Signs of anemia in women (anemia): symptoms, treatment, adults, external, why it is dangerous, how it manifests itself

Iron is one of the most common chemical elements on Earth. It takes part in various biological processes and plays an important role in any living organism, including the human one.

Therefore, iron deficiency negatively affects a person’s well-being and can lead to a life-threatening syndrome such as iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Types of anemia

Based on severity, anemia can be divided into three groups:

1st degree, when the deviation of the hemoglobin level from the norm is less than a fifth;
2 degrees, in which the hemoglobin level is 20–40% below normal;
3 degrees, when the deviation exceeds 40%.

The gradation of severity is expressed in relative terms, because the normal level of hemoglobin in the blood varies depending on gender and age.

Depending on the reasons underlying anemia in women, the following types are distinguished:

iron deficiency;
aplastic;
posthemorrhagic;
hemolytic;
folate deficiency;
with B12 deficiency.

Iron deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the body. This may occur due to an increased need for it, for example, during the period of active teenage growth or pregnancy. It is often associated with eating disorders, diets that lead to insufficient intake of this element.

Aplastic anemia is caused by a disease of the hematopoietic system associated with damage to bone marrow cells. This is the most severe form of anemia, which is fatal in 80% of cases. But it is extremely rare.

Posthemorrhagic anemia is associated with serious blood loss, which could be caused by internal or external bleeding, resulting from injury or exacerbation of chronic diseases, such as stomach ulcers. In women, it often occurs with gynecological diseases accompanied by uterine bleeding.

Hemolytic anemia occurs when the life cycle of red blood cells is shortened. This type of pathology is very rare and can also be hereditary or acquired.

The last two types of anemia are associated with a deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12 in the body, respectively. The lack of these substances leads to disruption of the normal process of red blood cell maturation, which is enhanced in the presence of aggravating factors. This influence includes pregnancy, increased physical and mental stress, and chronic diseases.

Iron deficiency is common in pregnant women

Causes of the disease

Any anemia, including iron deficiency, is not a disease in the strict sense of the word. This is a symptom indicating some other disease or an external factor that causes a decrease in the concentration of Fe in the blood. Therefore, without treating the original disease or eliminating the causes of the condition, unpleasant symptoms will persist.

The causes of this condition may be:

chronic blood loss due to diseases, menstruation, injuries, etc.;
lack of iron intake from food;
insufficient absorption of iron in the intestines;
increased iron consumption;
disruption of the process of iron supply from the depot or transport to the bone marrow.

In newborns, anemia can be inherited from the mother. If the mother’s body lacked iron, then the state of deficiency of the element passes to the newborn, and in an even more pronounced form.

What diseases and conditions can lead to chronic blood loss:

long menstruation;
uterine tumors, endometriosis;
tuberculosis;
urolithiasis disease;
frequent nosebleeds due to hypertension;
stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer and gastritis;
haemorrhoids;
gastrointestinal tumors;
oral diseases;
helminthic infestations.

Even minor but chronic bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia over time. If a person loses only 4 ml of blood per day, this means that 3 mg of iron is lost, which exceeds the average daily intake of the element from food.

A decrease in the intake of iron from food occurs with prolonged fasting or an unbalanced diet. The largest amount of the element is found in meat products, fish and eggs. In addition, the element from such products is best absorbed.

Fe stores found in plant foods can also be absorbed. However, an important condition is necessary here - a sufficient content of vitamin C in the diet. Thus, the development of iron deficiency anemia is not uncommon when there is a lack of meat and vitamins in the diet. A similar situation is typical for people on various fashionable diets, especially if they are based exclusively on plant foods and are completely unbalanced in their composition. A similar cause of iron deficiency anemia is nutritional imbalance, most common in children.

Impaired absorption of iron in the intestine can occur with various diseases of the stomach and intestines, with alcoholism, removal of part of the stomach or duodenum, and pancreatitis. All these reasons lead to iron deficiency due to the fact that the mechanism of its binding to the transferrin protein is disrupted.

Reasons for increased removal of iron from the body that are not associated with bleeding may include pregnancy and lactation, increased physical activity, prolonged fever and increased sweating.

Disruption of the process of iron supply from the depot occurs in liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis). Since eliminating iron deficiency using the body's reserves is a process that occurs infrequently, anemia occurs in only 20% of cases in patients with liver failure.

Long-term infectious diseases (tuberculosis, brucellosis) lead to iron molecules being captured by immune cells. As a result, red blood cells also suffer from a deficiency of an important element for them.

Can pregnancy lead to IDA?

Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition in women during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that the female body is forced to share iron with the baby’s body. If the child does not receive enough of the chemical element, this will lead to improper development of his organs and to anemia in the first months of life.

Causes of anemia

The condition of insufficient hemoglobin can be accompanied by many pathologies, each of which has its own causes and aggravating factors. But we can identify a number of common causes of anemia that cause disturbances in a woman’s body:

heredity;
eating disorders;
increased mental and physical stress;
some conditions accompanied by an increased need for nutrition of body cells;
negative environmental factors, ecology;
chronic diseases and their exacerbations;
past infectious diseases.

In women over 40 years of age, anemia can be caused by hormonal changes, a slowdown in metabolism, and the development of cancer. During this period, you should be especially attentive to your health and prevent existing chronic ailments from becoming neglected.

Depending on the severity and nature of the causes of anemia in adult women, symptoms and treatment methods will vary. Both errors in lifestyle and nutrition, as well as dangerous diseases, can lead to a pathological condition. Therefore, when the first suspicious signs appear, you should consult a doctor.

Differential diagnosis

When diagnosing IDA, it is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis with other hypochromic anemias. Iron redistribution anemia is a fairly common pathology and in terms of frequency of development it ranks second among all anemias (after IDA). It develops in acute and chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases, sepsis, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, liver diseases, cancer, ischemic heart disease, etc.

The mechanism of development of hypochromic anemia in these conditions is associated with the redistribution of iron in the body (it is located mainly in the depot) and a violation of the mechanism for recycling iron from the depot. In the above diseases, activation of the macrophage system occurs, when macrophages, under activation conditions, firmly retain iron, thereby disrupting the process of its reutilization. A general blood test shows a moderate decrease in hemoglobin (<80 g/l). The main differences from ZhDA are:

increased level of serum ferritin, which indicates increased iron content in the depot;
serum iron levels may remain within normal limits or be moderately reduced;
The CVS remains within normal values or decreases, which indicates the absence of serum Fe starvation.

Iron-saturated anemia develops as a result of a violation of heme synthesis, which is caused by heredity or can be acquired. Heme is formed from protoporphyrin and iron in erythrokaryocytes. In iron-saturated anemia, the activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis of protoporphyrin occurs. The consequence of this is a violation of heme synthesis. Iron, which was not used for heme synthesis, is deposited in the form of ferritin in macrophages of the bone marrow, as well as in the form of hemosiderin in the skin, liver, pancreas, and myocardium, resulting in the development of secondary hemosiderosis. A general blood test will record anemia, erythropenia, and a decrease in color index.

Indicators of iron metabolism in the body are characterized by an increase in the concentration of ferritin and serum iron levels, normal indicators of life-saving blood test, and an increase in transferrin saturation with iron (in some cases reaching 100%). Thus, the main biochemical indicators that allow us to assess the state of iron metabolism in the body are ferritin, serum iron, total body mass and % transferrin saturation with iron. Using indicators of iron metabolism in the body allows the clinician to:

identify the presence and nature of iron metabolism disorders in the body;
identify the presence of iron deficiency in the body at the preclinical stage;
carry out differential diagnosis of hypochromic anemia;
evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.

Symptoms of anemia

Anemia may not have pronounced symptoms for a long time, which is why it is easily confused with ordinary malaise and fatigue. Some forms of anemia also have specific symptoms. The following are common signs of anemia in women:

weakness and malaise;
increased fatigue;
decreased ability to withstand physical activity;
dizziness;
drowsiness;
changes in taste sensations;
sweating;
shortness of breath;
increased heart rate;
difficulty swallowing;
darkening of the eyes and fainting;
deterioration of hair and nails;
menstrual irregularities;
decreased appetite.

There are also a number of specific symptoms that appear with certain types of anemia:

with posthemorrhagic anemia, pale skin, low body temperature, vomiting, and digestive disorders are observed;
with the iron deficiency type, tinnitus, muscle weakness, flaking of the skin, and cyanosis under the eyes are observed;
hypoplastic anemia is characterized by ulcers in the mouth, nose, and skin;
with the hemolytic form, there are signs of liver dysfunction, enlarged spleen, chills;
With a deficiency of vitamins and anemia, digestive disorders, poor memory and coordination are expressed.

The severity of symptoms depends on the severity and duration of the pathological condition. Therefore, only professional diagnostics can determine the presence of a problem.

How does anemia manifest in women aged 30?

At the age of 30, women with anemia experience general weakness, inability to concentrate, decreased memory, increased fatigue, long-lasting chronic fatigue syndrome, and decreased performance after viral respiratory infections. Anemic syndrome due to iron deficiency is manifested by the following symptoms:

dizziness;
noise in ears;
flickering of flies before the eyes;
shortness of breath on exertion;
perversion of taste in the form of a desire to eat chalk, toothpaste, ashes, paints, earth, clay and more;
unusual predilection for certain odors, most often acetone, gasoline;
some patients note a burning sensation of the tongue, signs of inflammation;
an extremely rare symptom may be difficulty swallowing due to the formation of esophageal septa, which forces the doctor to suspect esophageal cancer;
symptoms of gastritis are present (heaviness, pain), but are not as pronounced as with gastritis of other origins;
impaired urination, urinary incontinence when coughing, laughing, nocturnal enuresis is sometimes observed in girls, less often in adult women.

The severity of the manifestations of anemic syndrome largely depends on the rate of decrease in hemoglobin levels and, consequently, on the patient’s adaptation. In most cases, iron deficiency anemia increases gradually (unlike acute blood loss), and patients adapt well to it. Women get used to their illness, attributing it to overwork, mental and physical overload. Often, a patient first consults a doctor only when she faints. When examining a patient at a doctor's appointment, the following is revealed:

puffiness of the face;
systolic (at the moment of contraction) murmur at the apex of the heart, the so-called “anemic heart”;
smoothing of the tongue papillae;

You can note the symptom of blue sclera. This phenomenon is explained by dystrophic changes due to iron deficiency in the cornea of the eye, through which the choroid plexuses are visible, creating a “blue” appearance. In a general blood test, the following is observed:

the decrease in hemoglobin prevails over the decrease in red blood cells;
hypochromic anemia – the color index is reduced, less than 0.85;
reduction in the size of red blood cells (microcytes).

The iron content in the blood serum decreases (normally 12.5 - 30 mmol/l).

Features of symptoms in children

The clinical picture of iron deficiency anemia in children is nonspecific; one of the following syndromes predominates:

Asthenovegetative. Associated with oxygen starvation of nervous system tissues. It manifests itself as a decrease in muscle tone and delayed psychomotor development of the child. In cases of severe iron deficiency anemia and the absence of necessary therapy, intellectual disability is possible. Other manifestations of asthenovegetative syndrome include enuresis, fainting, dizziness, irritability and tearfulness.
Epithelial. Characterized by changes in the skin and its appendages. The skin becomes dry, hyperkeratosis develops in the area of the knees and elbows, hair loses its shine and actively falls out. Cheilitis, glossitis, and angular stomatitis often develop.
Dyspeptic. Appetite decreases to the point of complete refusal to eat, stool instability (diarrhea alternating with constipation), bloating, and dysphagia are observed.
Cardiovascular. It develops against the background of severe iron deficiency anemia and is manifested by shortness of breath, decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, heart murmurs and dystrophic changes in the myocardium.
Immunodeficiency syndrome. It is characterized by an unmotivated increase in temperature to subfebrile levels. Children are susceptible to respiratory intestinal infections with severe and (or) protracted course.
Hepatolienal. It is observed against the background of severe iron deficiency anemia, especially combined with other types of anemia or rickets. Manifested by an increase in the size of the liver and spleen.

In early childhood, signs of iron deficiency anemia are detected in every second child.

Diagnosis of anemia

If you suspect anemia, you should consult a physician. He will prescribe a general and biochemical blood test, which will accurately determine the presence and severity of the disease.

To determine the type and causes of pathology, an examination of the digestive tract, skin, heredity and medical history is carried out, if necessary.

The type of anemia can only be determined by a doctor based on an analysis of the collected data. Depending on the type and causes, an individual treatment strategy will be selected. If there are risk factors for anemia or evidence of the disease in the past, it is necessary to monitor hemoglobin levels at least once a year.

To treat anemia, use medications containing iron.

Degrees of manifestations of IDA

Symptom severity is assessed according to the iron deficiency anemia severity scale. It depends on the age, gender of the patient and the amount of the protein component (hemoglobin) in the blood. The disease is classified according to the manifestation of three degrees of severity of the process:

1st (light) – with the presence of a protein component in the blood being tested in an amount from 90 g/l to 110.
2nd (medium) - with an indicator of 70 g/l, but not exceeding 90 g/l.
3rd (severe) – with the presence of hemoglobin no more than 70 g/l.

Treatment of anemia

In general, treatment comes down to combating iron deficiency in the body. Sometimes a simple diet is enough for this, and in some cases serious drug therapy is necessary. An important condition for successful treatment is eliminating the root cause of this condition.

Therefore, the treatment algorithm boils down to the following:

Determination of the cause and its elimination, treatment of the underlying disease.
Identification of the stage of anemia and the required degree of therapeutic intervention.
Drawing up a diet and proper nutrition plan.
Prescription of iron supplements and agents that improve its absorption.

Drug therapy usually takes from several months to six months. Iron-containing products are used in different forms of release. In the most severe cases, it is recommended to use injections.

Iron deficiency anemia: mechanism of development

The main function of iron (Fe) in the human body is to provide it with oxygen. The excellent oxidizing ability of iron is well known. This ability is used by the body to capture and retain oxygen. The mechanism of oxygen transfer to tissues is very complex. The most important role in it is played by the iron-containing protein hemoglobin, which is part of red blood cells - erythrocytes.

Red blood cells are the main component of blood. Red blood cells circulate throughout the body and, entering the lungs through the pulmonary circulation, are enriched with oxygen in the alveoli. The bloodstream then delivers red blood cells, and with them oxygen, to the tissues.

The body contains very little iron - about 4-5 g. And the largest part of it is used in hemoglobin, to carry oxygen. Thus, iron deficiency can lead to hemoglobin being unable to carry out its functions. And this, in turn, leads to a lack of oxygen, which negatively affects the functioning of all organs and tissues.

This syndrome is called iron deficiency anemia. The term "anemia" translated means "anemia". However, with iron deficiency anemia, the blood volume in the body may be within normal limits. Another thing is that the main function of blood - supplying tissues with oxygen - cannot be fully performed.

The metabolism of iron in the body is also very complex. The element enters the body with food, but only a very small part of it is absorbed. In total, the body should receive 2-2.5 mg of Fe per day. The largest portion is immediately sent to the bone marrow, where new red blood cells are formed. The element is partially consumed by other tissues.

The remaining share is put aside in reserve. The main reserves of iron are contained in the liver. The accumulation of the element in the body begins during the prenatal period. However, the liver contains only a small part of the iron; most of it circulates in the blood. However, if there is a deficiency of iron, the body replenishes the element from the liver depot. A special protein, ferritin, is used to store the element in the depot, and the protein transferrin is used to transport it from the intestines. Ferritin is also responsible for converting ferrous iron into insoluble ferric iron. In addition, Fe is stored in another compound - hemosiderin.

The development of IDA occurs in several stages. At the first stage, when reserves from the depot are mobilized, pathology can only be detected by ferritin deficiency. At the second stage, when iron for transport and functional purposes is mobilized, the level of the element in the blood serum decreases. At this stage, symptoms such as dry skin, weakness, and dizziness may appear. And only when all the body’s reserves are exhausted do the actual signs of iron deficiency anemia appear - a decrease in hemoglobin, a decrease in the number of red blood cells.

The development of anemia can ultimately lead to coma and death.

Distribution of iron in the body

where is	iron concentration in women, mg/kg	iron concentration in men mg/kg
hemoglobin	28	31
other functional iron in tissues	6	7
transferrin	0,2	0,2
ferritin	4	8
hemosiderin	2	4

The male body is more saturated with iron, and the reserves of the element in men are approximately 2 times higher than in women.

Nutrition for anemia

Proper nutrition for anemia in women will allow you to cope with a low stage of anemia without the use of special medications. Iron is found in both meat and plant foods. However, anemia is more common among vegetarians.

The main recommendation for anemia is to include a large amount of animal protein in the diet. To do this, eat the following foods more often:

red meat (veal, beef);
beef liver;
Fish and seafood;
eggs and dairy products.

But many plant foods are rich in iron. Legumes and cereals are especially useful: buckwheat, oatmeal, wheat, barley, rice. Fruits and vegetables are healthy whole and in freshly squeezed juices.

Freshly squeezed juices are beneficial for anemia

Of particular note are the pomegranate and beetroot juices. You need to be careful with the latter because of its high biological activity. The use of fresh juices must be agreed upon with a gastroenterologist.

The following types of fruits are rich in iron:

apples;
grape;
pomegranate;
peaches;
citrus;
persimmon.

Healthy foods include red and orange vegetables: beets, carrots, pumpkin, tomatoes. Berries, nuts and dried fruits are also recommended. It is advisable to drink herbal or berry tea, and avoid coffee altogether.

You should not eat junk food, fried, spicy or fatty. It is necessary to adhere to general recommendations for a healthy diet and lifestyle. It is also necessary to remember that in order to absorb the iron entering the body, a sufficient amount of vitamins is necessary. The main vitamins involved in metabolic processes include folic acid, vitamin C, as well as B6 and B12.

Vitamin C also plays an important role in the normal functioning of the immune system. Its sources are not only citrus fruits, but also rose hips, greens, cabbage, currants, sea buckthorn, viburnum, and kiwi.

Treatment of anemia

Treatment of anemia consists of eliminating the cause of the disease. Iron deficiency anemia can be treated by taking iron supplements .

Anemia due to folic acid deficiency can be corrected by taking vitamin B9 (folic acid) supplements . Anemia due to a lack of cyanocobalamin is eliminated by injections with vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) .

If the cause of the disease cannot be determined, then a blood transfusion .

Folk remedies for treating anemia

Folk remedies for the treatment of anemia are designed to increase hemoglobin levels and improve iron absorption. They cannot cure serious diseases that are the causes of the painful condition. Therefore, they are used as an addition to increase the effectiveness of the main treatment.

To increase hemoglobin, several recipes can be recommended:

Strawberry infusion. It is made from dry berries, which are poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for several hours. After this, it is consumed once a day.
Garlic tincture is made with alcohol, so it is not suitable for women during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for children. Garlic has high biological activity, strengthens the immune system and improves metabolism. The mixture of garlic and alcohol is infused for 3 weeks, after which 15–20 drops are taken, dissolved in a glass of milk.
Rosehip decoction in any form. You can brew the berries you picked yourself or purchase ready-made tea for brewing at the pharmacy.
Oatmeal decoction. The cereal is boiled at the rate of a glass per liter of water to a mass similar to jelly. After this, it is filtered, diluted with milk and boiled again. Honey is added to it before use. You do not need to take it all at once, but two or three times during the day.

Rose hips contain a high percentage of iron. Recommended for anemia

What are red blood cells?

Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are the largest population of cellular elements in the blood. These are highly specialized cells that lack a nucleus and many other intracellular structures (organelles). The main function of red blood cells in the human body is to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Structure and function of red blood cells

The size of a mature red blood cell ranges from 7.5 to 8.3 micrometers (µm). It has the shape of a biconcave disk, which is maintained due to the presence of a special structural protein in the erythrocyte cell membrane - spectrin. This form ensures the most efficient process of gas exchange in the body, and the presence of spectrin allows red blood cells to change when passing through the smallest blood vessels (capillaries) and then restore their original shape.

More than 95% of the intracellular space of an erythrocyte is filled with hemoglobin - a substance consisting of the protein globin and a non-protein component - heme. The hemoglobin molecule consists of four globin chains, each of which has heme at the center. Each red blood cell contains more than 300 million hemoglobin molecules.

The non-protein part of hemoglobin, namely the iron atom that is part of the heme, is responsible for the transport of oxygen in the body. The enrichment of blood with oxygen (oxygenation) occurs in the pulmonary capillaries, when passing through which each iron atom attaches 4 oxygen molecules to itself (oxyhemoglobin is formed). Oxygenated blood is carried through the arteries to all tissues of the body, where oxygen is transferred to the cells of the organs. In return, carbon dioxide is released from the cells (a by-product of cellular respiration), which attaches to hemoglobin (carbohemoglobin is formed) and is transported through the veins to the lungs, where it is released into the environment along with exhaled air.

In addition to transporting respiratory gases, additional functions of red blood cells are:

Antigenic function. Red blood cells have their own antigens, which determine membership in one of the four main blood groups (according to the AB0 system).
Transport function. Antigens of microorganisms, various antibodies and some medications can be attached to the outer surface of the red blood cell membrane, which are carried through the bloodstream throughout the body.
Buffer function. Hemoglobin takes part in maintaining acid-base balance in the body.
Stop bleeding. Red blood cells are included in the thrombus that forms when blood vessels are damaged.

Formation of red blood cells

In the human body, red blood cells are formed from so-called stem cells. These unique cells are formed during the embryonic development stage. They contain a nucleus in which the genetic apparatus (DNA - deoxyribonucleic acid) is located, as well as many other organelles that ensure the processes of their life and reproduction. Stem cells give rise to all cellular elements of the blood.

For the normal process of erythropoiesis, the following are necessary:

Iron. This microelement is part of heme (the non-protein part of the hemoglobin molecule) and has the ability to reversibly bind oxygen and carbon dioxide, which determines the transport function of red blood cells.
Vitamins (B2, B6, B9 and B12). They regulate the formation of DNA in the hematopoietic cells of the red bone marrow, as well as the processes of differentiation (maturation) of erythrocytes.
Erythropoietin. A hormonal substance produced by the kidneys that stimulates the formation of red blood cells in the red bone marrow. When the concentration of red blood cells in the blood decreases, hypoxia (lack of oxygen) develops, which is the main stimulator of erythropoietin production.

The formation of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) begins at the end of the 3rd week of embryonic development. In the early stages of fetal development, red blood cells are formed mainly in the liver and spleen. At approximately 4 months of pregnancy, stem cells migrate from the liver into the cavities of the pelvic bones, skull, vertebrae, ribs and others, as a result of which red bone marrow is formed, which also takes an active part in the process of hematopoiesis. After the birth of a child, the hematopoietic function of the liver and spleen is inhibited, and the bone marrow remains the only organ that ensures the maintenance of the cellular composition of the blood.

In the process of becoming a red blood cell, a stem cell undergoes a number of changes. It decreases in size, gradually loses its nucleus and almost all organelles (as a result of which its further division becomes impossible), and also accumulates hemoglobin. The final stage of erythropoiesis in the red bone marrow is the reticulocyte (immature red blood cell). It is washed out of the bones into the peripheral bloodstream, and within 24 hours it matures to the stage of a normal red blood cell, capable of fully performing its functions.

Destruction of red blood cells

The average lifespan of red blood cells is 90 – 120 days. After this period, their cell membrane becomes less plastic, as a result of which it loses the ability to reversibly deform when passing through capillaries. “Old” red blood cells are captured and destroyed by special cells of the immune system - macrophages. This process occurs mainly in the spleen, and also (to a much lesser extent) in the liver and red bone marrow. A slightly small proportion of red blood cells are destroyed directly in the vascular bed.

When a red blood cell is destroyed, hemoglobin is released from it, which quickly breaks down into protein and non-protein parts. Globin undergoes a series of transformations, resulting in the formation of a yellow pigment complex - bilirubin (unbound form). It is insoluble in water and very toxic (able to penetrate the body's cells, disrupting their vital processes). Bilirubin is quickly transported to the liver, where it binds to glucuronic acid and is excreted along with bile.

The non-protein part of hemoglobin (heme) is also destroyed, resulting in the release of free iron. It is toxic to the body, so it quickly binds to transferrin (a transport protein in the blood). Most of the iron released during the destruction of red blood cells is transported to the red bone marrow, where it is reused for the synthesis of red blood cells.

Dangerous consequences of anemia

As a result of a long-term pathological condition, negative health consequences of anemia may occur, even if its degree is low:

decreased immunity and frequent illnesses;
insomnia;
exposure to stress, emotional instability;
frequent inflammation of the mucous membranes;
swelling;
disruption of the heart and blood vessels;
liver diseases;
digestive problems;
oxygen starvation of the brain;
dry skin, brittle nails and hair.

These are the consequences of directly reduced hemoglobin. It is also important to remember that this condition can be caused by serious systemic disorders. Therefore, the lack of treatment will lead to their worsening and in some cases may cause irreversible deterioration in health.

For women, anemia is a common phenomenon, especially often accompanying pregnancy, adolescence and gynecological diseases. Anemia has dangerous consequences, especially during pregnancy. At the first signs of pathology, it is necessary to correct the diet and lifestyle. Controlling these two aspects is the best way to prevent it. It is also necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle with sufficient physical activity and spend more time in the fresh air.

Prevention of anemia

The best method for maintaining the required level of iron in the blood is proper nutrition. It is important to adjust the menu and eat foods with a high iron content first. The diet must include:

meat: beef, horse meat, lamb, offal;
poultry: chicken, turkey, duck, especially their liver and dark meat;
fish, especially sardines, mackerel;
spinach, broccoli, cabbage, kelp;
beans, buckwheat, rolled oats, lentils, chickpeas;
dried apricots, prunes, pears, apples, pomegranates.

Important! When planning your diet, keep in mind that foods such as coffee, tea, red wine, and grapes contain tannins, which interfere with the absorption of iron. During treatment, include dairy products in your diet as little as possible due to the increased calcium content. Avoid spicy, fried, fatty foods.

Don't forget about simple things:

walks in the open air;
checking hemoglobin and serum iron levels once a year;
monitoring health, recording signs of anemia;
healthy lifestyle without bad habits (alcohol and smoking).

The diagnosis of anemia is not a death sentence; the disease can be treated quite quickly. Sad consequences can be caused by an advanced form of the disease, untimely treatment, deviation or failure to follow doctor’s recommendations. Lead an active lifestyle, walk more and enjoy the world around you.

Symptoms

The severity of the disease depends on its specific type. In most cases, anemic syndrome is discovered accidentally during laboratory tests of the patient's blood. Regarding the asymptomatic course of anemia, we can say that this fact is due to the tendency of patients to attribute the manifestations of low hemoglobin to changes in weather, fatigue and other provoking factors, without suspecting the true causes of their occurrence. As a result, the reader should pay close attention to the following general signs:

fatigue;
decreased physical activity;
dizziness;
irritability;
constantly cold extremities;
headache;
drowsiness;
hair loss;
body aches.

Forecast

Severe anemia has negative consequences for the body, in some cases even death. Treatment of the third stage of the disease usually requires hospitalization, while a mild form of the disease can be quickly cured at home.

At first, the disorders may not be noticeable, but they occur from the first stage and intensify over time:

As a result of anemic disease, a person constantly feels tired and depressed. Over time, irritability and neurological disorders appear.
Immunity is significantly reduced, and the number of leukocytes decreases. The person becomes susceptible to infections and gets sick often.
The pathological process progresses at the cellular level. In the initial stage, it affects the skin, then spreads to the epithelial cells of internal organs. Possible disturbances in the functioning of the heart, digestive system, etc.
An enlarged liver and swelling of the limbs as a result of a deficiency of iron-containing protein during anemia puts additional stress on the body.

Consequences of untreated anemia

Anemia that is not detected and treated in time can have serious consequences. Degrees of severity based on hemoglobin levels, treatment of which was not started in a timely manner, have their own complications in each case.

Mild anemia affects overall well-being, which can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life.

Untreated moderate anemia significantly aggravates the negative impact on the general condition of the body. Complications may include:

Problems with skin and nails;
Reduced immunity, resulting in frequent morbidity;
Malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract;
Chronic fatigue , irritability;
Impaired cardiac function;
Edema.

Severe anemia and inappropriate treatment have the most serious consequences, since due to the extremely low level of hemoglobin in the blood there is prolonged oxygen deprivation.

Complications that may occur as the body's condition worsens:

Development of heart pathology;
Constant headache;
Enlargement of internal organs and disruption of their functions;
Vascular diseases.

Severe anemia in pregnant women is fraught with premature birth, placental abruption, bleeding, and complications during childbirth.

Prevention

WHO experts formulated the main dogmas of preventive measures aimed at reducing the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among the population. The main ways to achieve this goal are:

consuming foods enriched with an easily digestible form of iron in the diet;
the use of agents that help improve iron absorption (the various vitamins mentioned above);
treatment of chronic foci of infections.

Prevention should be carried out, according to experts from the World Health Organization, at the population level, since early signs of iron deficiency anemia are observed in almost 25% of the world's population. And this is far from a small figure, and the consequences of the disease are very unpleasant.

In addition, the prevention of iron deficiency anemia is divided into primary, secondary and, accordingly, tertiary. The goal of the primary is to eliminate the main factor contributing to anemia in the body, the secondary is to promptly identify signs, correctly diagnose and treat the disease in a timely manner. The goal of tertiary prevention is to minimize possible complications.

Deadly blood disease

Anemia literally means lack of blood. Thus, iron deficiency anemia is a blood disease in which the number of red blood cells decreases or the concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells decreases.

Hemoglobin is the iron containing red pigment in the blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.

The red color of blood is due to hemoglobin. Iron deficiency anemia is a fatal disease and if not treated promptly it can lead to death. The disease is a leading cause of death, especially among pregnant women in developing countries in Asia, Africa and South America.

Iron is an essential cofactor for a wide variety of important processes such as participation in oxygen oxidation during respiration, lipid metabolism, gene regulation and DNA synthesis. To accomplish these multiple tasks, iron is incorporated into hemoglobin, myoglobin, and cytochromes, or bound to non-heme moieties (eg, ribonucleotide reductase) or functionally versatile prosthetic groups bound to proteins that support essential life processes.

Thus, iron can be considered as an essential nutrient for almost all organisms. However, consuming iron from the environment is difficult and energy-intensive. In addition, iron is toxic at high concentrations; Consequently, organisms have evolved tight regulatory control of iron homeostasis.

From a nutritional perspective, both iron deficiency anemia and iron excess have dramatic consequences and great epidemiological significance. Indeed, iron deficiency, which affects two billion people, is the world's primary nutritional disorder, while hereditary hemochromatosis, which causes excess iron accumulation, is one of the most common genetic disorders.

Side effects

The most common side effects observed during treatment with iron supplements are a metallic taste in the mouth, darkening of tooth enamel, allergic skin rashes, digestive disorders as a result of irritation to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, especially the intestines (loose stools, nausea, vomiting). Therefore, the initial doses of drugs should be 1/3–1/2 of the therapeutic dose, followed by increasing them to the full dose over several days in order to avoid the occurrence of severe side effects.

Intramuscular administration of iron supplements is carried out only under strict indications due to the development of pronounced local and systemic side effects. Indications for intramuscular administration of iron preparations are as follows: diseases of the digestive tract (poor intestinal absorption syndrome, ulcerative colitis, chronic enterocolitis, gastrointestinal bleeding) and intolerance to iron-containing preparations when taken orally.

Contraindications to the prescription of iron supplements are anemia not caused by iron deficiency (hemolytic, aplastic), hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis.

Diet

The International Association of Hematologists states that by normalizing the eating behavior of a patient with signs of mild iron deficiency anemia, it is possible to significantly normalize blood counts and not resort to the use of iron supplements to eliminate the iron deficiency state. For patients with severe anemia, the use of a specialized diet is indicated as an addition to the main treatment.

The fundamental principles of therapeutic nutrition for iron deficiency anemia are a sharp limitation in the consumption of fats of both plant and animal origin, as well as enrichment with foods containing large amounts of protein. It has been proven that carbohydrates do not affect the body's absorption of iron in any way, so their consumption should not be limited.

In order to replenish the level of iron necessary for normal hematopoiesis, it is necessary to include in the patient’s diet a large amount of foods containing iron (liver, beef tongue, lean turkey meat, red types of sea fish, buckwheat and millet cereals, blueberries and peaches). A large percentage of iron is also found in all types of greens, beef and eggs. Among fruits, preference should be given to persimmons, quinces and apples, raw or baked.

It is recommended that patients with iron deficiency anemia completely exclude dairy products and black tea from their diet, as they contain substances that interfere with the absorption of iron. And, on the contrary, synergistic products that should be consumed in large quantities together with iron-containing products are those that contain a high percentage of vitamin C (sorrel, currants, sauerkraut, freshly squeezed fruit and citrus juices with pulp).

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, pregnant women experience a sharp decrease in the level of vitamins and minerals in the body. Metabolic processes in the body slow down, and the developing fetus requires more and more microelements and nutrients for development.

Anemia during pregnancy is one of the most common and severe complications.

In pregnant women, the level of hemoglobin in the blood drops to 110 g/l.

It is iron deficiency anemia that most often develops during pregnancy due to insufficient amounts of iron, so during this period it is recommended to consume foods high in this microelement.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, the need for iron increases by 1 mg per day, in the second – by 2 mg per day, and in the third – by 5 mg.

The microelement in a woman’s body during pregnancy is spent first on building the placenta, and then, when the fetus’s circulatory system begins to develop, on feeding and maintaining the developing fetus.

Attention! To avoid the development of anemia, a woman planning a pregnancy is advised to monitor her diet and hemoglobin levels in the blood.

With iron deficiency, pregnant women run the risk of complications during childbirth and the development of hereditary anemia in the fetus.

In addition, a reduced level of hemoglobin can provoke the development of tissue hypoxia, in particular fetal hypoxia. This pathology occurs when there is insufficient oxygen supply to the body's cells and can lead to premature birth or delays in fetal development.

Women are prone to developing anemia during pregnancy:

those who have given birth many times with a short interval between births;
having menstrual irregularities and heavy menstruation;
having diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
following exhaustive diets and vegetarians.

Reference! To prevent and treat anemia during pregnancy, it is recommended to eat properly and include foods high in iron in your diet.

In the absence of allergic reactions, individual intolerance, contraindications, and according to the strict recommendations of a doctor, you can take iron supplements and vitamin complexes containing iron salts.

What to do if anemia occurs in a pregnant woman is described in the video:

Drugs for the treatment of IDA

Iron supplements are usually taken orally. Fe from them is absorbed several times better than from food. Therefore, iron-containing preparations are much more effective in combating hemoglobin deficiency than iron-rich foods. Many iron-containing preparations are available in capsule form, which reduces their negative effects on the gastric mucosa. IDA is treated with drugs based on divalent and trivalent iron. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the condition. The duration of the course can be several months.

Bivalent drugs available in pharmacies are presented in the form of organic and inorganic salts. The first group includes gluconates and fumarates. The second includes chlorides and sulfates. Trivalent drugs are represented by succinylates and hydroxides in combination with polymaltose. The bioavailability of divalent drugs can reach 40%, while for trivalent drugs it is only 10%. The doctor decides which drug is most suitable in a particular situation. In order to get rid of a deficiency of a chemical element, iron-containing preparations will often need to be taken for months.

A drug	chemical form	valence
Totema	Gluconate	2
Ferretab	Fumarate	2
Sorbifer, Tardiferon, Fenyuls, Aktiferrin, Ferro-Folgamma, Ferroplex, Ferrogradumet	Sulfate	2
Hemofer	Chloride	2
Ferlatum	Succinylate	3
Ferrum Lek, Maltofer, Biofer	Hydroxide in combination with polymaltose	3

There are also forms of iron-containing preparations for parenteral administration:

Venofer,
Ferrum Lek,
Ferrinject,
Ferrovir,
Cosmopher.

The treatment process with iron-containing drugs must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, since an overdose of these medications can negatively affect health.

Stages of treatment for IDA

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia consists of three main stages. The first stage of treatment is to eliminate the hemoglobin deficiency and restore its normal values. During the second stage, iron reserves in the body are restored. And finally, the third stage is maintenance therapy, aimed at maintaining the level of the element in the body at the required level and preventing the development of relapses.

Stages of treatment	recommended dose of iron supplements, mg per day	duration
elimination of acute anemia	150-300	2 months or more
restoration of iron reserves in the body	100-200	2-6 months
maintenance therapy	50-100 (7-10 days per month)	constantly with ongoing blood loss

What is anemia and what is its danger?

If a person’s hemoglobin has decreased and the number of red blood cells has decreased, then a diagnosis of anemia is made. There are different stages and degrees of development of this disease.

To understand the danger of this problem, you need to know how red blood cells and hemoglobin are formed and what their function is. The process of formation of red blood cells takes place in the red bone marrow.

This process is influenced by protein fractions and non-protein components, as well as erythropoietin, which is produced by the kidneys.

One red blood cell consists of hemoglobin and protein. Thanks to hemoglobin, it acquires a red color and supplies the body with oxygen. Hemoglobin begins to work when it enters the lungs.

There it is saturated with oxygen and, with the help of red blood cells, saturates the entire body with it, thanks to which a person lives.

When anemia causes a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, organs do not receive the necessary amount of oxygen and nutrients. This negatively affects their work.

Because of this, the person:

feels tired and constantly wants to sleep;
becomes irritable;
its performance decreases.

Severe types of anemia provoke serious health problems. They can even cause shock and a severe decrease in blood pressure.

The classification of anemia is quite diverse.

Causes

A necessary condition for the development of deficiency is the excess of iron consumption by tissues over its intake. Iron deficiency is caused by the following conditions (listed by degree of prevalence):

Blood loss

chronic (daily blood loss 5-10 ml)

frequent nosebleeds;
stomach and intestinal bleeding;
heavy menstruation;
kidney pathology with characteristic hematuria.

Acute (massive blood loss)

injuries, extensive burns;
uncontrolled donation;
pathological bleeding (for example, uterine bleeding in oncopathology, etc.).

Insufficient iron intake

exhausting diets and starvation;
unbalanced diet;
vegetarianism.

Decreased levels of absorbed iron

gastrointestinal diseases, helminthic infestation;
old age and infancy.

Increasing the level of essential iron

active growth (1-2 years and adolescence);
pregnancy, lactation (the need for iron doubles to 30 mg/day);
formation of the menstrual cycle;
physical activity, sports;
frequent inflammations (ARVI, etc.).

Congenital anemia in children

premature pregnancy
anemia in a pregnant woman.

Popular iron supplements

Currently, doctors and patients are offered a wide selection of medications that increase the iron content in the body.

The most effective medications for increasing iron concentrations include:

Ferrum Lek;
Maltofer;
Ferroplex;
Hemofer;
Ferroceron; (colors urine pink);
Tardiferon;
Ferrogrademet;
Heferol;
Ferograd;
Sorbifer-durules.

Preparations for parenteral administration are prescribed for malabsorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract (gastric resection, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum in the acute phase, resection of large areas of the small intestine).

When prescribing medications for intravenous and intramuscular administration, first of all you need to remember about allergic reactions (feelings of heat, palpitations, pain behind the sternum, in the lower back and calf muscles, metallic taste in the mouth) and the possible development of anaphylactic shock.

The list of ferrum-containing drugs is not a guide to action; prescribing and calculating the dose is the responsibility of the attending physician. Therapeutic doses are prescribed until hemoglobin levels normalize, then the patient is transferred to prophylactic doses.

Prevention of anemia

One of the main measures to prevent anemia is a balanced diet, including all the necessary products for the normal functioning of the body. These are foods rich in vitamins B and C, iron, folic acid, etc.

Approximately 20% of foods containing iron are of animal origin: meat, poultry, fish. Plant foods contain less iron, so vegetarians need to lean on red vegetables and fruits, apples, buckwheat, etc.

Note! Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) promotes better absorption of iron. Therefore, you should eat a lot of fruits, especially citrus fruits.

For the purpose of prevention, it is advisable to take a general blood test from time to time to identify the first signs of possible diseases, one of which is anemia.

Anemia is a dangerous disease, but with timely and correct treatment, there is a favorable prognosis. The main thing in such cases is not to delay the visit to the doctor at the first sign.

Anemia. Degree of severity based on hemoglobin level. The treatment is presented in this video:

Anemia symptoms and treatment. How to increase hemoglobin in the blood, watch this video:

Treatment

Treatment of the disease depends on the severity of anemia and the cause that caused it. Therapeutic measures:

Nutrition correction - inclusion in the diet of veal and liver, peas/beans, carrots and beets, grapes and pomegranates, foods rich in vitamin C (fish, poultry), limiting coffee and strong tea.
Vitamin therapy - group B (the best drug is vitamin B complex), vit. C and A, folic acid tablets.
Elimination of iron deficiency - taken with food, course up to 3 months. (Sorbifer, Ferrovit forte, Totema, etc.).

Usually, if you follow the recommendations and take oral medications prescribed by your doctor, first-degree anemia is eliminated within a month. Moderate anemia often requires the use of injectable forms of vitamins and iron supplements. The treatment course often requires repetition to achieve a lasting result.

Severe anemia requires more radical measures. Preserving the patient’s life and preventing irreversible changes comes to the fore. The issue of stopping breakthrough bleeding and large blood loss during surgery is especially acute. When Hb is less than 50 - 40 g/l, it is advisable to infuse blood and red blood cells. Therapy with corticosteroids and anabolic steroids has a positive effect. The prognosis for aplastic anemia is even more serious, for the treatment of which often the only option is a bone marrow transplant.

Signs in children

A normal level of hemoglobin in the blood contributes to the active growth and development of the child. With a lack of this protein, children experience multiple unpleasant syndromes. Thus, the child’s nervous system deserves special attention. In conditions of anemia, the brain experiences hypoxia, against which young patients often develop malnutrition and delayed psychomotor development. The gastrointestinal tract may also experience negative effects in the form of constipation or diarrhea. In addition, symptoms of anemia in children often manifest themselves as:

hypotension;
tearfulness;
pale earlobes;
flatulence;
decreased appetite;
cracks in the palms;
fainting.

How dangerous is the disease?

Anemia is a disease accompanied by a decrease in hemoglobin levels, as well as the number of red blood cells in the blood. It usually occurs. due to large blood loss or insufficient intake of iron into the body.

In some cases, anemia can be very difficult to determine, since this disease does not manifest itself in a pronounced clinical picture in most people. Therefore, if you experience decreased performance, malaise, or general weakness, be sure to consult a doctor.

During the development of anemia, a change in taste sensations may occur, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dry tongue and the sensation of a foreign body when swallowing.

If you begin to suffer more and more from dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, or are unable to concentrate, then immediately take a blood test. Severe forms of anemia may well provoke fainting.

With such a disease, your skin may become flabby and begin to peel off; wounds and cracks very easily form on its surface. At the same time, nails become thinner and split, hair becomes dull and brittle, and gray hair appears very early. Nails with severe anemia become concave. All human muscle groups often become weak.

Risks associated with anemia 1

In anemia 1, those most at risk are:

pregnant women;
young children, especially premature children, or children born as a result of multiple conceptions;
children suffering from helminthiasis (parasitic diseases).

Anemia can also be caused by problems with the digestive system, liver, and kidneys. It may also accompany certain infectious or oncological diseases.

Such a wide negative palette has its own explanation: negative stimuli from the external environment much more easily affect the child’s hematopoietic organs, which are not yet fully formed, both anatomically and physiologically.

The risk doubles when the disease affects expectant mothers, since this disease is dangerous not only for themselves, but also, to a much greater extent, for the unborn child. The fact is that the disease often occurs unsystematically, and its symptoms are usually attributed to the general physiological state of the pregnant woman.

Low hemoglobin is most often diagnosed in:

people with gastrointestinal diseases (oncology, gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, inflammatory process in the large/small intestine, etc.);
persons with poor nutrition, vegetarians;
people with a genetic predisposition to a certain type of anemia (the disease can be passed from parent to child).

What are the dangers of low hemoglobin?

Anemia can be simultaneously called both a dangerous and harmless disease. So, if we are talking about a mild degree of the disease in a pregnant woman or a small child, then this is more likely a variant of the norm than a deviation. After taking a course of iron supplements, the baby/future mother will become absolutely healthy.

At the same time, moderate and severe degrees of some forms of anemia can lead to such dangerous conditions as:

anemic coma (the patient loses consciousness and does not respond to any external stimuli, death may occur);
malfunctions of internal organs (kidneys and liver are especially often affected by anemia);
decrease in hemoglobin level to less than 70 g/l (death is also possible).

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the condition, as well as determination of the degree of its severity, is carried out based on the results of laboratory tests. The following changes are characteristic of iron deficiency anemia:

decrease in hemoglobin content in the blood (the norm for women is 120–140 g/l, for men – 130–150 g/l);
poikilocytosis (change in the shape of red blood cells);
decrease in ferritin concentration (normal for women – 22–180 µg/l, for men – 30–310 µg/l);
microcytosis (the presence of red blood cells that are abnormally small in size in the blood);
hypochromia (color index - less than 0.8);
decrease in serum iron concentration (normal for women – 8.95–30.43 µmol/l, for men – 11.64–30.43 µmol/l);
decrease in transferrin saturation with iron (norm – 30%).

To effectively treat iron deficiency anemia, it is important to establish the cause that caused it. In order to detect the source of chronic blood loss, the following is indicated:

FEGDS;
irrigoscopy;
ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs;
X-ray of the stomach with contrast;
colonoscopy;
stool examination for occult blood.

In difficult diagnostic cases, a puncture of red bone marrow is performed, followed by histological and cytological examination of the resulting puncture. A significant decrease in sideroblasts in it indicates the presence of iron deficiency anemia.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with other types of hypochromic anemia (thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia).

Other reasons

Insufficient dietary intake is the most common cause of the development of iron deficiency anemia in childhood and adolescence, in vegetarians, and in people who force themselves to semi-starvation diets.

Genetic consequences have been identified for girls born to mothers who had anemia during pregnancy: girls may have early manifestations of iron deficiency.

During long-term chronic infections (tuberculosis, sepsis, brucellosis), iron molecules are captured by immune cells, and a deficiency is detected in the blood.

Nutrition and diet for IDA

A balanced diet plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of IDA. When planning a diet, it should be taken into account that iron is better absorbed if it is taken in conjunction with vitamin C.

Moreover, this microelement is best absorbed by the intestines if it is contained in products of animal origin (up to 3 times more compared to plant products).

Rating of products that are leaders in the amount of iron content, which must be included in the therapeutic and preventive diet for iron deficiency anemia:

white beans (72 mg);
nuts of all types (51 mg);
buckwheat (31 mg);
pork liver (28 mg);
molasses (20 mg);
brewer's yeast (18 mg);
seaweed and seaweed (16 mg);
pumpkin seeds (15 mg);
lentils (12 mg);
blueberries (9 mg);
beef liver (9 mg);
heart (6 mg);
beef tongue (5 mg);
dried apricots (4 mg).

For more effective absorption of iron, it is recommended to use the following drugs and vitamins (in acceptable doses):

ascorbic acid;
succinic acid;
fructose;
nicotinamide

FOR REFERENCE! Seafood is also rich in iron, but it is not recommended to include it in the diet if you are deficient in this microelement. The fact is that, among other things, they contain a large amount of phosphates, which complicate the process of absorption of iron in the body.

Despite the fact that iron deficiency anemia rarely develops in infants (except when the mother has this disease), it should be noted that in this case the disease is especially dangerous.

A lack of iron in children can result in serious impairments in physical development, and therefore requires prompt replenishment.

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia at this age is carried out through a strict diet and careful monitoring of the daily diet of the nursing mother, as well as a review of the baby's complementary feeding, if it is already available.

Prevention of anemia

Prevention of anemia includes a number of measures that both adults and children should take:

balanced diet;
periodic antiparasitic treatment;
avoiding contact with pesticides;
to give up smoking;
moderate physical activity;
timely treatment of gastrointestinal diseases;
regular vaccinations for children;
rational nutrition for pregnant, breastfeeding and adolescents.

These measures will help protect the body from anemia. Anemia is a serious disease that is much easier to prevent than to treat.

What is pseudoanemia and hidden anemia?

Hydremia is blood thinning. This condition is possible when tissue fluid enters the bloodstream when swelling subsides and drinking plenty of fluids.
Hydremia is pseudoanemia. Blood thickening Blood thickening can occur due to the loss of the liquid part of the blood, which occurs with severe dehydration. Dehydration occurs as a result of severe vomiting, diarrhea, and profuse sweating.

Specific and nonspecific signs of anemia - what are they? First of all, let’s look at how anemia manifests itself. There are nonspecific and specific manifestations. Nonspecific manifestations are called so because these signs are common to all types of anemia.

Specific manifestations are strictly individual and characteristic only of each specific type of anemia. Now we will consider only nonspecific manifestations, and we will indicate specific ones when considering the types of anemia.

Severity of anemia by hemoglobin level

Anemia itself is a condition that accompanies other pathologies and is not considered an independent disease. In this case, a common symptom always appears - a decrease in hemoglobin. As a result of this process, the respiratory ability of the blood deteriorates and oxygen starvation occurs.

Normal amount of hemoglobin in the blood:

in men from 130 to 180 g/l;
in women from 120 to 150 g/l.

Many pathological processes occur in the human body as a result of an ailment such as anemia. The degrees of severity based on the level of hemoglobin (their treatment differs in different intensity) in the blood are divided into 3 groups:

How long should you take iron supplements?

If the treatment is effective, then on days 10-12 the number of young red blood cells – reticulocytes – increases sharply in the blood.
After 3-4 weeks, hemoglobin increases.
After 1.5-2 months, complaints disappear.
Iron deficiency in tissues can be eliminated only after 3 months of continuous use of iron supplements - this is how long the course of treatment should continue.

Thus, iron deficiency anemia is a common and well-studied, but not harmless disease. Low hemoglobin levels are just the tip of the iceberg, which hides serious tissue changes associated with iron deficiency. Fortunately, modern drugs can eliminate these problems - provided that the treatment is completed and the causes, if possible, are eliminated.

What should you eat?

Nutrition

To prevent anemia and treat it, it is necessary to balance the diet and add foods rich in iron, vitamins and amino acids that help increase hemoglobin in the blood and stabilize the development of blood cells.

These include:

Meat, beef liver, mushrooms are rich in proteins and amino acids;
Fish and seafood, brewer's yeast, legumes, carrots, liver - these products contain minerals and vitamins necessary for complete hematopoiesis;
Pomegranate, plum, grapes, apple, rose hips - these fruits and berries are rich in iron and increase hemoglobin levels;
Honey – helps to better absorb iron obtained from food;
Mineral water enriched with ferrous sulfate, zinc and iodine.

In addition to eating recommended foods, when treating anemia the following should be excluded from the diet:

coffee and caffeinated drinks,
chocolate,
nuts,
spinach,
tangerines,
marinades,
canned food - the oxalates contained in them slow down the process of iron absorption by combining with them.

What kind of diet should you follow if you have anemia is described in the video:

Diet

For the most complete and thorough absorption of iron and amino acids, which help get rid of anemia, you should follow an approximate diet, which includes recommended foods and drinks in your daily diet.

These include freshly squeezed juices from oranges and grapefruits - they are rich in vitamin C, which accelerates the absorption of iron. It is important to include pomegranates, grapes and their juices in your diet - they have a beneficial effect on hematopoiesis and normalize hemoglobin levels.

Attention! Before following a diet, it is recommended to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and acidity, since with low acidity iron and microelements are absorbed worse,

This can lead to disruption of the digestive system and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Sample menu for the week

Monday

Breakfast: oatmeal porridge with dried apricots and raisins
Lunch: chicken noodle soup, steamed beef liver, pomegranate juice
Dinner: potatoes with mushrooms, baked trout with vegetables.

Tuesday

Breakfast: muesli with honey
Lunch: cabbage soup with veal, lamb cutlets, freshly squeezed orange juice
Dinner: seafood in tomato sauce with spaghetti

Wednesday

Breakfast: buckwheat porridge with milk
Lunch: mushroom soup, roast with veal, cranberry juice
Dinner: beef liver in cream, grilled tomatoes and bell peppers

Thursday

Breakfast: chicken egg omelet, toast with butter
Lunch: Pike perch soup, mashed potatoes and veal zrazy with mushrooms, grapefruit juice
Dinner: Steamed pike perch, vegetable salad

Friday

Breakfast: cheesecakes with dried fruits
Lunch: pea soup, potato casserole, rosehip soup
Dinner: Roast lamb

Saturday

Breakfast: cottage cheese casserole with apple
Lunch: seafood soup, steamed chicken fillet, pomegranate juice
Dinner: veal cutlets, vegetable ratatouille

Sunday

Breakfast: fruit salad
Lunch: meatball soup, baked duck, grape juice
Dinner: assorted seafood in cream sauce.

The diet can be modified, but it is recommended to include both fish and meat in the diet every day.

Drinking freshly squeezed juices is also recommended daily.

First mild degree

Mild anemia is quite difficult to determine visually, since the person looks healthy at first glance. Testing is required to make a diagnosis. The hemoglobin level is 90-110 g/l, and this indicator is often typical only due to physical activity.

Important information: How to treat normochromic anemia

Diagnosis of first degree anemia is an important step, since proper treatment gives good results. You should not wait for the transition to a more severe form.

Symptoms:

the appearance of shortness of breath during physical exertion;
increased fatigue;
frequent dizziness;
headache;
noise in ears;
fainting (especially when suddenly getting out of bed);
cardiopalmus.

To improve your general condition and normalize blood levels, you need to pay attention to your lifestyle and diet. Natural juices (apple, carrot, beetroot) are useful for hematopoiesis, but after preparation, a glass of beetroot drink should be placed in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to get rid of harmful fumes.

To treat anemia, you can prepare a vitamin mixture from prunes, figs, raisins, and dates. Scroll the ingredients through a meat grinder, mix thoroughly, adding a small amount of lemon and honey. Dried fruits enrich the body with useful microelements, after which the composition of the blood is restored.

Main symptoms

As the disease progresses, its clinical manifestations become more pronounced. In addition to circulatory-hypoxic syndrome (headaches, weakness, fatigue) and problems with the digestive organs, the patient develops sideropenic syndrome. When a patient describes his complaints at a doctor’s appointment, the doctor will first of all suspect anemia.

The main symptoms indicating iron deficiency include:

Deterioration of the nail plate. It becomes thin, dull and begins to flake

By paying attention to what kind of skin the patient has, certain conclusions can be drawn. In iron deficiency anemia, it becomes very dry and flaky.

Seizures appear in the corners of the mouth, lips become covered with cracks. At night, salivation increases. Hair loses its former attractiveness. They begin to split, do not shine and grow poorly. The patient's tongue becomes covered with cracks, and there may be a feeling of discomfort in it. Even minor injuries to the skin will regenerate for quite a long time. Immune defense is reduced. The person will be sick often and for a long time. The muscles lose their former strength and their weakness increases. Possible urinary incontinence. It is released in small portions during strong laughter, coughing or straining. This is due to weakening of the sphincters. The mucous membranes of the intestines and stomach become inflamed, and in some places even atrophy. There is an imperative urge to empty the bladder. A person's mood is always depressed, he becomes gloomy and apathetic. The patient feels very unwell in the stuffy room. Drowsiness haunts a person even during the daytime. The face is always slightly swollen.

The course of anemia with the appearance of the above symptoms can last for quite a long time - about 10 years. Sometimes the hemoglobin level increases slightly, which helps eliminate most pathological signs, and the person does not see a doctor. However, the cause that causes iron deficiency cannot be eliminated on its own (unless it is caused by physiological factors, for example, pregnancy). Therefore, iron deficiency anemia will continue to progress. Tachycardia will be present on a constant basis, in addition to it there will be severe shortness of breath. Muscle weakness is constantly increasing, a person’s ability to work is significantly reduced.

The course of the disease in childhood is most often hidden. By the age of 3, when the baby is switched to a more varied diet, cases of IDA are diagnosed less frequently.

Iron deficiency often affects premature babies, babies born during multiple pregnancies, overweight children, and children who quickly gain weight. Frequent infectious diseases, intestinal diseases, and artificial feeding contribute to the development of anemia in childhood.

The course of anemia in a child largely depends on how far the disorder has progressed. What matters is the degree of expression of the baby’s compensatory capabilities. The lower the level of iron in the blood and the faster the hemoglobin drops, the more intense the symptoms of the disease will be. Sometimes anemia can last for years without any treatment. In this case, the symptoms of iron deficiency will be barely noticeable.

The following symptoms will indicate anemia in a child:

Pale mucous membranes.
White ears.
Dry and thin skin.
Poor condition of hair and nails.
Lack of appetite.
Weight loss.
Retarded physical development.
Low-grade body temperature.
Frequent acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections.
Enlargement of the spleen and liver.
Recurrent diseases of the oral cavity.
Fainting conditions.

All these symptoms may be absent in anemia if it has a latent course.

As for pregnant women, iron deficiency threatens not only the health of the expectant mother, but also the fetus. Moreover, the child’s central nervous system will suffer, experiencing acute hypoxia. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women is associated with the risk of premature birth, as well as infectious complications in the period after the baby is born.