Anaemia - Cause, Symptoms, Treatment of Anaemia

Anaemia Overview & Information

The word Anaemia means " lacking in blood ", is among the most common diseases affecting human beings. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia in the world. The onset of iron deficiency anemia is gradual and, at first, there may not be any symptoms. Anemia can be mild, moderate, or severe enough to lead to life-threatening complications. There are many types of anaemia -

• IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
• FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
• VITAMIN B 12 DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
• VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
• HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA
• THALASSEMIAS
• AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIAS
• SICKLE CELL ANEMIA
• APLASTIC ANEMIA
• ANEMIA OF CHRONIC DISEASE

Anaemia Symptoms

A haggard look, with lines of strain, premature wrinkles, grayish skin, and dull and tired looking eyes are the main symptoms of anaemia. Common symptoms of Anaemia include:

• tiredness and palpitations.
• shortness of breath and dizziness.
• If the anaemia is severe there is a risk of angina (chest pain), headache and leg pains.
• poor memory,
• weakness,
• fatigue,
• lack of energy,
• slow healing of wounds,
• headaches,
• mental depression,
• pale fingers, lips and ear lobes.
• The body's ability to fight infection is also compromised.

Causes of Anaemia

Factors that can cause an Anaemia flare include:

• Defective bone marrow.
• A shortage of iron, the main ingredient of haemoglobin.
• A shortage of the vitamins B12 or folic acid, both needed to produce red blood cells.
• A lack of digestive acid of hydrochloric acid needed for digestion of iron and
  proteins may also result in anaemia.
• Loss of blood, through heavy menstruation, or internal bleeding, which may be caused by disease.
• Infections such as malaria.

What treatment can be done for Anaemia?

Diet is of the utmost importance in the treatment of anaemia. It has been proved that a generous intake of iron alone will not help in the regeneration of haemoglobin. Vitamin B12 is a must for preventing or curing anaemia. This vitamin is usually found in animal protein and especially in organic meats like kidney and liver.

Water Treatment for anaemia

Cold Water bath is very beneficial in curing anaemia. The patient should be given carefully graduated cold baths twice daily. Cold friction, hot epsom salt bath for five to 10 minutes once a week and an occassional cabinet steam bath are also recommended. Full sun baths are especially beneficial as sunlight stimulates the production of red cells. There are other important factors which are helpful in curing anaemia. Deep breathing and light exercise like walking and simple yoga asanas should be undertaken to tone up the system. Sarvangasana paschomittanasana, uttanpadasana and shavasana are recommended. Massages also helps to keep the blood level high.

What are the good sources of iron that helps in anaemia?

The following foods are also good sources of iron:

• almonds
• broccoli
• dried beans
• dried fruits
• enriched breads and cereals
• lean red meat
• liver
• potatoes
• poultry
• rice
• shellfish
• tomatoes

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