Microcytic anemia is characterized by small, usually hypochromic, red blood cells in a peripheral blood smear. The most common cause is iron deficiency.
Microcytic anemia is a common medical condition. The symptoms of this condition may be mild, moderate, or severe. If you are suffering from microcytic anemia, the first step is to seek medical advice.
Early detection is crucial for a higher quality of life. Getting regular complete blood counts can help diagnose anemia, which can lead to better treatment options and improved quality of life.
In people with anemia, red blood cells are fewer or weaker than normal, causing blood to carry less oxygen throughout the body. Men are somewhat more likely to suffer from anemia by 65. There are 22 percent of men and 16 percent of women over 80 who are anemic.
Is Microcytic Anemia Serious?
Microcytic anemia is a serious condition. Symptoms of this disease can be life-threatening. If left untreated, it may lead to thalassemia major, which causes severe anemia in childhood.
The disease has no known cure and the only curative treatment is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In one study, HSCT resulted in a disease-free survival rate of 95%.
While microcytic anemia is rare, it is not impossible to detect it during a routine physical examination. The symptoms of this condition may include pale skin, a rapid pulse, low blood pressure, and splenomegaly.
If these symptoms occur, your physician may order a bone marrow biopsy.
A recent study from the University of Exeter and a world-leading team of researchers found that males with microcytic anemia have a 2.7% higher risk of developing cancer than their counterparts.
Those without the condition have a 1.4% risk. This condition affects young children and pregnant women.
Microcytic anemia is caused by a deficiency in iron. Acute bleeding may cause loss of this mineral, which can be replenished through diet or supplements.
However, chronic bleeding can make it difficult to replace lost iron and leads to persistent microcytic anemia. Physical examinations may reveal signs of microcytic anemia, but blood tests are the only way to be sure.
In severe cases, microcytic anemia can lead to cardiac failure, but it is usually treatable and won’t limit your everyday activities. Treatment for microcytic anemia can improve your energy and decrease the symptoms of the condition.
However, if left untreated, the condition could worsen and cause death.
Symptoms of Microcytic Anemia
The symptoms of microcytic anemia may be severe depending on any underlying medical conditions. The body produces new red blood cells every 120 days to replace those that have been lost.
These red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin that binds iron. The iron-containing protein transports oxygen throughout the body through the blood vessels.
These are some of the common symptoms of microcytic anemia:
- A feeling of fatigue and weakness.
- Dizziness.
- The skin is more pale than usual.
- Fast heartbeat.
- Shortness of breath.
- The skin is dry.
- Bruised skin.
Causes of Macrocytic Anemia
Macrocytic anemia is a special form of anemia that occurs when the body does not get the right amount of nutrients. The cause can be anything, from a lack of folate or vitamin B-12 to underlying health problems.
People with macrocytic anemia may notice tiredness, memory disturbances, or even tingling in their legs or arms. Treatment involves a diet change and nutrient supplementation.
While macrocytic anemia is treatable with diet and supplements, if not addressed correctly, it can lead to long-term complications, including damage to the nervous system.
For example, extreme vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to peripheral neuropathy, dementia, and other serious neurological problems. Therefore, it is important to supplement with sufficient amounts of vitamin B-12 and reduce alcohol consumption.
A recent article in NIH’s News in Health suggests that iron-rich foods can prevent and treat anemia, with red meat being the best source (particularly liver), poultry, fish, and shellfish.
The two most common causes of Macrocytic Anemia are vitamin B12 deficiency and a deficiency of folate. Both of these deficiencies inhibit the production of red blood cells and lead to anemia. A full blood count or peripheral smear are used to diagnose macrocytic anemia.
A CBC is a routine blood test that is done as part of a physical exam. Blood tests can also be performed if a person has persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or fever.
Additional tests can also help determine the underlying cause of the disease. If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Can Microcytic Anemia Be Cured?
Microcytic anemia is a condition where your blood lacks oxygen and does not transport enough oxygen to your tissues and organs.
This is caused by a lack of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen throughout your body.
When hemoglobin is missing in your red blood cells, the red blood cells get smaller and can carry less oxygen. There are a number of causes for this condition, including an inherited blood disorder called thalassemia.
The treatment for this disorder varies, depending on the type of disease. In some cases, a simple vein-based treatment can help restore normal cellular activity and eliminate symptoms.
Other treatment options include drugs or radiation therapy to restrain overactive marrow cells. These treatments can help your blood return to normal and prevent the symptoms associated with microcytic anemia.
Iron supplements for children are a common way to treat microcytic anemia. However, your doctor may recommend further tests and blood transfusions if your anemia is severe.
Chelation therapy is also an effective way to reduce lead levels in your body. While the treatment of anemia is usually based on the cause, you should always discuss your options with your doctor to ensure that you’re following the right course of treatment.
There are a number of different types of anemia, including macrocytic anemia and normocytic anemia. These two anemia types are often associated with other diseases. Anemia can also be a symptom of another condition, including chronic kidney disease and cancer.
What Vitamin Causes Microcytic Anemia?
Microcytic anemia is a condition in which the body is deficient in vitamin B12. This deficiency can manifest itself in many ways.
For instance, it can cause the patient to appear pale, lose weight, and have irritability. This condition can also be caused by a lack of folate.
A doctor can diagnose microcytic anemia through a complete blood count. This test is vital for the diagnosis of this condition because it can indicate the underlying cause.
It is best to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. This early diagnosis allows you to start treating the underlying cause and improve the quality of life.
How is Microcytic Anemia?
There are various treatments available for microcytic anemia. Some people need to consult a doctor in order to start taking iron supplements. Other treatments focus on treating the underlying problem.
For instance, a woman with a severe menstrual period may need to receive hormonal therapy. Other options include a change in diet or a decrease in milk intake.
In addition to a blood test, doctors can also look for the presence of lead. The presence of lead in the blood may be an indication of microcytic anemia.
For further evaluation, a physician may perform a colonoscopy to identify the source of bleeding in the colon. If blood is present in the stool, a physician may prescribe oral vitamin B12.
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