Confirming Anemia: Diagnostic Tests and Symptoms

Confirming Anemia to Read carefully this article …

What is Anemia ?

Anemia is a medical disorder that develops when there is a reduction in the quantity of red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein found in RBCs) in the blood.

Types of Anemia

There are several types of anemia, including: Iron-deficiency anemia: This is the most common type of anemia, caused by a lack of iron in the body. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, so when there is not enough iron, the body cannot produce enough RBCs. Vitamin-deficiency anemia: This type of anemia is caused by a deficiency in certain vitamins, such as B12 and folate, which are essential for the production of RBCs. Pernicious anemia : Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that occurs when the body is unable to absorb enough vitamin B12 from the foods you eat. This can lead to a deficiency of this important vitamin, which is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. Aplastic anemia: This is a rare but serious type of anemia caused by the bone marrow’s inability to produce enough RBCs. Hemolytic anemia: This type of anemia occurs when the body destroys RBCs faster than it can produce them.

Sickle cell anemia

It is a not type of anemia this cause of Anemia. Sickle cell anemia genetic blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells. Instead of being round and flexible, the affected cells are sickle-shaped and stiff, making it difficult for them to flow smoothly through blood vessels. This is a genetic disorder.

Thalassemia

It is a not type of anemia this cause of Anemia. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. People with thalassemia produce less hemoglobin than normal, which can cause anemia and other complications. Also Read this article  10 way to improve Heart Health and Reduce cardiovascular Risk Erythrocytes when and why increase ?

Cause of Anemia

Here are brief descriptions of the causes of five types of anemia: 1. Iron-deficiency anemia:  It can be caused by a lack of iron in the diet, poor absorption of iron in the intestines, or blood loss due to injury, menstruation, or other causes. 2. Vitamin-deficiency anemia: It caused by a deficiency of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12 or folate,  It can be caused by a poor diet, malabsorption of vitamins due to gastrointestinal disorders, or other medical conditions that affect vitamin absorption. 3. Pernicious anemia: It caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced by cells in the stomach that is needed for the absorption of vitamin B12. It is often caused by an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the cells that produce intrinsic factor. 4. Aplastic anemia: It can be caused by genetic disorders, exposure to toxins or radiation, or certain medications. 5. Hemolytic anemia:  It can be caused by inherited conditions, such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, or acquired conditions, such as infections or autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms of Anemia

While some symptoms of anemia may be similar across different types, such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin, there are also unique symptoms associated with each type of anemia. For example, pernicious anemia may cause tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, while hemolytic anemia may cause jaundice and dark urine. It’s important to identify the specific type of anemia in order to properly diagnose and treat the condition.

Patients with anemia may complain of various symptoms

Patients with anemia may complain of various symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common complaints may include:
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
  • Increased risk of infections
  • Bleeding or bruising easily
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Dark urine

Diagnosis of anemia 

There are several type of diagnosis of anemia
  1. Physical Examination
  2. Blood Analysis
I think most Common Blood analysis to Diagnosis of anemia Include 1. Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. It also measures the levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit, which are important indicators of anemia. Under the CBC ( Adult)
  • Levels of hemoglobin : (Male -14-18 g/dl, Female – 12-16 g/dl), this is Normal Range. 
  • Levels of Hematocrit : (Male -40 -50%, Female – 35-45%), this is Normal Range.
  • Levels of Erythrocytes: (Male- 4.5 and 5.5 million cells per microliter (mcL), Female- 4.0 and 5.0 million cells (mcL ).This is normal Range.
2. Iron studies: These tests measure the levels of iron in the blood, as well as other markers of iron deficiency or excess. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and these tests can help diagnose and monitor the condition. 3. Vitamin B12 and folate tests: These tests measure the levels of these vitamins in the blood. Deficiencies in these vitamins can cause anemia, and testing can help diagnose and monitor the condition. 4. Reticulocyte count: This test measures the number of young red blood cells (reticulocytes) in the blood. A low reticulocyte count may indicate anemia due to decreased red blood cell production. 5. Blood smear: This test involves examining a sample of the patient’s blood under a microscope to check for abnormalities in the shape or size of the red blood cells.

To confirm the presence of anemia, certain important things should be checked such as :

1. Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) levels: In anemia, Hb and HCT levels are lower than the normal range. 2. Complete Blood Count (CBC) test: The CBC test provides information about the specific type of anemia. It measures levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other blood components. 3. Iron studies: Iron-deficiency anemia is diagnosed by checking levels of serum ferritin, serum iron, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) in iron studies. 4. Vitamin B12 and folate levels: To diagnose vitamin-deficiency anemia, levels of vitamin B12 and folate should be checked.

In Case of anemia 

  • Hematocrit Decrease bellow the normal range (Male -40 -50%, Female – 35-45%)
  • Hemoglobin Decrease bellow the normal range (Male -14-18 g/dl, Female – 12-16 g/dl)
  • RBCs Decrease bellow the normal range (Male- 4.5 – 5.5 million cells per microliter (mcL), Female- 4.0 -5.0 million cells (mcL ))
  • Color Index bellow the 0.08
MCV, MCH, and MCHC play a significant role in confirming the diagnosis of anemia and determining its type. The normal ranges for these parameters are as follows:
  • MCV: 80-100 femtoliters (fL)
  • MCH: 27-33 picograms (pg)
  • MCHC: 32-36 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
If MCV, MCH, and MCHC are outside of the normal range, it can indicate a specific type of anemia. For example, if MCV is low (less than 80 fL), it may suggest iron-deficiency anemia, thalassemia, or other types of microcytic anemia. If MCV is high (greater than 100 fL), it may suggest macrocytic anemia, which can be caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, alcoholism, liver disease, or other conditions. Similarly, if MCH is low, it may suggest hypochromic anemia, which is characterized by a low concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells. If MCH is high, it may suggest hyperchromic anemia, which is less common and can be caused by conditions such as hereditary spherocytosis or sickle cell disease. MCHC can also provide valuable information in the diagnosis of anemia. Low MCHC levels may suggest hypochromic anemia, while high MCHC levels may suggest spherocytosis or other conditions. In summary, MCV, MCH, and MCHC are important parameters that can provide valuable information in the diagnosis and classification of different types of anemia.            

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