Things to know about anemia

The article was written by a doctor of Hematology - Blood Transfusion - Laboratory Department - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Anemia is a common disease, mild anemia often has no symptoms and is discovered incidentally through a physical examination or testing for another disease.

Anemia is a common disease, mild anemia often has no symptoms and is discovered incidentally through a physical examination or testing for another disease. Severe anemia will have a marked effect on health. Usually, anemia will lead to feeling tired with exertion or when performing daily tasks, loss of concentration, pale skin.
Anemia is a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin circulating in the peripheral blood of a person compared with healthy people, of the same sex, of the same age, race, and living conditions.
There are many causes of anemia. In less developed countries, anemia due to poor nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are common causes. In particular geographical and racial regions, anemia caused by inherited genetic defects accounts for a high proportion of the population. In addition, causes such as cancer of the hematopoietic system or cancer of the gastrointestinal tract cause blood loss, causing very severe anemia.

Diet lacking in certain vitamins and minerals: A diet low in iron, vitamin B12 and folate increases the risk of anemia. Intestinal Disorders: Having an intestinal disorder that affects the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine leads to anemia. Menstruation: In general, premenopausal women have a higher risk of iron deficiency anemia than men and postmenopausal women. Menstruation causes loss of red blood cells. Pregnancy: If you are pregnant and do not take a multivitamin with folic acid and iron there is an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia. This anemia that lasts even after birth is called postpartum anemia. Chronic illness: Having cancer, kidney failure, diabetes, or another chronic condition, can increase your risk of developing anemia. These diseases can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. Slow, chronic blood loss from sores in the body can deplete the body's iron, leading to iron-deficiency anemia. Family factors: If your family has a history of hereditary anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, Thalassemia, hemoglobin E... Other factors: History of infections, blood diseases and autoimmune disorders increase the risk of anemia. Alcoholism, exposure to toxic chemicals, and the use of certain medications can affect red blood cell production and lead to anemia. Age: People over 65 are at high risk of anemia.

Pale skin, pale mucous membranes, easy fatigue, irritability, Tinnitus, dizziness, fainting, Anorexia, digestive disorders, Anxiety, tachycardia, Endocrine system disorders possible amenorrhea, Shock due to acute blood loss (eg, hypotension, tachycardia, paleness, tachypnea, sweating, confusion)...

Severe or prolonged anemia can damage the heart, brain and other organs in the body. Even very severe anemia can be fatal.
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, or have any questions or concerns, please discuss and consult your doctor for advice on testing, diagnosis, diagnosis and method selection. best treatment.
Without treatment, anemia can cause many complications, including:
Severe fatigue: When anemia is severe, the body is tired and weak. Heart problems: Anemia can lead to a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). The heart has to pump more blood to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the blood during anemia. This can even lead to congestive heart failure. Death: Some inherited anemias, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, can be serious and lead to life-threatening complications. Losing too much blood quickly leads to severe acute anemia and can be fatal.

Anemia can be discovered incidentally during a physical exam or blood test for another condition. If the test results show anemia, the doctor will consult and do more tests to find the cause of the anemia. If you have congenital anemia, other family members will be tested.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, a system of modern equipment and technology. The hospital provides comprehensive and professional medical examination, consultation and treatment services, with a civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.