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Anemia is a serious global public health problem. It is an indicator of poor health and poor nutrition. WHO estimates that 42% of children <5 years of age and 40% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic. About 50% of the Indian population suffers from anemia. Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells (RBCs) or the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration within them is lower than normal and the severity is best considered in terms of blood Hb concentration.
Children, women of childbearing age, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. The optimal Hb concentration needed to meet physiologic needs varies by age, gender, smoking habits, pregnancy status, and elevation of residence.
The clinical symptoms and signs of anemia are a function of the degree of tissue hypoxia and the etiology and pathogenesis of specific anemia. Symptoms vary from person to person and include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, and drowsiness.
According to the best hematologist in Mysore, the most common causes of anemia are blood loss, reduced or impaired RBC production, and RBC destruction.
Anemia can be of various types. Nutritional anemia can be due to iron deficiency, though deficiency in Vitamin B12 and folic acid are also important causes. Other forms of anemia are hemoglobinopathies (thalassemia, sickle cell disease), hemolytic anemia (autoimmune, RBC membrane disorders, RBC enzyme disorders), aplastic anemia, anemia of chronic inflammation and infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, retroviral infection, and parasitic infestations.
Basic tests to diagnose anemia are complete blood count with red cell indices and peripheral smear.
Blood disorder treatment in Mysore will depend on its cause, the type of anemia a person has, and how serious it is. Undiagnosed or untreated anemia can lead to life-threatening organ failure. Children may develop developmental delays. Old-age people may develop angina, arrhythmia, and myocardial infarction.
While iron deficiency anemia is relatively easy to treat through dietary changes, other forms of anemia require health intervention. Treatment may include dietary changes, supplements, medications, blood transfusion, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation/bone marrow transplantation.
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