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Thursday 6 March 2014

ANAEMIA

Anaemia is one of the common dietary deficiency diseases in which the blood is deficient in the body. It results in the lack of iron and haemoglobin in the body. Deficiency of haemoglobin results in poor functioning of the respiratory system, as it carries oxygen from lungs to other body parts.

Anaemia is a medical condition in which the red blood cell count or haemoglobin is less than normal. The normal level of haemoglobin is generally different in males and females. For men, anaemia is typically defined m haemoglobin level of less than 13.5 gm/lOOml ant! In women as haemoglobin of less than 12.0 gm/lOOml Thiua_ definitions may vary slightly depending on the source the laboratory reference used.
Women and people with chronic diseases are at risk of anaemia. Important factors to remember are:
 Certain forms of anaemia are hereditary and infi may be affected from the time of birth.

1.Anaemia Caused by Blood Loss

Red blood cells can be lost through bleeding, which can occur slowly over a long period of time, and can often go undetected. This kind of chronic bleeding commonly results from the following:

•Gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers, haemorrhoids, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and cancer.

Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or Motrin.

•    Menstruation and childbirth in women, especially if menstrual bleeding is excessive and if there are multiple
pregnancies.


2.    Anaemia Caused by Decreased or Faulty Red Blood Cell Production

The body may produce too few blood cells or the blood cells may not work properly. In either case, anaemia can result. Red blood cells may be faulty or decreased due to abnormal red blood cells or the a lack of minerals and vitamins needed for red blood cells to work properly. Conditions associated with these causes of anaemia include the following:


Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited disorder that affecli African-Americans. Red blood cells become crescent-shape I because of a genetic defect. They break down rapidly, sn oxygen does not get to the bodys organs, causing anaemia The crescent-shaped red blood cells also get stuck in liny blood vessels, causing pain.
Iron deficiency anaemia occurs because of a l;x It nf the mineral iron in the body. Bone marrow in the cet  the bone needs iron to make haemoglobin, the part nl llti red blood cell that transports oxygen to the bodyorgans

Without adequate iron, the body cannot produce enough haemoglobin for red blood cells. The result is iron deficiency ainaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia can be caused by the following:

An iron-poor diet, especially in infants, children, teens and vegetarians.

The metabolic demands of pregnancy and breast-feeding I hat deplete a womans iron stores.

Menstruation.

Inadequate blood donation.

surgical of part of the stomach or small intestine, drugs, foods, and caffeinated drinks. HMIM deficiency anaemia may occur when vitamin are deficient. These two vitamins are needed. Conditions leading to anaemia caused deficiency include the following:

anaemia: Vitamin B-12 or folate or both Poor vitamin B-12 absorption millions such as Crohns disease, an intestinal -II, nunjical removal of part of the stomach mini lion with HIV.

 no meat may cause a while overcooking or eating too few deficiency.


3. Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Problems

Bone marrow and stem cell problems may prevent the body from producing enough red blood cells. Some of the stem cells found in bone marrow develop into red blood cells. If stem cells are too few, defective, or replaced by other cells such as metastatic cancer cells, anaemia may result. Anaemia resulting from bone marrow or stem cell problems include the following:
Aplastic anaemia occurs when theres a marked reduction in the number of stem cells or absence of these cells. Aplastic anaemia can be inherited, can occur without apparent cause, or can occur when the bone marrow is injured by medications, radiation, chemotherapy, or infection.

Thalassemia occurs when the red cells cant mature and grow properly. Thalassemia is an inherited condition that typically affects people of Mediterranean, African, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian descent. This condition can range in severity from mild to life-threatening; the most severe form is called Cooleys anaemia.

Lead exposure is toxic to the bone marrow, leading to fewer red blood cells. Lead poisoning occurs in adults from work-related exposure and in children who eat pah il chips. Improperly glazed pottery can also taint food liquids with lead.

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