Anemia

Brad Conner and Sheree Rodeffer

Why should I care?

• Most common blood disorder in the US– Affects 4 million

• It can affect anyone– Women and individuals with chronic diseases

are at an increased risk

What is it?

• Too few red blood cells in the body– Low production– High losses– Cells destroyed too quickly

• Results in decreased

oxygen to body’s

organs

General Symptoms

• Initial– Not always apparent– More tired– Skin appears pale– Exercise Symptoms– Cold hands and Feet– Lightheadedness

• May be temporary or chronic• Symptoms may vary in severity

Types of Anemia

• Determined by Causes

– Caused by Blood Loss– Caused by Destruction – Caused by Decreased or Low Production of

Blood

Caused by Blood Loss

• Bleeding– Slow loss over time– Undetected

• No symptoms??

– Sources of chronic bleeding• Gastrointestinal conditions• Use of NSAIDS• Menstruation and Childbirth

Caused by Destruction

• Rupture due to stress of circulatory system

• Causes:– Present at birth or develop later– Spontaneous– Vascular grafts, prosthetic

Heart valves, tumors, etc…– Stressors from toxins, drugs, certain foods– Toxins from advanced liver or kidney disease

Ex: Hemolytic Anemia

Caused by Decreased Blood Production

• Due to abnormally low blood cell counts• Lack of vitamins and minerals

• Forms include:– Sickle-Cell Anemia– Iron Deficiency– Vitamin Deficiency– Bone marrow and Stem Cell

problems

Sickle-Cell Anemia

• Relatively common in African Americans– 1 in 500 African-American newborns each year are diagnosed

– RBCs become rigid and shaped like crescents

– Caused by defective gene• Leads to abnormal hemoglobin (S)

– Cells are sticky and

can clump together

– Severity of sickling varies

Sickle-Cell Anemia

• Signs and Symptoms– Delayed growth and Development– Increased risk of infections– Skin Ulcers of Lower Leg– Extreme pain

• Chest, Abdomen, Joints• Hours to Weeks

– Swollen Appendages – Frequent Infections

Sickle-Cell Anemia

• Treatment – Medication

• Treats the pain

• Antibiotics to help against infection

– Oxygen may help breathing– Blood Transfusion

• Prevention is the key!!!- Good Nutrition - Adequate Rest- Protection against Infection - Drink plenty of water- Avoid temperature extremes - Avoid stress- Vaccinations

Treatment

• Treatment based on cause– Recommendations by a Doctor– Most conditions are treatable with medication

• Temporary fix, not a cure

Ex: Iron Deficiency Anemia• Iron Supplements

– Too much iron is bad though

• Watch for side effects– Medication interactions

Conclusion

• Most Anemias are not life-threatening

• Can be treated with either – Lifestyle changes– Medication for symptoms– Surgery as last resort

• Education is best prevention

References

• Pictureshttp://science.uwe.ac.uk/projectshowcase/blood_cells%20copy.JPG

http://depts.washington.edu/kexp/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/coachella%20crowd.jpg

http://www.pennhealth.com/health_info/pregnancy/graphics/images/en/19725.jpg

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Dec-19-Fri-2003/photos/nelson.jpg

http://www.active.com/images/prod_sys/Ibuprofen.jpg

http://www.academic.marist.edu/~jzmz/topics/description_rbc/description32.jpg

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics

http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/healthgate/images/si55551158.jpg

http://www.aafp.org/afp/990600ap/pquiz.jpg

http://media.cornerdrugstore.com/drugidentifier/photo_us/020/hydr005e.jpg

http://www.101healthsolution.com/images/anemia.jpg

References

Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. New York: Harper Collins, 2003.

"Understanding Anemia". WebMD. 4/25/2008 <http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-treatment>.