There are hundreds of types of anemia, many of which have different causes and call for different treatments. However, most doctors divide anemia into three large groups: acute anemia (caused by sudden blood loss), iron deficiency anemia and anemia caused by non-nutritional causes, such as problems producing or keeping red cells alive.
Instructions
Recognize the Causes of Anemia
1. Look for dietary problems first, since they are the most common cause of anemia. Deficiencies of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and enzymes can result in a type of anemia that is easily treated by providing the missing nutrients. In cases of nutritional related anemia, doctors will either recommend a change in diet or provide supplements in the form of pills or injections.
2. Undergo a series of blood tests to better understand how your red blood cells are behaving and to rule out severe anemia, which can result in premature cell death, chronic infection and thyroid disorders. Anemia caused by chronic disease or long-term deficiencies may be harder to pinpoint and will need aggressive treatment once discovered.
3. Recognize that anemia may sometimes be a symptom of a more serious problem, such as liver damage, bone marrow disease or even cancer. If no apparent reason for the anemia is found, your doctor may recommend a series of other tests to recognize the cause for the anemia and decide on the best treatment options.
4. Be aware of causes of acute anemia, such as blood loss during surgery or following an accident. Some women with a heavy menstrual cycle can also experience this type of anemia, especially if their diets are unbalanced and do not provide enough iron to make up for the amount lost during menstruation.
5. Don't forget that anemia may be chronic and caused by a deficiency in the production or survival of red blood cells. This is the case with microcytic anemia, myelopathic anemia and spur-cell anemia, all of which are caused by irregularly shaped red blood cells that die prematurely or are not able to produce enough oxygen.
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