When a patient is prescribed iron tablets for the treatment of anemia which measures
To diagnose anemia, your doctor will likely ask you about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order blood tests. You can help by providing detailed
answers about your symptoms, family medical history, diet, medications you take, alcohol intake, and ethnic background. Your doctor will look for symptoms of anemia and
other physical clues that might point to a cause. There are basically three different causes of anemia: blood loss, decreased or faulty red blood cell production, or destruction of red blood cells. Blood tests will not only confirm the diagnosis of
anemia, but also help point to the underlying condition. Tests might include: Only in rare cases will a doctor need to remove a sample of bone marrow to determine the cause of your anemia. Your doctor may not treat your anemia until the underlying cause has been
established. The treatment for one type of anemia may be both inappropriate and dangerous for another type of anemia. Anemia Caused by Blood Loss Anemia
Caused by Decreased Red Blood Cell Production Anemia Caused by Iron Deficiency With iron deficiency anemia, your doctor will probably recommend iron supplements that contain the ferrous form of iron, which your body can absorb easily. Timed-release iron
supplements are not a good choice for most people, because iron is primarily absorbed in the upper part of the digestive tract. If you use iron supplements, remember the following cautions: Your doctor may also recommend that you increase the amount of iron in your diet. Good dietary sources of iron include red meat, beans, egg yolk, whole-grain products, nuts, and seafood. Many processed foods and milk are also reinforced with iron. Your doctor will monitor your red blood cell counts, including hematocrit, hemoglobin, and ferritin levels, during treatment. If your anemia doesn't improve with iron supplements, your doctor will look for some other underlying cause. In rare cases, your doctor may prescribe iron injections or give you iron intravenously (through a needle in the vein). In extremely rare cases of life-threatening iron-deficiency anemia, treatment may
involve a blood transfusion. Anemia Caused By Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency Treatment depends on the cause of the deficiency. If your body stores are depleted of vitamin B12, your doctor will most likely prescribe vitamin B12 injections. Vitamin B12 can also be given by
mouth, but very high doses are needed. Vitamin B12 can also been given under the tongue or in a nasal spray, but these preparations are expensive and have not been adequately studied to be recommended. There is a good chance that many of the symptoms of deficiency will
improve once the body is provided with the needed B12. Some people with vitamin B12 deficiency have a permanent inability to absorb vitamin B12 and will need injections every one to three months or pills daily for the rest of their lives. Some forms of gastric bypass surgery are associated with deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, and
other nutrients typically absorbed in the part of the stomach that is bypassed. Your doctor may also recommend that you increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet. Good dietary sources of vitamin B12 are meat, liver, and kidney; fish, oysters, and clams; and milk, cheese, and eggs. If you have a folate deficiency, your doctor will prescribe folic acid supplements (folic acid is a form of folate used in dietary supplements and fortified foods.) They may recommend you to increase the amount of folate in your diet. Good dietary sources of folate include fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts); dairy products; and whole grain cereals. Vegetables should be eaten raw or lightly cooked. Anemia Caused by Problems of the Bone Marrow and Stem Cells. This anemia tends to be more persistent and difficult to treat. The treatments for hereditary anemias, such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease, vary widely and depend on the specific condition and the severity of symptoms. Some anemias will not require any treatment, while
others may require repeated transfusions and other aggressive measures. Although aplastic anemia will occasionally go into spontaneous remission, some people with this disorder require bone marrow transplantation. Anemia Caused by Chronic Disease It is best to treat the underlying condition whenever possible. Anemia caused by chronic kidney disease or following
chemotherapy can often be treated with an injection of recombinant human erythropoietin called darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp).or epoetin alpha (Epogen, Procrit). Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates
the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Darbepoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin. Anemia Caused by Increased Red Blood Cell Destruction Supportive treatment -- like intravenous fluids and pain medication -- will often be given. A blood transfusion may be necessary in some cases. Steroids can halt the body's immune attack on its own red blood cells. Certain damaging factors can be removed from the
blood by a treatment called plasmapheresis. If hemolytic anemia persists despite treatment, your doctor may recommend splenectomy -- surgical removal of the spleen -- as a last resort. Most people can lead a normal life without their spleen. Longstanding hemolytic anemia can cause gallstones to develop from the by-products of red blood cell destruction. Gallbladder surgery may be necessary for symptomatic gallstones. A type of hemolytic anemia that occurs more commonly in children is associated with kidney damage, and dialysis may be necessary. In extremely rare cases, bone marrow transplantation may be the only solution for certain types of hemolytic anemia. Sickle Cell Anemia Lead poisoning is treated by discontinuing exposure to lead and administering a drug that binds and draws lead out of the body. You
can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia by eating a well-balanced diet that includes good sources of iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Steps to take include the following: What is anemia preventive measures?But you can avoid iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias by eating a diet that includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, including: Iron. Iron-rich foods include beef and other meats, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables and dried fruit. Folate.
What will be appropriate to teach a patient who is taking an iron supplement?Iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, with water or fruit juice (adults: full glass or 8 ounces; children: ½ glass or 4 ounces), about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, to lessen the possibility of stomach upset, iron may be taken with food or immediately after meals.
What treatment is used for iron deficiency anemia?Iron supplements, also called iron pills or oral iron, help increase the iron in your body. This is the most common treatment for iron-deficiency anemia. It often takes three to six months to restore your iron levels.
What is the first line treatment for iron deficiency anemia?The current first line of therapy for patients with iron deficiency anemia is oral iron supplementation.
|