ANEMIA

By I DEWA AYU MEGARANI

Anemia, one of the most common blood disorders, occurs when the level of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body becomes too low.

Excessive Destruction of RBCs

Couses Of Anemia

Blood Loss

Inadequate Production of RBCs

 Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are being destroyed prematurely. Bone marrow simply can't keep up with the body's demand for new cells.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the immune system mistakes RBCs for foreign invaders and begins destroying them

Blood loss can also cause anemia whether it's because of excessive bleeding due to injury, surgery, or a problem with the blood's clotting ability. Slower, long-term blood loss, such as intestinal bleeding from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can also cause anemia.

Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow can't make enough blood cells. This can be due to a viral infection, or exposure to certain toxic chemicals, radiation, or medications.

Anemia also occurs when the body isn't able to produce enough healthy RBCs because of an iron deficiency. Iron is essential to hemoglobin production.

Signs & Symptoms Of Anemia

Blood smear examination Iron tests Hemoglobin electrophoresis Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy Reticulocyte count

 Medication as drops (for infants) or as a liquid or tablet (for older kids) Hormonal treatment to help regulate the bleeding Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements

Depending on the cause : Transfusions Removal of the spleen or treatment with medications Medications to fight infection or stimulate the bone marrow