Many people are familiar with the symptoms of tiredness, listlessness and a weakened immune system and are unable to correctly identify them. There are many reasons for this. If paleness of the skin or mucous membranes is also noticeable, those affected should consult a doctor. This is because anemia may be the cause.
Below you will find further information and selected doctors for the treatment of anemia
Anemia colloquially means anemia. It is a deficiency of red blood pigment (haemoglobin). It can also be accompanied by a reduction in red blood cells.
Anemia leads to a lack of oxygen, as the transport of oxygen to the vital organs is impaired.
It is important to note that anemia itself is not a disease in its own right, but only a symptom. This means that anemia is usually caused by other diseases.
Pale mucous membranes are a typical sign of anemia @ RFBSIP /AdobeStock
It is equally important to differentiate between the various forms of anemia.
For example, there is iron deficiency anemia. This is by far one of the most common forms. Women generally suffer more frequently from iron deficiency anemia, as a lot of iron is lost during menstruation.
Anemias can also be classified as follows:
Microcytic, hypochromic anemia: Here the erythrocytes (red blood cells) are too small and contain too little hemoglobin. The aforementioned iron deficiency anemia belongs to this category.
Macrocytic, hyperchromic anemia: In this form of anemia, the red blood cells are too large and enriched with too much haemoglobin. Although they are able to transport enough oxygen, the liver breaks it down more quickly. If there is a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12, this form can occur.
The causes of anemia can be many and varied:
The symptoms are just as varied as the causes of anemia. Those affected often feel weak, tired and exhausted.
Headaches, dizziness and a decrease in mental performance are then added in many cases. One reason for these symptoms is not least the lack of oxygen supply to important organs.
The following signs also indicate anemia:
Of course, there are also specific symptoms. Iron deficiency anemia, for example, can make hair and nails look brittle and brittle.
Jaundice or a black coloration of the stool (in case of internal blood loss) are also possible side effects of anemia.
If one or even more of these symptoms occur, you must have the cause clarified by a doctor.
Possible symptoms of anemia at a glance:
If there are no external signs of anemia, treatment begins with a blood test.
The laboratory then determines several values from a blood sample:
If the initial tests confirm anemia, further examinations may be necessary to find the cause.
These include, among others:
Once the cause has been found, the doctor can start the appropriate therapy. If blood loss is the cause - for example after childbirth, in the case of stomach ulcers or injuries - a blood transfusion is often advisable.
If nutrients such as vitamin B12 or folic acid are missing, you can compensate for this deficiency with targeted supplementation. A balanced diet can also help to improve the values and minimize problems.
In the case of forms of anaemia in which red blood cells break down too quickly, it may be necessary to remove the spleen.
In the case of genetic defects, which include sickle cell anemia, a stem cell transplant can help.
Possible treatment methods:
If you have too little vitamin B12 in your body, you can develop anemia @ bit24 /AdobeStockThe most suitable specialists for anemia come from the field of haematology. However, doctors from other specialties may also be involved.
As anemia can have various causes, an internist may also be helpful here.
The family doctor will refer the patient to the appropriate specialists, who will carry out the blood tests, other examinations and treatment.
