Anemia is a condition that can cause a person to become very weak and tired. But other than that do you actually realize what causes anemia, how to prevent it and what it actually is?
Red blood cells are important to our bodies. They contain hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is what carries oxygen to all the organs and tissues throughout our body. Our bodies needs this oxygen to produce the energy it needs to run well and to function properly.
When a person is anemic (suffering from anemia) this person’s body is not producing the number of red blood cells the body needs. Over time, red blood cells die off, naturally. An anemic person’s body does not remake the new red blood cells needed. The normal healthy level of red blood cells a person should have is at the level of 80%. Anything below 80% is considered low and thus the person is considered being anemic (suffering from anemia).
Anemia can be caused for a number of reasons. Such a:
Suffering from a kidney disorder or kidney disease
Having a low amount of iron in your system
Having a low amount of B12 in your system
In the beginning, anemia may not show any symptoms. But over time, you will notice many symptoms such as:
Feeling unusually tired
Feeling weak
Having trouble concentrating on normal activities
Looking pale
Having a poor appetite
Easily becoming confused
Loosing concentration easily
Having trouble sleeping
Feeling dizzy
Suffering from headaches
Shortness of breath
Rapid breathing
When a person suffers from anemia, every part of their body has to work harder to function. This is one main reason the person becomes on tired. The longer the person suffers from it, the harder it becomes to continue every day tasks.
Testing for anemia is easy. It just takes a small blood test, which is usually read within one day. Your physician may want you not to eat or drink anything for 6 hours or so before the test, to get an adequate reading.
If you are found to be anemic, your physician will probably want you to start taking an iron supplement. He/she may also check to make sure your kidneys are functioning properly. If he/she things your kidneys may be the cause for your anemia, you may be put on some medication to help your kidneys to function better, too.
If you have been diagnosed with anemia, some lifestyle changes may help you avoid it in the future as:
Taking part in moderate exercise
Getting enough sleep
Avoiding alcohol, especially close to bedtime
Controlling any other health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Eating more foods that are rich in iron
Anemia is controllable and usually curable. So if you have any of the symptoms, please talk to your physician today.
Note: The writer is not a physician. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of anemia, please speak to your physician.
