DM - Nephrology, MBBS Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, MD - Medicine
Nephrologist, Patna
•
22 years experience
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What are some common causes of anaemia?
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Anaemia results when there is less number of red blood cell (RBC) count in the blood. This can be either due to reduced iron/B12/folic acid which is essential for making red blood cells. This is often due to poor dietary intake. The other reason could be due to excessive loss of blood which also leads to reduced RBC count. This could be acute or chronic and is also common during pregnancy and menstruation. Kidneys produce a hormone which is essential for the bone marrow to produce RBCs, so optimal kidney functioning keeps anaemia at bay. During menstruation and pregnancy, iron intake should be increased to compensate for the loss of blood.
What are some complications that can arise from anaemia?
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The RBCs carry the required nutrients to the entire body. So, when there is a decrease, the entire energy supply to the body is reduced. This leads to overall lethargy with shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and dizziness. The person does not have the energy to do regular activities and feels tired and weak. Muscle functioning is affected, reducing overall movement. One of the first places to check for anaemia is pallor in the white of the eyes and nails, which are often good indicators.
What are some ways to prevent anaemia?
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Treatment would depend on the level of severity. A healthy diet should often help prevent and correct minor anaemia on its own. Where required, when there is a bout of kidney disease, then iron supplements can be taken. In people with chronic kidney disease, taking supplements regularly can help keep anaemia in check. Blood transfusion, though rarely used, is another way to bring up RBC levels. Only extracted cells can be infused, not the whole blood. Increase iron and vitamin B12 and folic acid to help the body prepare enough RBCs, this can help prevent anaemia.
Anaemia and kidney disease are closely related.
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Anaemia literally translates to lack of blood, which is due to the reduced number of blood cells in it. The kidneys produce a hormone called EPO, which induces the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. When the kidneys functioning is reduced, which could be due to any kidney disease, then EPO production is reduced, and thereby the blood cells. This causes anaemia, and so people with kidney disease should constantly watch for signs of anaemia. For someone with any kidney disease, especially chronic cases, anaemia should be monitored and corrected at frequent levels.
Iron is the only factor causing anaemia in people with chronic kidney disease.
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While iron is essential, it is not the only component for preventing anaemia. B12 is equally important, and folic acid is important for the body to absorb the B12. So. anaemia can be a result of the deficiency of any of these 3 components. Do not take only iron supplements without the other deficiencies, as it could lead to iron overload, without correcting the anaemia. Never try to self-medicate for anaemia. Check with your doctor, identify the cause of anaemia and work together to keep it under control.
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