Anemia is caused due to deficiency of iron in the body. This deficiency doesn't allow the red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. Deficiency ailment like anemia has long-term implications if not controlled at the right moment.
Iron deficiency will lead to a weaker body, chronic fatigue, sleeplessness and low immunity. To diagnose and treat anemia there are certain things you can pursue. The treatment depends upon the underlying prognosis and diagnosis.
Diagnosis
A complete blood count or CBC - is used to count the number of blood cells in a sample of your blood. For anemia specifically, the doctor will be focused on the red blood cells (hematocrit) and hemoglobin in the blood sample.
The healthy hematocrit value among the male is - 41% to 50%
For a female, the limit is between - 36% and 48%
Healthy adult hemoglobin values are generally 13.2 to 16.6 grams per deciliter for men and 11.6 to 15 grams per deciliter for women. However, these values may differ from one medical practice to another. Anemia is not a diagnostic term, but rather a manifestation of an underlying disorder. Thus asymptomatic anemia should be under investigation so that the issue can be diagnosed and treated. The deficiency of iron can be pre-diagnosed and can be prevented through an iron-rich diet.
The doctor will also take into account your family history. An underlying illness can be diagnosed from the person’s family history.
Treatment
Treatment for anemia depends majorly on the cause, type and severity of the condition. The treatment will involve a fundamental change in diet, supplements, medicines or surgery to treat blood loss. The main goal of any treatment for anemia is to increase the amount of oxygen carried by the blood. Iron-rich diets are essential for anyone with low iron levels. By eating foods high in iron, you can be proactive in fighting anemia and increase your iron content.
If low levels of vitamins or iron in the body are detected, then you should start consuming supplements - Vitamin B12 and folic acid. Also increase your intake of Vitamin C as it helps to absorb the iron in the blood cell. Pernicious anemia is caused by low levels of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 supplements are often prescribed for this type of anemia.
Additionally, your doctor may prescribe medicines to assist your body in making more red blood cells or to treat the underlying causes. Medications to treat infections, hormones to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, and medicines to prevent your immune system from destroying your own red blood cells are also used to treat anemia.
