Anemia symptoms

The various symptoms of anaemia are either a direct result of the oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) or the body’s compensation mechanisms. Often, the patients’ first symptoms are tiredness and exhaustion. Due to the oxygen deficiency, the skin and mucous membranes are often pale.

As the brain also cannot get enough oxygen: occur. If the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen, this can lead to angina pectoris, which can take the form of a heart attack. The kidneys need a lot of oxygen for their work.

If this is no longer sufficient, small amounts of blood (haematuria) and protein (proteinuria) may be present in the urine. Brittle fingernails and hair loss can also be symptoms of anaemia. In a compensatory way, the body tries to supply the organs with enough oxygen.

This accelerates breathing and heart rate. The above mentioned symptoms are general symptoms of anemia. In addition, specific symptoms can occur depending on the underlying disease. Basically, anemia itself is always a symptom of the actual disease. You can find more information under our topic: Symptoms of anaemia and symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia

Headaches
Nausea
Fainting (syncope)
Concentration disorders or
Ear noises (tinnitus)

Diagnosis

Already the patient’s medical history (anamnesis) can provide a first indication of anaemia. Afterwards, the most important thing is to find the cause. The most important diagnostic tool here is a blood count.

This shows, through the various parameters, which causes can be considered. Most important is the distinction between: First, the blood count provides the answer as to whether anaemia is present at all. This can be seen from the haemoglobin value (men <13 g/dl, women <12 g/dl).

The mean volume (MCV) of the erythrocytes (red blood cells) gives an indication of the size of the cells. The mean haemoglobin content of an erythrocyte (MCH) and the concentration of haemoglobin (MCHC) indicate possible disorders in the formation of red blood pigment. – an increased blood loss or blood breakdown or

Of a haematopoietic disorder.

General therapy

The therapy depends on the different causes of anaemia. However, the therapy depends crucially on the form of anaemia, so you will find specific therapies directly under the forms of anaemia. The therapy of anemia consists mainly in the removal of the cause.

For all patients with anemia, a precise diagnosis of the form of anemia must first be made. Iron deficiency can be treated by iron tablets or, in the case of more severe forms, initially by repeated iron infusions. Iron tablets should always be taken about 30 minutes before a meal and with organ juice.

The vitamin C contained in the tablets helps the iron to be better absorbed. If chronic bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract is suspected, the source of bleeding must first be found. Bleeding ulcers (bleeding from a stomach ulcer) in the stomach can be stopped by clipping (pinching off the bleeding) or injection of coagulation-promoting substances.

Patients should also regularly take proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid. If there is a deficiency of cobalamin (intrinsic factor) or thiamin, the substances can be administered intravenously. Hydroycobalamin is preferred to cyanocobalamin because it is excreted more slowly.

Already on the second day, a significantly increased number of progenitor cells is seen. In order for sufficient red blood cells to be formed, iron and potassium must be given in this phase to compensate for the massive increase in demand. In case of folic acid deficiency, this can be administered orally in a dose of 5mg per day.

In both cases, a causal therapy (cause must be eliminated) must be carried out if the cause of the deficiency is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, tapeworm disease or tumour disease. In these cases a simple substitution of the missing substance is not sufficient. For congenital diseases such as thalassemia or sickle cell anaemia, only a stem cell transplantation can help.

Otherwise, erythrocyte concentrates must be administered regularly about every 3 weeks. Another possibility is the regular administration of erythropoietin to stimulate production. This is mainly used in dialysis patients or after aggressive chemotherapy cycles to compensate for the lack of erythropoietin.

. – Substitution of iron, vitamins, intrinsic factor, etc. – Remedy source of bleeding (e.g. treatment of tumours and ulcers)

Treating Infections
Abstinence from triggering factors such as chemicals, pesticides, certain drugs, etc. – Administration of foreign blood (transfusion)