Anemia Causes and Treatment by james sameul

Anemia is defined as "a pathologic deficiency in the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the red blood cells." It is a common problem for cancer patients and often results from the therapies used to suppress or control tumors. Anemia is associated with fatigue - a feeling of weakness or diminished physical and mental capacity unrelieved by rest (fatigue). Additional symptoms include diminished ability to perform daily functions and possibly impaired cognitive function, headache, dizziness, chest pain and shortness of breath, nausea, depression and occasionally pain.


Causes of Anemia

There are more than 400 types of anemia, which are divided into 3 groupings

Anemia caused by blood loss

Anemia caused by decreased or faulty red blood cell production

Anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells


How We Can Treat Anemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Current treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency consists of a life-long regimen of monthly B-12 injections.

Sickle cell anemia. Treatment for this incurable anemia may include the administration of oxygen, pain-relieving drugs, and oral and intravenous fluids to reduce pain and prevent complications. Doctors also commonly use blood transfusions, folic acid supplements and antibiotics.

Always drink a full 8 ounces of fluid with an iron pill. Taking orange juice with an iron pill may help increase iron absorption. (Some doctors also recommend taking a vitamin C supplement with the iron pill.)

Tablets should be kept in a cool place. (Bathroom medicine cabinets may be too warm and humid, which may cause the pills to disintegrate.)

If you suspect you have iron deficiency anemia, do not take iron pills without consulting your doctor. Taking iron pills could delay the diagnosis of a serious problem such as colorectal cancer or a bleeding ulcer.


Medicines for Anemia

Homeopathic Medicines:-

Iron is the great allopathic remedy for anemia from almost any cause. It is also a great homoeopathic remedy, but it will not cure every case of anemia; careful individualization is necessary. When the patient has an appearance of full bloodedness or plethora, which is followed by paleness or earthiness of the face and puffiness of the extremities, then Ferrum will benefit. It is not the remedy for the anemia resulting from loss of fluids; that is Cinchona, or perhaps Natrum muriaticum. When Ferrum is indicated the mucous membranes are pale, more so than with Cinchona, and there is apt to be an anemia murmur in the veins of the neck. The patient is easily exhausted. Vomiting of food after eating may occur.


Nutritional Therapy for Anemia:-

A lack of the nutrient in the diet

An inability to absorb that nutrient (Certain hereditary conditions and deficiencies of other nutrients can keep the body from absorbing iron, folate, or vitamin B12, regardless of the amount present in the diet. Alcoholism can prevent proper absorption of folate in particular.)

An excessive loss of that nutrient (For women, heavy blood loss during menstruation or pregnancy can lead to problems with iron-deficiency anemia.)