Anaemia: what it is, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis

What to ask the doctor after a diagnosis of anaemia?

A visit to the doctor can be stressful for you. If the diagnosis turns out to be accurate, your mood may worsen. It's easy to lose your head at times like this. Before your visit, prepare the questions you will ask your doctor once you have been diagnosed with anaemia:

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• What type of anaemia do I have?
• What is the cause of my anaemia?
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• Is my anaemia fully treatable?
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• What will my treatment look like?
• When will I start to feel better?
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• How long will the treatment take?

These are just a few sample questions. If you have additional ones, write them down on your phone. Go ahead and ask your doctor. The specialist will certainly clear up your doubts on most topics. It is also a good idea to make notes of your answers so that you can remember the recommendation once you are home and your emotions have subsided.

Can anaemia be cured?

Yes, the vast majority of cases of anaemia can be cured. What's more, some mild types of anaemia do not require treatment at all in the clinical sense - effective intervention will be lifestyle and dietary changes. Regardless of the severity of the condition, you will need to take the steps that your doctor recommends (such as following an appropriate diet or taking medication).

Treatment of anaemia

Treatment of anaemia will depend on the cause, type, severity, age, and your general health. In some cases (e.g. mild anaemia), drug treatment will not be necessary. More difficult cases may require more serious solutions such as:

Medication

Some types of anaemia are treated with agents that support the bone marrow (e.g. sargramostim) in the production of red blood cells. This enables them to be replenished more quickly. In other cases, it may be necessary to reduce the production of red blood cells - this is also what the selected agents allow.

In some cases (in cases of severe deficiency or malabsorption), vitamin B12 injections will be necessary. These are most often given every other day for a selected period and then once a month thereafter. Some people will need them for life.

Blood transfusion

Blood transfusion is a medical procedure in which healthy blood is given to a patient intravenously. This allows blood to be replenished in the body if, through anaemia, it is not producing it properly. Transfusion is a safe procedure and usually lasts between one and four hours. If performed incorrectly, it can lead to complications such as:

• fever,
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• heart or lung problems,
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• alloimmunization (a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the donor's blood cells).
• Alloimmunization (a condition in which the body's defence system attacks the donor's blood cells).

Bone marrow transplant

Bone marrow or blood transplantation aims to replace defective blood-forming cells with healthy ones. Most often the procedure is performed in hospital. The patient should attend the facility about one to two weeks before the transplant in order to be adequately prepared.

Bone marrow or blood transplantation is performed at the hospital.

During the procedure you will remain conscious and the stem cells will be given intravenously. Regular medical checks and blood tests (e.g. blood count) are necessary for about a year after the transplant. Most often, blood transplants do not cause side effects. When they do occur, however, they may include:

• nausea,
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• diarrhoea,
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• vomiting,
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• fatigue,
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• skin rashes,
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• hair loss,
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• oral ulcers,
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• hepatic damage,
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How is anaemia treated in pregnancy?

Most often anaemia in pregnancy is associated with a deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid or iron. Its treatment involves taking appropriate supplements or medication. Remember that a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy is crucial for the health of mum and foetus, and any decisions about supplementation or treatment should be made after consultation with a doctor.

In addition to vitamin B12, folic acid and iron, other vitamins and micronutrients should also be taken during pregnancy. You can find out more about them in these articles:

• Vitamin D3 - action, dosage, supplementation
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• Omega-3: characteristics, action, use, types
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• Iodine - what it is, how it works, how to dose, what are the symptoms of deficiency

Anemia and breastfeeding

The breastfeeding period is very similar to pregnancy in terms of recommendations. Supplementation with iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid is also advisable during this time. Remember, however, that only your doctor can make a decision about treatment or the inclusion of supplements in your diet during breastfeeding.

Anaemia in an infant - what are the treatment options?

Treatment of anaemia in infants most commonly involves restricting cow's milk (the youngest have difficulty digesting it), and providing the child with iron-fortified milk. When the toddler grows up, the doctor will most likely recommend an iron-rich diet.

In some cases - if the diet alone does not work - it is necessary to give the child medication.

Home remedies for anaemia

Home remedies for anaemia include a proper diet. Follow the following dietary recommendations suggested by the National Center for Nutrition Education of the National Institute of Nutrition and you will help yourself and your body.

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• Make sure that your diet does not lack animal products, which provide a solid dose of iron. This includes lean meats (e.g. chicken, beef, pork, turkey), fish and eggs.
• Foods that provide a solid dose of iron.
• Foods that are high in iron, try to combine with products that are a source of vitamin C (e.g. parsley, yellow peppers or kale), as well as lactose (milk and dairy products).
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• Avoid eating foods and drinking beverages that may interfere with iron absorption e.g. spinach, rhubarb, tea or coffee.
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• Try to increase your intake of vitamin B6, which is involved in the blood-forming process. You'll find it in foods such as nuts (such as walnuts or hazelnuts), oatmeal, bananas or salmon.
• Copper (which helps to transport iron) and cobalt (involved in the synthesis of vitamin B12) must not be missing from your diet. You will find these ingredients in nuts (e.g. walnuts), cocoa, eggs, oatmeal or green vegetables.
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• Don't forget folic acid (essential for the formation of red blood cells), which is not lacking in lettuce, cabbage, buckwheat groats or eggs.
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• A diet conducive to the treatment of anaemia should also include products rich in vitamin B12. Sources of it include fish, eggs, meat, yoghurt, kefir or cottage cheese.
• The following are also included in a diet conducive to anaemia treatment.

Products allowed and not recommended in anaemia

*Do not eat with foods rich in iron.

During anaemia, appropriate cooking techniques should also be used. The best of these are:

• cooking in water and steaming,
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• baking in foil, parchment paper or under cover (without fat),
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• grilling,
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Strongly avoid frying.

Anaemia - prognosis

The prognosis for a person with anaemia is mostly positive. The condition is treatable - its symptoms and effects can be managed.

The prognosis for anaemia is positive.

The prognosis depends on the type of anaemia, as well as its severity. Therefore, if you suspect anaemia in yourself, see your doctor immediately. The earlier you detect it, the better chance you have of fully treating it.

How to live with anaemia?

Some types of anaemia are not curable. If you are struggling with this type of condition, a few simple recommendations should be followed:

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• Stake a balanced diet. An inadequate diet is the 'good friend' of anaemia. If you have been diagnosed with the incurable type of this condition, ask your doctor and dietician about what you should be eating. Most likely your specialist will recommend foods rich in iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid.
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• Drink plenty of water. Men should drink about 3.7 litres of water a day and women 2.7 litres, but it all depends on your weight, calorie needs and activity.
• Regularly exercise. Physical activity is key when struggling with anaemia. Ask your doctor what type of workout will work best for you before starting a series of exercises.
• Take care of your personal hygiene. Frequently washing your hands will help you avoid infections, which are particularly dangerous for people with anaemia.
• Clean your hands frequently.
• Regularly visit the dentist. People struggling with anaemia may have problems with their teeth.