Anemia lacks what element

Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

Updated on September 01, 2024

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Anemia is not always caused by a deficiency in elements.

In cases of iron deficiency anemia, it is due to a lack of iron. Megaloblastic anemia occurs because of a deficiency in folate or vitamin B12. However, clinically, there are many other types of anemia, such as aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, leukemia, etc. The anemia caused by these diseases is not due to a deficiency in elements, but is due to the diseases themselves affecting bone marrow hematopoiesis, leading to anemia. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly diagnose the cause of anemia in order to treat it effectively.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun

Traditional Chinese Medicine

47sec

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Symptoms of anemia

Patients with anemia are prone to symptoms like fatigue, tiredness, and dizziness. Generally, anemia is caused by a disorder in blood production. The most typical symptoms of anemia can include dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and pale complexion. It is advised that patients with severe symptoms should visit a formal hospital promptly and undergo targeted treatment according to medical guidance. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and engage in physical exercise regularly to boost the body's immunity. Dietarily, it is advisable to avoid spicy, stimulating, and cold foods to prevent aggravating the condition. It is also recommended to avoid staying up late and sitting for long periods.

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Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

1min 5sec

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What indicators are used to diagnose anemia?

To determine if someone is anemic, we should look at the red blood cell count and hemoglobin level in a complete blood count. Currently, hemoglobin level is the commonly used indicator clinically. Normal hemoglobin levels are 110~150g/L for women and 120~160g/L for men. Anemia is diagnosed when the hemoglobin level falls below the normal range. Based on the amount of hemoglobin, anemia can be classified into very severe, severe, moderate, or mild. Hemoglobin levels above 90g/L indicate mild anemia, levels between 60~90g/L indicate moderate anemia, levels between 30~60g/L indicate severe anemia, and levels below 30g/L indicate very severe anemia.

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Written by Gong Hui

Pediatrics

1min 1sec

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How to supplement baby's anemia?

The treatment for childhood anemia primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Nutritional anemia is the most common type of anemia in children, which includes iron-deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia. For iron-deficiency anemia, the main treatment is iron supplementation. This can be done through dietary means, such as increasing the intake of foods high in iron like pork liver and egg yolks. Additionally, treatment should address any underlying causes of iron deficiency. For instance, if parasitic infections are causing blood loss, then treating the parasitic infection is necessary. If the anemia is due to poor dietary habits or picky eating, then changing these habits is crucial. If general treatments are ineffective, then oral iron supplements should be considered. In the case of megaloblastic anemia, it is important to address the vitamin deficiencies that cause it, namely the lack of folate and vitamin B12. Supplementation of folate and vitamin B12 is recommended.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

48sec

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What should I do about adenomyosis-related anemia?

When suffering from adenomyosis, patients often experience an increase in menstrual flow. Prolonged heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to anemia. At this time, drug treatment should be initiated first. Some medications can be used to stop bleeding, and minimally invasive surgery or interventional treatment can also be considered to remove the affected areas of adenomyosis. In terms of diet, it is important to consume foods rich in protein that aid in blood replenishment. Additionally, an appropriate supplement of vitamin B and vitamin C is necessary, and it's crucial to actively work on blood replenishment to avoid risking the patient's health. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

58sec

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How to check for anemia?

Anemia requires an initial routine blood test, which is a complete blood count. If it indicates a reduction in red blood cell count and a significant decrease in hemoglobin, it suggests anemia. Once anemia is indicated by the complete blood count, further tests are guided by the size of the red blood cell volume. If it is microcytic anemia, common types include iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease, and tests such as serum iron, ferritin, and tumor markers are needed. If it is normocytic anemia, a bone marrow biopsy is required to rule out aplastic anemia, multiple myeloma, etc. If it is macrocytic anemia, tests for folate and vitamin B12 are needed to exclude myelodysplastic syndrome and megaloblastic anemia, among others.