple alteration in diet. Red meat contains a lot of iron which is easily absorbed by the body. Vegetarian sources of iron include green leafy vegetables such as spinach and brocolli.
Pernicious anemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency), can occur when the body struggles to absorb vitamin B12. This is usually treated with B12 injections administered monthly with some elderly patients also taking an oral supplement.
Sickle Cell Anemia is hereditary and can be serious. It occurs from a recessive gene and, therefore, will only occur in people who have two parents with the gene. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to, pain within the bones, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice and ulcers. Other symptoms may include chest pain, hematuria (blood in the urine), excessive thirst and frequent urination. Sickle Cell sufferers may have "crisis" periods which can be very painful.
Treatment for sickle cell anemia must be continous in order to limit crises. Folic Acid is an important preventative measure as it is a vital supplement in the production of red blood cells. Crises may be treated further with analgesics to combat the pain as well as plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. In rare cases, a bone marrow transplant can cure the disease although this option is very dangerous, very expensive and very difficult to find donors.
Aplastic anemia occurs as a result of injury to blood stem cells such as in the case of sickle cell anemia while hemolytic anemia occurs when bone marrow can not cater to the body's demand for new red blood cells.
Treatments for aplastic and hemolytic anemia will depend on the cause. If, for example, they are due to sickle cell anemia, it is necessary to combat the cause as these anemias form part of the symptoms. In mild cases of aplastic anemia, there may be no need for treatment while moderate cases may require blood or platelet transfusion while severe cases are life-threatening and the recommended treatment is a bone marrow trasplant for younger patients and antithymocite globin (ATG) for older patients. Further symptoms of aplastic anemia will be a very low red blood count leading to fatigue and weakness, low white blood count leading to frequent infection and low platelet count which can induce internal bleeds, easy bruising and external bleeds such as nose and gums. In cases of hemolytic anemia, iron supplements, folic acid and corticosteroids may be used although blood transfusions may be necessary in an emergency.
The symptoms described are not exhaustive as the symptoms can vary greatly. Any case should be examined by a medical professional as some forms of anemia can be serious or can become serious without treatment.