Treatment of anemia

Weakness, rapid fatigue, and deterioration of well-being are not always associated with a busy schedule or a lack of rest. Sometimes the cause lies in anemia, which may remain unnoticed for a long time.

At the «Oxford Medical» medical center in Kyiv, you can consult a doctor, undergo the necessary examinations, and receive individual recommendations. To make an appointment for a consultation, use the online appointment form on the website or call the contact center.

Anemia — is a condition in which the level of hemoglobin in the blood is lower than normal. Hemoglobin is contained in red blood cells and carries oxygen to tissues and organs. With anemia, the blood performs this function worse, which may cause weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and other changes in well-being.

According to the criteria of World Health Organization, the hemoglobin level is assessed taking into account the person’s age, sex, and physiological condition:

If the hemoglobin level is lower than the lower limit specified for the respective group, this indicates anemia.

Possible causes of development include:

• a diet with an insufficient amount of meat, fish, and other sources of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid;

• heavy menstruation or abnormal uterine bleeding;

• hidden bleeding with a stomach ulcer, hemorrhoids, inflammatory diseases, neoplasms, or polyps in the intestine;

• impaired absorption of iron and vitamins in celiac disease, atrophic gastritis, or after surgery on the stomach or intestine;

• an increased need for iron during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and active growth;

• chronic kidney diseases, prolonged inflammatory, autoimmune, or oncological diseases;

• hereditary disorders of hematopoiesis and bone marrow diseases;

• taking certain medications that may affect the formation or destruction of blood cells.

Sometimes a low hemoglobin level has several causes at the same time. For example, a restricted diet may be combined with heavy menstruation or impaired iron absorption.

With iron deficiency, cracks in the corners of the mouth, unusual taste preferences, or a desire to eat non-food substances may also appear. Vitamin B12 deficiency is sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling in the limbs, and impaired sensation.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» note: at the initial stage of iron deficiency, latent anemia may occur: iron stores are already decreasing, but the hemoglobin level still remains within the normal range. Ferritin tests and other indicators of iron metabolism help detect such changes.

Examination is needed not only to confirm anemia but also to determine its cause. First, the doctor clarifies the symptoms, dietary characteristics, the presence of bleeding, chronic diseases, and medication use.

Diagnosis may include:

• a complete blood count with determination of hemoglobin, the number and characteristics of red blood cells;

• determination of the reticulocyte count to assess the activity of hematopoiesis;

• determination of the ferritin level, serum iron, and transferrins;

• tests for vitamin B12, folic acid, and inflammatory markers;

• a fecal occult blood test — if bleeding from the digestive tract is suspected;

• fibrogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound, and other examinations as indicated.

If the changes in the test results are pronounced, have an unclear cause, or affect several types of blood cells, the patient may be recommended a consultation with a hematologist to clarify the diagnosis and determine further tactics.

The therapy regimen is selected according to the type of anemia and its cause. In cases of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid deficiency, the doctor prescribes the appropriate medications and determines the duration of their use. Iron is usually used in tablet form, while intravenous administration may be prescribed in cases of impaired absorption, poor tolerability, or pronounced deficiency.

It is important not only to increase hemoglobin but also to eliminate the cause of its decrease. Depending on the diagnostic results, treatment of a disease of the digestive system, kidneys, or another pathology causing blood loss may be required.

During treatment, hemoglobin, ferritin, and other laboratory indicators are regularly monitored. Iron preparations are often continued after the normalization of hemoglobin in order to replenish iron stores in the body.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» note: during pregnancy, the body’s need for iron increases because blood volume increases and the placenta and fetal organs are formed. Therefore, it is important to monitor not only hemoglobin but also iron stores. Therapy is usually started with tablet preparations, while intravenous administration may be considered after the first trimester if the tablets are poorly tolerated, are not absorbed, or do not provide a sufficient result.

Without proper correction, chronic anemia makes the heart work more frequently to supply the organs and tissues with oxygen.

Possible consequences of anemia:

• tachycardia, heart rhythm disturbances, and exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases;

• persistent weakness, decreased working capacity, deterioration of memory and concentration;

• weakening of immunity and slower recovery after diseases;

• complications during pregnancy and impaired fetal development.

The risk of complications depends on the severity of anemia, the duration of its course, the patient’s age, and the presence of concomitant diseases.

Prevention consists of adequate nutrition, timely detection of deficiencies, and treatment of diseases that may cause blood loss or impair the absorption of nutrients.

Main recommendations:

• regularly consume meat, fish, eggs, legumes, and green leafy vegetables;

• monitor a complete blood count and ferritin during pregnancy, with heavy menstruation, restricted nutrition, and chronic diseases;

• do not delay consulting a doctor if there are signs of bleeding or prolonged digestive disorders;

• periodically undergo a preventive check-up, especially in the presence of risk factors.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» warn: iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid preparations should not be taken for prevention. They may be appropriate only in the case of a laboratory-confirmed deficiency and as prescribed by a doctor.

First, the patient has a consultation with a doctor, who assesses the symptoms and prescribes the necessary tests. After receiving the results, the doctor determines the cause of anemia and selects therapy. Since the list of examinations and the treatment regimen are different in each case, the total cost of services may also vary.

You can find out how much a doctor’s consultation costs here. To make an appointment at the «Oxford Medical» medical center in Kyiv, use the online appointment form or call the contact center.

The information is for informational purposes only and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• World Health Organization
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• NCBI Bookshelf