Newborns have a temporary anemia when they are weeks old. This occurs when they run out of the red blood cells they are born with but their bodies have not made new red blood cells. This condition will not affect the baby adversely unless they are sick for some other reason. Babies can also have anemia from breaking down cells too quickly, which results in yellowing skin, a condition known as jaundice. This often occurs if the mother and baby have incompatible blood types.
People who do vigorous exercise are also at greater risk, as exertion can lead to a breakdown of red blood cells in the bloodstream. Women who are menstruating or pregnant may also be at increased risk of developing anemia. People who have chronic health conditions, including autoimmune conditions, liver disease, thyroid disease and inflammatory bowel disease, may have lower hemoglobin levels, which increases the chances of developing anemia. Hemoglobin levels increase in situations where a person needs more oxygen in their body.
Consequently, someone who has lung or kidney disease, who smokes, or is dehydrated, may be at risk of increased hemoglobin levels. While many types of anemia cannot be prevented, eating iron-rich foods, such as beef, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts can prevent anemias caused by iron or vitamin deficiencies.
Meat and dairy are good sources of vitamin B12, and folic acid is found in citrus juices, legumes, and fortified cereals. The American Society of Hematology recommend taking a daily multivitamin to help prevent nutritional anemias. Older adults, however, should not take iron supplements for iron-deficiency anemia unless instructed to do so by their doctor. Anemia treatment varies, depending on the cause of the condition. Changes in diet or dietary supplements can help people who have iron or vitamin deficiency anemias.
If the anemia is caused by another condition, treating the underlying disease will often alleviate the problem. Medications and blood transfusions are among the treatment options for aplastic anemia, and antibiotics may be used in the case of hemolytic anemia. Sickle cell disease is a life-limiting condition. The only cure available is a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Read the article in Spanish. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or AIHA, is an immune condition where the immune system destroys red blood cells.
It can lead to a range of health…. Macrocytic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by abnormally large red blood cells. The first step toward raising your hemoglobin level on your own is to start eating more iron.
Foods that are high in iron include:. Folate is a B vitamin that your body uses to produce heme, the part of your red blood cells that contains hemoglobin. This can lead to folate deficiency anemia and low hemoglobin levels. If you need to raise your hemoglobin level by a lot, you may need to take oral iron supplements. However, too much iron can cause a condition called hemochromatosis. This can lead to liver diseases such as cirrhosis , and other side effects, such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
Work with your doctor to figure out a safe dose, and avoid taking more than 25 milligrams mg at one time. Iron supplements should always be kept carefully out of reach of children. Children have a lower blood volume, which makes them much more vulnerable to iron poisoning.
If your child accidentally takes an iron supplement, call your doctor immediately. Certain things can either increase or decrease the amount of iron your body absorbs. When you eat something high in iron or take an iron supplement, try eating foods rich in vitamin C or take a supplement at the same time.
Vitamin C may help to increase the amount of iron your body absorbs. Try squeezing some fresh lemon over iron rich foods to increase absorption. Vitamin A and beta-carotene, which helps your body produce vitamin A, can also help your body absorb more iron. You can find vitamin A in animal food sources, such as fish and liver. Beta-carotene is usually found in red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables, such as:.
You can also take vitamin A supplements, but make sure you work closely with your doctor to figure out a safe dose. Too much vitamin A can lead to a potentially serious condition called hypervitaminosis A. Calcium from both supplements and food sources can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. Just avoid calcium supplements and try not to eat calcium-rich foods right before or after taking an iron supplement.
However, it only affects iron absorption during a single meal, not throughout the day. Contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms while trying to raise your hemoglobin level:. But recent research found that:.
In the U. The risks when you get blood are very small. They include:. There are added costs for storage and processing, as well as hospital and equipment fees.
Also, if you only use the blood you need, you are helping to keep a blood supply for other people. Most patients do well with just one unit of blood, if the transfusion is not for an emergency.
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