Anemia: Types, Signs, Symptoms, Diagnostic Procedures, Risk Factors

A disorder known as anemia arises when the body does not produce enough red blood cells (RBCs). Because there are fewer red blood cells, the blood tissues do not receive enough oxygen, which leaves the body feeling weak and exhausted.

Anemia is the most prevalent nutritional condition worldwide, with an estimated 3 billion individuals suffering from it, according to the World Health Organization.

Why Are Red Blood Cells Important?

Your body produces three different types of cells: platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells. Red blood cells carry carbon dioxide from every area of the body back to the lungs and oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

Dr. Barbara in Dubai is committed to providing you with whatever information you need on any number of health-related topics. To learn more about anemia, continue reading this blog.

Types Of Anemia

Types of anemia are divided into the following categories based on their causes. According to the anemia clinic in Dubai, the types of anemia are as follows:

Iron Deficiency Anemia

The most prevalent kind of anemia, iron deficiency anemia, is brought on by a lack of iron in the body. Since bone marrow requires iron to produce hemoglobin for red blood cells, iron is the most important element for the synthesis of red blood cells. Pregnant women who do not take iron supplements may potentially develop this kind of anemia.

Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

The body experiences this condition due to insufficient vitamin intake. This type of anemia occurs when the body does not receive enough of certain essential vitamins. Red blood cell formation depends on vitamins like folate and B-12. Some people may have a vitamin B-12 deficiency because their bodies may not absorb it as well.

Aplastic Anemia

Although it is less prevalent, aplastic anemia is the most severe kind of anemia. Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells. Autoimmune diseases, infections, exposure to harmful substances, and other medications can trigger this type of anemia.

Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic form of the disease. In this case, the bone marrow produces relatively fewer red blood cells. The deformed hemoglobin provides the red blood cells a sickle-like appearance. The early demise of these cells results in their severe scarcity.

Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia occurs when the body destroys red blood cells faster than they can regenerate. The condition might be the result of a hereditary problem or certain blood disorders.

Anemia Linked To Bone Marrow Disease

Leukemia and myelofibrosis are two conditions that can impair the bone marrow’s capacity to make blood, resulting in mild to severe anemia.

Blood Loss Anemia

The body loses blood due to ulcers, cancer, or severe menstrual bleeding, causing this type of anemia. Another factor might be the use of medicines, such as aspirin, which irritates the stomach lining and causes blood loss.

Chronic conditions, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, renal illness, Crohn’s disease, and other inflammatory disorders, can also cause anemia. These illnesses may prevent red blood cells from forming.

Signs & Symptoms Of Anemia

These appear when anemia is really bad. When you notice any of the following symptoms, Dr. Barbara in Dubai always suggests that you contact us:

  • An irregular heartbeat
  • Weakness
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Breathlessness
  • Chest pain
  • Hands and feet are feeling cold
  • A headache
  • Weariness

Diagnostic Procedures Of Anemia

Dr. Barbara has years of expertise and extensive training in detecting and treating anemia. Dr. Barbara provides the most accurate diagnosis and hematology treatment Dubai because of her top-notch, technologically sophisticated equipment. In addition to performing a physical examination and asking about your family history, doctors may perform the following tests:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells in your blood, doctors may draw a sample of your blood. It is also possible to look at the hematocrit, or level of packed cell volume. For men, the typical hematocrit number ranges from 41% to 53%, whereas for women, it ranges from 36% to 48%.

To assess the size and structure of the red blood cells, doctors may also do specific tests.

Risk Factors Of Anemia

The following are a few risk factors that might raise the likelihood of anemia:

  • People who consume a diet deficient in vitamin B-12 and iron are at risk.
  • Women who are pregnant and do not take iron supplements and multivitamins are at risk.
  • Anemia is also more common in people over 60 to 65.

Treatment Of Anemia

The medical professional, Dr. Barbara, in Dubai, is committed and skilled in creating the ideal anemia treatment plan for you. Throughout the anemia treatment in Dubai, she will provide you with all the support and attention you require. She might employ various treatments, depending on what caused your anemia. Among the possible therapies are

Iron Deficiency Anemia

As part of iron deficiency treatment in Dubai, doctors may suggest that you take iron and vitamin C supplements in addition to dietary adjustments to increase your iron levels. To reduce bleeding from sources other than menstruation, doctors may also perform surgery.

Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

Doctors may recommend vitamin B-12 and folic acid-rich meals or pills if you have vitamin deficiency anemia. Vitamin B-12 injections are an option for those who have trouble digesting vitamin B-12 from the diet.

Anemia of Chronic Disease

Although there is no particular therapy for this kind of anemia, medical professionals attempt to address the underlying condition. Blood transfusions or injections of erythropoietin, a synthetic hormone made by the kidneys, may be used to increase the formation of red blood cells in cases of severe illness.

Aplastic Anemia

Blood transfusions are used in the treatment of aplastic anemia to generate the necessary quantity of red blood cells. If your bone marrow is unable to produce healthy red blood cells, your doctor can also suggest a bone marrow transplant.

Anemia Related To Bone Marrow

This kind of anemia can be treated with medication, chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplantation.

Hemolytic Anemia

When treating hemolytic anemia, doctors may look at the drugs you are taking or treat an infection that is the root cause of the anemia.

Sickle Cell Anemia

In the therapy of sickle cell anemia, oral and intravenous fluids, as well as oxygen and painkillers, may be advised. This might lessen discomfort and stop other issues from developing. For improved outcomes, doctors may also recommend antibiotics, folic acid supplements, and blood transfusions. Hydroxyurea, a medication intended to treat cancer, can also be used to treat sickle cell anemia.

 What Happens If Anemia Is Left Untreated?

 If anemia is not treated, it might lead to certain consequences. These issues might consist of:

  • Extreme fatigue and physical weakness
  • Premature delivery of the child in a pregnant woman
  • An irregular heartbeat
  • Certain forms of anemia can prove fatal if improperly detected and treated.

How To Prevent Anemia

While it is impossible to avoid all forms of anemia, eating foods high in iron and vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin B-12, can help prevent iron and vitamin deficiency anemia. Eating fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water can help prevent iron and vitamin deficiency anemia.

Looking For Best Hospital, Specialists/Doctors Of Anemia In Dubai?

Anemia specialist Dubai—Dr. Barbara in Dubai offers top-notch medical professionals with the most up-to-date and advanced treatment techniques. Her state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge facilities enable her to provide you with the best care possible.