Copyright 2005 Anne Wolski
There are several types and classifications of anaemia. This is
a condition in which the body lacks the amount of red blood
cells to keep up with the body's demand for oxygen.
Understanding the different classifications can help to
recognise the symptoms and also to avoid anaemia in the first
place...
Iron deficiency anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition in which the body has too
little iron in the bloodstream. This form of anaemia is more
common in adolescents and in women before menopause. Blood loss
from heavy periods, internal bleeding from the gastrointestinal
tract, or donating too much blood can all contribute to this
disease. Other causes can be from poor dietary habits or from
chronic intestinal diseases.
The signs and symptoms of this disease are: 1. Paleness 2.
Headache 3. Irritability
Symptoms of more severe iron deficiency anaemia include: 1.
Dyspnea 2. Rapid heartbeat 3. Brittle hair and nails
Treatment usually takes the form of oral iron supplements and
dietary modifications.
Folic Acid Deficiency Anaemia
This form of anaemia is characterised by a lack of folic acid,
one of the B group of vitamins, in the bloodstream. This is
usually caused by an inadequate intake of folic acid, usually
found in vegetables or by the overcooking of the vegetables.
Alcoholism can also be a contributing factor in this form of
anaemia. During pregnancy when the folic acid is used more or in
infancy, this disease can also manifest itself. It can also be
caused as a side effect of other blood disorders.
Symptoms of the disorder include: 1. Weakness 2. Fatigue 3.
Memory lapses 4. Irritability
This condition can be avoided by including foods with folic acid
in the diet. Such foods include beef liver, asparagus, and red
beans.
Pernicious anaemia
Pernicious anaemia usually affects people between the ages of 50
and 60 and is a result of a lack of vitamin B12. The disease can
be hereditary but some forms of the condition can be autoimmune
diseases. People who have any autoimmune diseases are more
likely to contract pernicious anaemia.
Symptoms of this form of anaemia may include: 1. Fatigue 2.
Dyspnea 3. Heart palpitations 4. Numbness or tingling in
extremities
Aplastic anaemia
Aplastic anaemia is caused by an absence or reduction of red
blood cells. This can happen through injury where the blood
forming tissue in the bone marrow is destroyed. Because of this,
the sufferer is unable to fight infection and is likely to be a
heavy bleeder.
Symptoms include: 1. Lethargy 2. Paleness 3. Purpura 4. Bleeding
5. Rapid heartbeat 6. Infections 7. Congestive heart failure
There is no definite known cause for aplastic anaemia but it is
thought to be caused by exposure to certain toxins and also to
the hepatitis virus.
Sickle Cell Anaemia
This form of anaemia is of a hereditary nature and is a result
of an abnormal type of red blood cells. Sickle cell anaemia is a
life threatening disease and there is no prevention.
Symptoms of this condition include: 1. Painful attacks in arms,
legs and stomach 2. Jaundice in whites of the eyes 3. Fever 4.
Chronic fatigue 5. Rapid heartbeat 6. Paleness
Complications include leg ulcers, shock, cerebral hemorrhage,
and orthopedic disorders.
Polycythemia Vera
This disease is more common in middle aged men and is
characterised by an increase in red blood cells, leucocytes, and
thrombocytes. There is a very fast and intense reproduction of
cells and the bone marrow cells mature more rapidly than usual.
The cause of this condition is unknown.
Symptoms are: 1. Purplish coloured skin 2. Bloodshot eyes 3.
Headache 4. Dizziness 5. Enlarged spleen
Although the signs and symptoms of anaemia may seem
overwhelming, the good news is that most forms can be
effectively controlled with medication and dietary changes.
About the author:
Anne Wolski has worked within the health and welfare industry
for more than 30 years. She is a co director of
http://www.pharmacybyweb.com and
http://www.magnetic-health-online.com where you can see many
wonderful health articles, many of them written by doctors and
others who have been involved in the health industry for many
years.
