Anemia: Causes and Remedies

When a person suffers from anemia, the number of his/her red blood cells will be low. Hence people with anemia are said to have a low blood count by doctors. A person who is diagnosed with anemia is said to be anemic.

Blood primarily has two parts. The liquid part is called the plasma and the other part is the cellular part. Different types of cells can be seen in the cellular part. One of the predominant cell types is the red blood cell. The other types of cells are the platelets or white blood cells. A series of complex steps are involved in the formation of the red blood cells. They are created in the bone marrow and after their maturation becomes complete, they get released into the blood stream. The protein structure that is found inside the red blood cells is the hemoglobin molecule which is also the functional unit of the red blood cells. Iron is also a vital constituent of the hemoglobin molecule. A molecule secreted by the kidneys called erythropoietin improves the red blood cells’ formation in the bone marrow.

Treatment for anemia depends on the cause and severity of the disease and treatment options differ widely.

If there are minimal symptoms underlying this condition and if the problem is mild, the problem can be corrected with a few medicines. A complete investigation carried out by the doctor in his office will help in determining the exact cause of this condition. Once the cause is found, treatment can be started. If for instance anemia is related to low iron levels, taking iron supplements can solve this problem. Some doctors also try to find out the cause for iron deficiency before treating the same.

If on the other hand, anemia is associated with blood loss owing to an injury or bleeding stomach ulcer, then the patient may require hospitalization. Through the procedure of red blood cells transfusion, the symptoms can be relieved and then the lost blood would be replaced. Measures will also be taken to control the bleeding simultaneously to stop further blood loss.