Anaemia
The red blood cells (erythrocytes) carry oxygen throughout the body. Anaemia is a condition whereby there is an impairment in the body's ability to do this.
Signs and symptoms
Fatigue, Pallor (pale face), Tachycardia (rapid heart beat as the heart tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen being supplied throughout the body). Due to a decreased regeneration of epithelial cells the digestive tract becomes inflamed and ulcerated. Other signs are inflamed and cracked lips and there may be a difficulty in swallowing . The hair and skin and nails will also be affected. However sometimes the signs may not be so apparent if the cause is a slow blood loss.
Due to an insufficiency of Iron, the synthesis of haemoglobin is compromised. This reduces the amount of oxygen that is transported in the blood. It is estimated that 1 in 5 women are affected, and the proportion increases during pregnancy. The causes of the deficiency may be due to low levels of iron in the diet, chronic blood loss due to ulcers, haemorrhoids, cancer, or excessive menstrual flow. There may also be a lack of absorption of iron. Achlorhydria (low hydrochloric acid in the stomach) can also hinder iron absorption. Severe liver disease can effect iron absorption and storage. A protein deficiency would also impede haemoglobin synthesis.
It is important to find the underlying cause of the condition. Treating the underlying cause as well as increasing the intake of iron is essential. Iron supplements can lead to constipation and need to be taken with food to reduce gastric irritation and nausea.
Thalassemia
A genetic condition in which one or more genes for haemoglobin are missing or variant, thereby reducing the amount produced. Relatively more common in people of Mediterranean ancestry. The red blood cells have a reduced life span. The child's growth and development is impaired. Due to iron not being utilised in the production of haemoglobin there may be an excess of iron in the body. Treatment will depend upon the severity of the condition.
Vitamin deficiencies develop gradually. The deficiency causes the body to produce large immature erythrocytes that do not function properly. For B12 to be absorbed into the body it requires the presence of IF, Intrinsic factor, which is produced in the glands of the gastric mucosa. Due to the impairment of the gastric mucosa, there may be an associated lowered production of hydrochloric acid, resulting in Achlorhydria, thereby interfering with he absorption of iron. This resulting in iron deficiency anaemia also. Vitamin B12 can also cause demyelination of the peripheral nerves, so there may be experienced pins and needles, or burning sensations, and Ataxia. The tongue will be enlarged and red. As there may also be a decrease in gastric acid there may be associated digestive discomfort, such as nausea and diarrhoea. Treatment would require B12 supplementation, intrinsic factor supplementation if anaemia is caused by autoimmune gastritis. Folate deficiency would require Folic acid supplementation.
This is due to an impairment or failure of bone marrow. This may be a temporary or permanent condition, and often the cause is unknown (idiopathic). Other cause; drugs, radiation, chronic nephritis, cancer. Because it effects the production of leukocytes and platelets as well as erythrocytes, the signs and symptoms are greater than that of anaemia, and include multiple infections and haemorrhages. Treatment would require the removal of the cause, if known. Transfusions, bone marrow transplantation and immunosuppressants.
Anaemia due to chronic inflammation
Need to treat the underlying cause.
Polycythaemia
A high concentration of red blood cells, making the blood thicker as a result. Symptoms include; headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, high bllod pressure, pain in calf muscles when walking, itchy skin after taking a bath.
The red blood cells (erythrocytes) carry oxygen throughout the body. Anaemia is a condition whereby there is an impairment in the body's ability to do this.
Signs and symptoms
Fatigue, Pallor (pale face), Tachycardia (rapid heart beat as the heart tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen being supplied throughout the body). Due to a decreased regeneration of epithelial cells the digestive tract becomes inflamed and ulcerated. Other signs are inflamed and cracked lips and there may be a difficulty in swallowing . The hair and skin and nails will also be affected. However sometimes the signs may not be so apparent if the cause is a slow blood loss.
- Hypochromic and Microcytic
Due to an insufficiency of Iron, the synthesis of haemoglobin is compromised. This reduces the amount of oxygen that is transported in the blood. It is estimated that 1 in 5 women are affected, and the proportion increases during pregnancy. The causes of the deficiency may be due to low levels of iron in the diet, chronic blood loss due to ulcers, haemorrhoids, cancer, or excessive menstrual flow. There may also be a lack of absorption of iron. Achlorhydria (low hydrochloric acid in the stomach) can also hinder iron absorption. Severe liver disease can effect iron absorption and storage. A protein deficiency would also impede haemoglobin synthesis.
It is important to find the underlying cause of the condition. Treating the underlying cause as well as increasing the intake of iron is essential. Iron supplements can lead to constipation and need to be taken with food to reduce gastric irritation and nausea.
Thalassemia
A genetic condition in which one or more genes for haemoglobin are missing or variant, thereby reducing the amount produced. Relatively more common in people of Mediterranean ancestry. The red blood cells have a reduced life span. The child's growth and development is impaired. Due to iron not being utilised in the production of haemoglobin there may be an excess of iron in the body. Treatment will depend upon the severity of the condition.
- Megaloblastic
Vitamin deficiencies develop gradually. The deficiency causes the body to produce large immature erythrocytes that do not function properly. For B12 to be absorbed into the body it requires the presence of IF, Intrinsic factor, which is produced in the glands of the gastric mucosa. Due to the impairment of the gastric mucosa, there may be an associated lowered production of hydrochloric acid, resulting in Achlorhydria, thereby interfering with he absorption of iron. This resulting in iron deficiency anaemia also. Vitamin B12 can also cause demyelination of the peripheral nerves, so there may be experienced pins and needles, or burning sensations, and Ataxia. The tongue will be enlarged and red. As there may also be a decrease in gastric acid there may be associated digestive discomfort, such as nausea and diarrhoea. Treatment would require B12 supplementation, intrinsic factor supplementation if anaemia is caused by autoimmune gastritis. Folate deficiency would require Folic acid supplementation.
- Haemolytic Anaemias
- Sickle Cell Anaemia
- Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Anaemia
- Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia
- Hereditary Spherocytosis
- Erythroblastosis Fetalis
- Other
This is due to an impairment or failure of bone marrow. This may be a temporary or permanent condition, and often the cause is unknown (idiopathic). Other cause; drugs, radiation, chronic nephritis, cancer. Because it effects the production of leukocytes and platelets as well as erythrocytes, the signs and symptoms are greater than that of anaemia, and include multiple infections and haemorrhages. Treatment would require the removal of the cause, if known. Transfusions, bone marrow transplantation and immunosuppressants.
Anaemia due to chronic inflammation
Need to treat the underlying cause.
Polycythaemia
A high concentration of red blood cells, making the blood thicker as a result. Symptoms include; headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, high bllod pressure, pain in calf muscles when walking, itchy skin after taking a bath.
