Anemia

Anemia stands for 'without blood' in Greek. When the number of red blood cells (RBC) falls below normal, Anemia is a resultant condition. Hemoglobin is an important constituent of RBC. Hemoglobin usually occurs in the range of 12 and 18 g/dL (grams per deciliter of blood). If the hemoglobin levels show a decrease, anemic conditions set in. Consequently, the various organs and tissues of the body do not receive adequate oxygen on account of the diminished oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This impairs their normal functioning. Usually women have smaller stores of iron than men. Besides, they also lose blood during menstruation making them primary targets for anemia.
It is essential to be familiar with the typical symptoms of anemia. Often anemia is misdiagnosed and left untreated. An anemic person is likely to feel extremely tired and weak. This is accompanied with dizziness and breathlessness. A person suffering from anemia tends to appear pale and experience feelings of depression. In some cases, anemia can lead to heart ailments too.

Causes of Anemia

Types of Anemia

Iron deficiency Anemia - Nearly 20% adult women tend to suffer from this form of anemia. Loss of blood due to menstruation is not compensated with an iron-rich diet Pregnancy and breast feeding can also deplete iron stores. Iron deficiency anemia is also noticed during growth spurts or internal bleeding.

Aplastic anemia - When the bone marrow does not produce sufficient quantities of blood cells, aplastic anemia is noticed. Childhood cancers such as leukemia are often responsible for this form of anemia. Other possible causes of aplastic anemia are radiation, cancer or antiseizure medications and chronic diseases such as thyroid or kidney malfunction. Treatment for aplastic anemia involves blood transfusions and bone marrow transplant. This is done to replace malfunctioning cells with healthy ones.

Vitamin deficiency anemia - Low levels of folic acid lead to faulty absorption of iron. Anemia caused due to folic acid deficiency is called megaloblastic anemia. Pregnancy doubles the body requirements of folic acid and it is imperative that pregnant women take folic acid supplements. Good dietary sources of folate are fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, liver and kidney, dairy products and whole grain cereals. Vegetables should be eaten raw or lightly cooked.Folic acid anemia is also a common problem faced by alcoholics. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to a condition of pernicious anemia. Diseases such as thyroid malfunction or diabetes mellitus can affect the body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. This vitamin is vital in the production of hemoglobin.

Sickle cell anemia - Sickle cell anemia is a condition where the red blood cells change shape, from their original flexible round shape to a sickle or crescent shape. These irregular blood cells do not move smoothly. Instead they clog blood cells on account of their shape and consequently there is deprived oxgyen to various body parts. This blood disorder is genetic in origin and is found more predominantly in people of African, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern ancestry.

Thalassemia anemia - Thalassemia or Cooleys Disease is a heriditary disorder found predominantly in people of South East Asian, Greek and Italian racial groups. This form of anemia is seen in differing degrees as Thalaseemia encompasses a group of related disorders that affect the human body in similar ways. The most common occurences of Thalassemia are alpha and beta thalassemia. Thalassemia anemia is symptomized by jaundice, enlarged spleen, shortness of breath and facial bone deformities.

Diagnosing Anemia

A complete blood count test will test for hemoglobin levels and display an anemic condition. But often anemia is a symptom whose cause lies deeper. The cause and type of anemia will determine the treatment that is needed. A stool test will help in detecting occult blood. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that helps identify abnormal hemoglobins. Diagnosing thalassemia or sickle cell anemia becomes possible with this test.

Treating Anemia

Deficiency can be treated with supplements of iron, Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin C. Partaking an iron-rich diet can be beneficial for those suffering from nutritional deficiency anemia. Seafood, nuts, whole grains and dried fruits such as raisins, prunes and apricots are rich in iron. Ensure adequate consumption of Vitamin C as it aids and stimulates iron absorption. Try and combine citrus foods with iron-rich foods - add tomatoes to a turkey sandwich or chopped strawberries with iron-fortified breakfast cereals.

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea or painful menstrual periods is a common complaint with many women and adolescent girls. It is characterized by cramps and pain in the lower abdomen. Dysmenorrhea can be broadly classified as Primary and Secondary. While primary dysmenorrhea is identified with menstrual cylcles, secondary dysmenorrhea can be traced to pelvic diseases such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, lesions and other causes such as IUD or uterine fibroids. Primary Dysmenorrhea usually surfaces with early ovulatory cycles and can start in the teens or 20s. Primary dysmenorrhea is not indicative of any abnormal condition. Accompanying symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal bloating. It is noticed that symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea reduce after pregnancy and in latter years. Pain can be a dull ache or spasmodic and cramping. Since the uterus goes into spasms to expel the endometrial tissue during menstruation, it leads to pain and cramps when the cervical passage is narrow. Pain radiates to the lower back and thighs.

A physician will conduct a pelvic examination to check for any possible growth, lesions or abnormalities. Those with a history of dysmenorrhea are usually advised to take medications a couple of days prior to menstruation. Adequate rest, good diet and exercise play a role in relieving the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Mild analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can relieve the pain and discomfort. Often oral contraceptives are prescribed to regulate the hormones and alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

Fibrocystic Breast condition

Fibrocystic breast condition is a normal variant condition that many women face with their breasts. This condition is characterized by the presence of benign breast lumps and typically affects women in the age group of 30 - 50 years. Fibrocystic breast disease is often referred to as chronic cystic mastitis or mammary dysplasia. Women suffering from fibrocystic breast disease notice dense and irregular consistency in the breast tissue that is accompanied by dull pain and tenderness. Breast engorgement and nipple discharge is sometimes noticed. But it is essential that the symptoms of fibrocystic breasts are not ignored as it might be a precursor to breast cancer. This condition can affect one or both breasts. The discomfort and swelling may be heightened prior to menstruation and taper off after that. The real cause for fibrocystic breasts is still not completely understood but it is associated with ovarian hormones. Fibrocystic breast disease is characterized by pockets of irregularly-shaped cysts that lend a lumpy surface to the breast. These cysts are smooth and movable and make the breasts very tender. Sometimes the pain is severe prior to menstruation. In most cases, the condition disappears on menopause.

A physician will examine the breast masses and conduct a mammography to examine the tissues. Ultrasounds are useful in distinguishing cystic lumps from solid lesions. Often an aspiration of the cystic fluid may be necessary to diagnose the condition and drain the fluid. Usually fibrocystic breast condition improves over time. Relief is sought by avoiding caffeine and aerated fluids. Pain relievers alleviate the tenderness and discomfort. Doses of Vitamin E are sometimes prescribed for women suffering from fibrocystic breast condition. Cold compresses on the tender breasts may offer relief. Sometimes surgical removaval of the fibrocysts is undertaken. Hormonal therapy such as birth control pills and other medications that regulate estrogen and progesterone levels are sometimes resorted to.

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