Anaemia is a common condition affecting many women and young girls.There are many forms of anaemia, each with its own cause. Loss of blood is a common cause of anaemia. Anaemia can be temporary or long term, and it can range from mild to severe.
What Is Anemia?
Anaemia develops when you do not have enough robust, healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. The blood cells may lack enough haemoglobin, the protein that gives blood its red colour. Anaemia affects one in 10 teen girls and women. It also develops in men and children and is linked to some illnesses. Anaemia is not the same as hypertension. Many residents of Anguilla often confuse anaemia with high blood pressure.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited disorder in which the body produces an abnormal form of haemoglobin. This causes red blood cells to change from round to a sickle shape and become stuck together. That can make it difficult for them to pass through blood vessels, leading to pain and damage to body tissues. The red blood cells also die more quickly than normal red blood cells. Sickle cell anaemia is more common among individuals of African descent, but it can occur in other races as well.
Why women are at an increased risk for Anaemia?
Women have the greatest risk of anaemia. When women lose blood in heavy menstrual periods, they may become anaemic. Pregnancy also causes changes in a woman’s blood volume that can result in anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia is very common in menstruating women and young girls.
Other causes of Anaemia?
Chronic diseases such as kidney disease can affect the body’s ability to make red blood cells and this can lead to anaemia.
The body needs both vitamin B12 and folate to make red blood cells. A diet too low in these vitamins sometimes can cause anemia. An autoimmune disorder or digestive problem can also prevent your body from absorbing enough B12. Animal-based foods and fortified breakfast cereals are good sources of B-12. Folate is in leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, and peas, and is added to breads, pastas, and cereals as folic acid.
Symptoms of Anemia
The symptoms of anaemia might vary from one individual to another. Tiredness is a common symptom. The symptoms include the following:
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Pale skin
• Headache
• Numbness or coldness in hands and feet
• Low body temperature
• Memory or mood problems
• Lacking energy for normal activities
People with anaemia have less oxygen in their blood, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough oxygen to their organs. Cardiac-related symptoms include arrhythmia (an abnormal heart rhythm), shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Iron deficiency Anaemia and Pregnancy
About half of pregnant women have iron-deficiency anaemia. Pregnant women should get about 27 milligrams of iron each day in their diet. Your prenatal vitamin may also contain iron. During your visits to your obstetrician you will be required to be tested for anaemia at various intervals. If anaemia is detected this should be treated.
Diagnosis
After a complete physical examination your doctor might require you to do a number of tests so that the diagnosis can be confirmed.
Treatment
Iron pills are often needed for anaemia that is caused by a deficiency in that mineral. Ferrous iron is more easily absorbed than ferric iron. It is best taken with food, especially orange juice and other foods rich in vitamin C. But do not mix your iron pill with calcium, coffee, or tea, which can block absorption of iron. You should never take iron without a doctor’s order or let children near the pills. An iron overdose can be dangerous. Some people may need folic acid or vitamin B12 supplements as well. Other drugs might be needed depending on the cause of the anaemia. A blood transfusion might be needed in some special situations.
Preventing Anemia
You can prevent some types of anaemia with a healthy diet. Foods containing iron include lean red meat, liver, fish, lentils and beans, dark green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits. Also eat foods with vitamin B12 and folic acid, such as eggs and dairy products, spinach, and bananas. Many breads, cereals, and other foods are fortified with all three key nutrients: iron, B12, and folic acid. Vitamin C, found in citrus, other fruits, and vegetables, will help your body absorb iron.
Conclusion
Anaemia is very common in women and teen girls. The causes vary but iron deficiency is very common in Anguilla.Treatments for anaemia range from taking supplements to undergoing medical procedures. You may be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. If you have symptoms suggestive if anaemia please see you doctor.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the JohnsonBuilding in The Valley.
