Anemia Brad Conner and Sheree Rodeffer

Why should I care? Most common blood disorder in the US –Affects 4 million It can affect anyone –Women and individuals with chronic diseases are at an increased risk

What is it? Too few red blood cells in the body –Low production –High losses –Cells destroyed too quickly Results in decreased oxygen to body’s organs

General Symptoms Initial –Not always apparent –More tired –Skin appears pale –Exercise Symptoms –Cold hands and Feet –Lightheadedness May be temporary or chronic Symptoms may vary in severity

Types of Anemia Determined by Causes –Caused by Blood Loss –Caused by Destruction –Caused by Decreased or Low Production of Blood

Caused by Blood Loss Bleeding –Slow loss over time –Undetected No symptoms?? –Sources of chronic bleeding Gastrointestinal conditions Use of NSAIDS Menstruation and Childbirth

Caused by Destruction Rupture due to stress of circulatory system Causes: –Present at birth or develop later –Spontaneous –Vascular grafts, prosthetic Heart valves, tumors, etc… –Stressors from toxins, drugs, certain foods –Toxins from advanced liver or kidney disease Ex: Hemolytic Anemia

Caused by Decreased Blood Production Due to abnormally low blood cell counts Lack of vitamins and minerals Forms include: –Sickle-Cell Anemia –Iron Deficiency –Vitamin Deficiency –Bone marrow and Stem Cell problems

Sickle-Cell Anemia Relatively common in African Americans –1 in 500 African-American newborns each year are diagnosed –RBCs become rigid and shaped like crescents –Caused by defective gene Leads to abnormal hemoglobin (S) –Cells are sticky and can clump together – Severity of sickling varies

Sickle-Cell Anemia Signs and Symptoms –Delayed growth and Development –Increased risk of infections –Skin Ulcers of Lower Leg –Extreme pain Chest, Abdomen, Joints Hours to Weeks –Swollen Appendages –Frequent Infections

Sickle-Cell Anemia Treatment –Medication Treats the pain Antibiotics to help against infection –Oxygen may help breathing –Blood Transfusion Prevention is the key!!! -Good Nutrition - Adequate Rest -Protection against Infection- Drink plenty of water -Avoid temperature extremes- Avoid stress -Vaccinations

Treatment Treatment based on cause –Recommendations by a Doctor –Most conditions are treatable with medication Temporary fix, not a cure Ex: Iron Deficiency Anemia Iron Supplements –Too much iron is bad though Watch for side effects –Medication interactions

Conclusion Most Anemias are not life-threatening Can be treated with either –Lifestyle changes –Medication for symptoms –Surgery as last resort Education is best prevention

References Pictures content/uploads/2007/04/coachella%20crowd.jpg

References Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. New York: Harper Collins, "Understanding Anemia". WebMD. 4/25/2008.