Low hemoglobin is not an independent disease. It is the result of an underlying disease, therefore, if anemia is detected in a patient, the doctor is obliged to prescribe a comprehensive examination.
Concepts of pseudoanemia and hidden anemia
Pseudoanemia is the entry of tissue fluid into the bloodstream during the resorption of edema.
Hidden anemia is the result of the loss of a significant part of the fluid composition of the blood due to dehydration (can be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, hyperhidrosis). In this situation, the blood begins to thicken, so laboratory analysis shows that the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin is normal, even if this is not the case.
Severity of anemia
Based on severity, anemia is classified into:
- light. Hemoglobin level is more than 100 g/l, erythrocytes - more than 3 T/l;
- average Hemoglobin level from 66 to 100 g/l, erythrocytes - from 2 to 3 T/l;
- heavy. Hemoglobin level is less than 66 g/l.
Classification of anemia
All anemias manifest themselves differently. Taking into account the cause of the pathological condition and its symptoms, there are four main types:
- posthemorrhagic anemia (caused by chronic/acute blood loss);
- hemolytic anemia (develops due to the destruction of red blood cells). This group includes hereditary hemolytic anemias: - with a lack of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase; - thalassemia; - sickle cell; — Minkowski-Shoffar;
- deficiency anemia (caused by a deficiency of microelements/vitamins/iron, that is, any elements that play an important role in the process of hematopoiesis);
- hypoplastic anemia (results from impaired hematopoiesis in the bone marrow, the most dangerous form).
According to the color indicator of blood, anemia can be:
- normochromic (hemoglobin is normal). This group includes hemolytic and posthemorrhagic anemia;
- hyperchromic (hemoglobin increased). These include folate deficiency and B12 deficiency anemia;
- hypochromic (hemoglobin is low). This refers to thalassemia, iron deficiency and chronic posthemorrhagic anemia.
Based on the diameter of red blood cells, anemia can be:
- normocytic (almost all hemolytic and acute posthemorrhagic anemia);
- megaloblastic (B12-deficiency anemia);
- macrocytic (folate deficiency, hemolytic disease of the newborn);
- microcytic (chronic posthemorrhagic anemia).
Based on the iron content in the blood serum, anemia is divided into:
- normosideremic (acute posthemorrhagic anemia);
- hyposideremic (chronic posthemorrhagic and iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia);
- hypersideremic (hemolytic and B12-deficiency anemia).
Causes of anemia
Common causes of low hemoglobin are:
- large blood loss;
- disruption of the formation of new blood cells;
- activation of pathological processes of blood destruction.
Causes of posthemorrhagic anemia
Acute posthemorrhagic anemia is the result of the loss of a large amount of blood in a minimal period of time. The chronic form of this disease is caused by:
- prolonged blood loss;
- polyps, hernias and stomach ulcers;
- kidney diseases;
- malignant tumor neoplasms;
- uterine bleeding;
- disorders of the blood clotting system;
- liver failure, cirrhosis.
What causes hemolytic anemia
All hemolytic anemias occur if “old” red blood cells begin to destroy faster than new ones can form.
The sickle cell form is caused by the synthesis of a defective hemoglobin molecule. The emerging defective molecules form peculiar crystals that stretch the red blood cell, causing the latter to take on the shape of a sickle. Sickle erythrocytes are non-plastic. It leads to increased blood viscosity and blockage of small blood vessels. With their sharp ends they can destroy each other.
Thalassemia is a hereditary disease. It occurs due to a decrease in the rate of hemoglobin formation. Hemoglobin that is not fully formed is unstable. It resembles small inclusions that give the red blood cell the appearance of a target cell.
Deficiency anemias and their causes
Iron deficiency anemia develops for reasons such as:
- lack of iron/increased need for iron (this is why degree 1 anemia is often diagnosed in premature babies and pregnant women);
- chronic blood loss;
- problems associated with the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract, its transportation and disposal.
B12 deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of vitamin B12. The disease can be caused by poor nutrition (refusal to eat meat) or disruption of the absorption of cyanocobalamin in the gastrointestinal tract (parasites, diseases of the small intestine, stomach). Also, symptoms of B12 deficiency anemia can appear while taking hormonal drugs and anticonvulsants.
Folate deficiency anemia is a consequence of a lack of vitamin B9. It is usually observed in pregnant and lactating women, cancer patients, teenage children, premature newborns, liver disease, alcohol abuse, etc.
Causes of hypoplastic anemia
Hypoplastic anemia is manifested by a decrease in the content of all cells in the blood. External and internal factors lead to such a pathological and life-threatening condition:
- vibration and radiation effects on the body;
- serious injuries;
- taking certain medications;
- ingestion of poisons into the body;
- herpes, fungi, bacteria;
- genetic mutations;
- rheumatoid arthritis, lack of elements involved in hematopoietic processes;
- endocrine diseases, etc.
Symptoms of anemia
Conventionally, the symptoms of low hemoglobin are classified into:
- specific (manifest only in specific types of anemia);
- nonspecific (the same for all types of disease).
Nonspecific symptoms of anemia are as follows:
- pallor of the skin/mucous membranes;
- migraine;
- increased fatigue;
- noise in ears;
- refusal of food;
- constant drowsiness;
- feeling of lack of air;
- dizziness;
- cardiopalmus;
- decreased libido, sexual impotence in men;
- disruption of the menstrual cycle;
- heart failure.
Specific signs of different types of anemia
Each type of anemia has its own specific symptoms. Thus, the acute posthemorrhagic form manifests itself:
- increased heart rate;
- fainting;
- cold sweat;
- attacks of dizziness;
- pale skin;
- decrease in body temperature.
In chronic posthemorrhagic anemia the following are observed:
- very white skin;
- craving for or intolerance to certain smells;
- swelling of the face;
- change in taste sensations;
- dry skin;
- brittle nails;
- nausea;
- lack of air;
- sweating;
- involuntary urination when sneezing or laughing;
- temperature increase.
Hemolytic anemias are characterized by:
- yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes (when red blood cells are destroyed, bilirubin enters the bloodstream);
- increased size of the spleen/liver;
- increased levels of bilirubin in the blood;
- darkening of urine and feces;
- high body temperature;
- weakness.
Sickle cell anemia - a type of hemolytic - has the following symptoms:
- jaundice;
- shortness of breath;
- formation of inflamed areas on the legs;
- blurred vision;
- the presence of hemoglobin in the urine.
Doctors diagnose thalassemia if the patient:
- the shape of the skull bones changes;
- the skin becomes very pale with a yellowish/greenish tint;
- eyes become narrow and swollen;
- there is a lag in mental/physical development;
- bones are deformed;
- the spleen/liver enlarges.
Signs of iron deficiency anemia include:
- buzzing in the head;
- lack of oxygen;
- migraine;
- constant desire to sleep, rest;
- dry skin;
- peeling of nails;
- hair section;
- desire to eat chalk, smell paint, etc.;
- violation of the act of urination;
- hyperhidrosis.
Also, during laboratory tests, it is discovered that the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood is significantly lower than the established norm.
B12 deficiency anemia affects the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. As a result, the patient experiences:
- swelling of the legs;
- crawling sensation on the arms/legs;
- change in gait;
- memory impairment;
- problems swallowing food;
- enlarged liver/spleen;
- drying of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
In turn, folate deficiency anemia manifests itself:
- inability to eat acidic foods;
- glossitis;
- difficulty chewing and swallowing food;
- enlarged spleen/liver;
- atrophy of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.
The symptoms of hypoplastic anemia are:
- the appearance of ulcers in the mouth, on the skin of the face;
- bruising on the skin;
- severe bleeding gums;
- increased fatigue;
- desire to sleep;
- tachycardia;
- decrease in the number of leukocytes, red blood cells and platelets in a blood test.
If you experience similar symptoms, consult your doctor
. It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with the consequences.
Signs of low hemoglobin in women
Signs of low hemoglobin levels in women are as follows:
- decreased performance, general weakness;
- rapid fatigue;
- increased desire to sleep and dizziness;
- frequent headaches;
- tachyarrhythmias;
- pale and yellow skin;
- desire to eat chalk, earth, etc.;
- changes in blood pressure;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- fainting conditions;
- muscle pain;
- impaired sense of smell;
- hair loss.
With low hemoglobin and a deficiency of iron ions in a woman’s body, dry skin, cracks in the corners of the lips, and increased brittleness of hair and nails may be observed.
If a woman notices the above symptoms of hemoglobin deficiency, she should consult a doctor.
Any specialist can send you for a blood test to check your hemoglobin level.
Diagnosis of anemia
To identify anemia in a patient, the doctor conducts a comprehensive diagnosis, which includes:
- clarification of the circumstances under which health deteriorated for the first time, the symptoms that are most pronounced;
- studying the patient's life history. The doctor clarifies whether there are chronic diseases, a hereditary predisposition to any pathological conditions, whether there are bad habits, whether the patient has recently taken any medications, or whether there has been contact with poisons or toxic compounds;
- examination of the skin, determination of its color. Measurement of pressure, pulse;
- laboratory tests of blood and urine.
In some situations, the patient is prescribed a bone marrow test. It is necessary to understand whether there are any disturbances in the hematopoietic processes. Also, using special equipment, a trephine biopsy can be performed, during which the doctor correlates the bone marrow with the tissues surrounding it.
An ECG is usually performed to examine the heart. If necessary, the patient is referred to a hematologist.
Laboratory diagnosis of low hemoglobin
In blood biochemistry, if anemia is suspected, the levels of:
- glucose;
- cholesterol;
- uric acid;
- creatinine;
- electrolytes.
This is necessary in order to assess the condition of the patient’s internal organs. A urine test is also performed to exclude the presence of concomitant diseases.
Laboratory signs of different types of anemia:
- posthemorrhagic acute anemia. Reticulocytes more than 11%, the presence of immature red blood cells and red blood cells of abnormal shapes. Leukocytes - 12 g/l (increased), shift in the formula - to the left;
- chronic posthemorrhagic anemia. Presence of tiny, poorly colored and oval red blood cells. Unexpressed lymphocytosis. Iron - below 9 µmol/l. A decrease in the amount of calcium and copper against the background of an increase in the concentration of manganese, nickel and zinc;
- sickle cell anemia. Hemoglobin is reduced to a level of 50 to 80 g/l, red blood cells - from 1 to 2 T/l. Reticulocytes are increased by about a third. The presence of red blood cells, the shape of which resembles a sickle;
- Thalassemia. Detection of target-like red blood cells in a blood sample, an increase in the number of reticulocytes. Hemoglobin - 20 g/l, erythrocytes - 1 T/l. Decreased concentration of platelets and leukocytes;
- B12 deficiency anemia. The presence of giant erythrocytes. Their color is bright, there is no highlighted area in the center. Shape: pear-shaped or oval. Life expectancy is shortened. Detection of huge neutrophils, a decrease in the number of eosinophils (may be completely absent). The concentration of basophils and leukocytes also decreases. Bilirubin, on the contrary, is increased.
Treatment of anemia in children and adults
To get rid of the symptoms of anemia, you need to eliminate the factor that provoked the decrease in hemoglobin. So, if the pathological condition is associated with the presence of parasites in the body, you need to get rid of them, if with poor nutrition, start following a diet, if with a malignant/benign tumor, it should be removed.
In other words, treatment of low hemoglobin in men, women and children may be conservative or require specialized surgical procedures. Usually, in order to improve the condition of patients and reduce the severity of negative symptoms, doctors adhere to the following therapeutic regimen:
- drugs are prescribed that can compensate for the resulting deficiency - B12 for B12-deficiency anemia, iron for iron deficiency, B9 for folate deficiency, etc.;
- normalize the level of red blood cells. This can be accomplished by transfusion of red blood cells or washing of red blood cells. However, these measures when providing assistance to people with low hemoglobin levels are extreme and are carried out only if the resulting disease is life-threatening.
Treatment of acute and chronic posthemorrhagic anemia
Treatment of the acute form of posthemorrhagic anemia is carried out in a hospital or hematology clinic
. The medications prescribed to the patient help normalize the amount of blood and the level of formed elements, and are also aimed at preventing relapses of the disease. Taking into account the amount of blood lost, the patient may need a transfusion, the introduction of blood substitutes or red blood cells.
As for the chronic form of this type of anemia, it is impossible to get rid of its symptoms without eliminating the cause. After the factor that provoked the pathological condition has been eliminated, the patient will be prescribed a diet that includes eating foods rich in iron. Medicines that can be used are Sorbifer Durules, Ferrum-Lek, vitamins B12 and B9, etc.
Treatment of sickle cell anemia
The main goal of therapeutic measures when it comes to a patient with sickle cell anemia is to prevent the development of hemolytic crises. To do this, the patient must avoid being in places with low oxygen levels. In parallel, blood substitutes and red blood cell infusions can be used.
Elimination of iron deficiency anemia
Treatment of iron deficiency anemia includes eating foods rich in iron and treating existing gastrointestinal diseases. The patient should regularly eat:
- cheeses;
- porridge;
- chicken eggs;
- meat;
- dairy products.
Iron supplements can also help quickly get rid of the symptoms of anemia. The tablets usually used are “Ferrum-Lek”, “Totem”, “Sorbifer Durules”, etc. Injections are prescribed only for severe forms of the disease. It is important that the medicine used does not cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract. If constipation or flatulence occurs, the product needs to be replaced.
Treatment of B12 deficiency anemia
Complex therapy of gastrointestinal diseases and adherence to the principles of proper nutrition help eliminate the manifestations of B12-deficiency anemia. Most often, patients are prescribed vitamin B12 injections. They allow you to quickly restore hematopoietic processes in the bone marrow.
How to get rid of folate deficiency anemia
Folate deficiency anemia is treated by taking vitamin B9 and following a diet. The patient should include foods that contain high amounts of folic acid in their diet. This means citrus fruits, vegetables, herbs, asparagus, nuts, seeds, tomatoes, watermelons, corn, avocados, eggs, animal liver, cod liver, cereals, grain bread.
Treatment of hypoplastic anemia
A hematologist treats hypoplastic anemia. Depending on the age, gender and condition of the patient, he can use different methods - bone marrow transplantation, stimulation of hematopoietic processes, blood transfusion, etc.
Causes of low hemoglobin
If hemoglobin is low, you can find out from your doctor what this means, but the reasons for this situation are more difficult to study. Each substance can be isolated in the blood of women, men and children, but it is difficult to understand the true problems. What causes data to change after analysis?
- blood loss;
- lack of vitamins and amino acids;
- indigestion;
- serious infectious diseases;
- hypothyroidism;
- autoimmune diseases;
- blood diseases;
- stress;
- weak physical activity.
The norm must be maintained for ideal well-being. This cannot always be done with medications, but it is not always possible to cope with the problem using folk remedies. It is much more practical to find the true cause and get rid of it before donating blood.
The causes are identified without fail, since in the presence of a disease, only its elimination restores the normal level.
Blood loss
Blood loss may or may not be obvious. In any case, the concentration of iron in the body decreases, and at the same time, lifting drugs are required. In practice, the process proceeds quite quickly, so you cannot linger. It is no coincidence that pregnant women are immediately taken for blood tests. After childbirth, the body goes through a real test, so doctors need to make sure it is in normal condition.
Lack of vitamins and amino acids
Lack of vitamins and amino acids is usually associated with diet. If hemoglobin is low, the therapist will first clarify the diet. This option will turn out to be a serious mistake that creates a health hazard. Similar cases are also detected in certain metabolic disorders that are corrected by medications. Having learned about such a problem, a person should seriously think about nutrition and abandon potentially dangerous foods.
Indigestion
Indigestion can also be related to diet, but gastrointestinal diseases remain the more common cause. If you encounter them, you need to urgently go to the hospital.
The disease usually develops quickly, so treatment will be necessary. By refusing a timely examination, the patient risks encountering unpleasant sensations that can lead to hospitalization.
When digestion is impaired, various diseases arise, which at the same time can lead to hidden blood loss.
Serious infectious diseases
Serious infectious diseases affect the concentration of red blood cells. Thus, tuberculosis leads to their rapid destruction, so the ESR falls. In this case, medications are not enough, because the true cause is much more dangerous than some patients believe. Usually, the blood test data becomes the first sign for the therapist, who immediately prescribes an additional examination.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a disease that occurs due to improper functioning of the thyroid gland. It produces substances responsible for the absorption of iron in the intestines. If the process is disrupted, the consequences are immediate. In a normal state, the exchange occurs quickly, so even minor delays immediately affect the person’s condition.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by damage and gradual destruction of tissue. The result is internal inflammation, so platelets drop at the same time. The cells try to cope with the disturbance that has arisen, but the body lacks its own strength. In such situations, therapists usually prescribe long-term inpatient treatment to identify the affected area.
Blood diseases
Blood diseases lead to the formation of glycosylated iron. It is not suitable for carrying oxygen, so the first symptoms appear earlier than usual. In some cases, the only way to restore the body is a transfusion, but even this cannot be considered a 100% solution. A complete examination indicates possible causes for an accurate diagnosis.
Tests often reveal serious blood diseases, in particular anemia and cancer.
Stress
Stressful situations also negatively affect blood composition. Food can slowly raise hemoglobin levels, but anxiety immediately takes a person out of the norm. You should not allow nervous conditions to occur; coping with them is much more difficult than it seems.
Weak physical activity
Weak physical activity is considered a secondary cause of decreased hemoglobin, but it should also not be allowed. You can cope with the problem yourself, so there is no need to contact specialists. The cause of the disorder is slow blood renewal, which entails a reduction in red blood cells.
Anemia risk group
Low hemoglobin is most often diagnosed in:
- people with gastrointestinal diseases (oncology, gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, inflammatory process in the large/small intestine, etc.);
- persons with poor nutrition, vegetarians;
- people with a genetic predisposition to a certain type of anemia (the disease can be passed from parent to child).
What are the dangers of low hemoglobin?
Anemia can be simultaneously called both a dangerous and harmless disease. So, if we are talking about a mild degree of the disease in a pregnant woman or a small child, then this is more likely a variant of the norm than a deviation. After taking a course of iron supplements, the baby/future mother will become absolutely healthy.
At the same time, moderate and severe degrees of some forms of anemia can lead to such dangerous conditions as:
- anemic coma (the patient loses consciousness and does not respond to any external stimuli, death may occur);
- malfunctions of internal organs (kidneys and liver are especially often affected by anemia);
- decrease in hemoglobin level to less than 70 g/l (death is also possible).
What is dangerous about a lack of hemoglobin?
Important: neglecting the symptoms of low hemoglobin in women is dangerous to health.
Low hemoglobin levels can cause decreased immunity, disruption of the cardiovascular system, etc.
The consequences of low hemoglobin levels in women also include insufficient oxygen supply to the cells and tissues of organs throughout the body. The central and peripheral nervous system suffers to a greater extent.
It should be emphasized that a decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy is a normal physiological phenomenon. However, its critical decrease can cause uterine hypotension, fetal hypoxia, intrauterine growth retardation, spontaneous abortion, etc.
Signs of oxygen starvation in the fetus are considered to be low weight of the newborn baby, pathologies of the respiratory or nervous system, decreased expression of reflexes, underdevelopment of internal organs, further developmental delays, etc.
Obviously, low hemoglobin is a dangerous condition for the patient’s health, so it is extremely important to undergo an annual preventive examination on time and promptly contact specialists at the first symptoms of the disease.
Prevention of anemia
To prevent the development of anemia, it is necessary:
- avoid contact with poisons and toxic substances;
- refuse to visit areas contaminated with radiation;
- do not contact with sources of ionizing radiation;
- do not take medications uncontrollably;
- to harden;
- eat right, include meat, greens, fruits and vegetables in your daily diet;
- spend more time outdoors.
Secondary prevention of low hemoglobin includes:
- blood test once a year;
- seeking qualified medical help in the event of acute infectious and viral diseases;
- annual medical examinations;
- pregnancy planning (for women).
This article is posted for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.
Anemia Treatment Methods
Treatment of anemia is aimed, first of all, at identifying and eliminating the cause of the disease. In case of detected iron deficiency (vitamin B12, folic acid), replacement therapy is carried out with drugs that compensate for this type of deficiency. A special diet high in essential substances is also prescribed.
Doctor visit
If you are concerned about weakness, dizziness, drowsiness and other symptoms that suggest anemia, we recommend that you consult a general practitioner or family doctor at any of the clinics of JSC “Family Doctor”. The high professionalism of our specialists and modern equipment allow us to effectively treat anemia, including during pregnancy, breastfeeding and other periods that require a special approach.
Make an appointment Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.
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