About Aimil Healthcare
About Disease
Anemia is a condition in which you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues or your hemoglobin is abnormally low. Having anemia can make you feel tired and weak.
There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Loss of blood is the most common cause of anemia. Anemia can be temporary or long term and it can range from mild to severe.
Women and people with chronic diseases are at higher risk of Anemia. Important factors to remember are:
- Certain forms of Anemia are hereditary and infants may be affected from the time of birth.
- Women in the childbearing years are particularly susceptible to iron-deficiency anemia because of the blood loss from menstruation and the increased blood supply demands during pregnancy.
- Older adults also may have a greater risk of developing anemia because of poor diet and other medical conditions.
- Vitamin-deficiency anemia occurs when your diet lacks enough folate, vitamin B12 and other key nutrients. Sometimes people get enough B12 through their diets but their bodies aren’t able to process or absorb the vitamin.
Symptoms
Anemia symptoms vary depending on the cause of your anemia but may include:
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Initially, anemia can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. But anemia worsens as symptoms increases.
Investigations
To diagnose anemia, following tests are recommended:
- Physical examination. During a physical exam, doctors at Aimil Healthcare and Research Centre may listen to
your heart and your breathing. - Complete blood count (CBC). CBC is used to count the number of blood cells in a sample of your blood.
- A test to determine the size and shape of your red blood cells. Some of your red blood cells
may also be examined for unusual size, shape and colour. Doing so can help pinpoint a diagnosis.
For example, in iron deficiency anemia, red blood cells are smaller and paler in colour than normal.
In vitamin deficiency anemia, red blood cells are enlarged and fewer in number.
Management
Treatment
The highly experienced ayurvedic physicians at Aimil Healthcare and Research Centre deliver eminent treatment and consultation for Anemia. A proper diagnosis is done for each case and patients are given a proper dietary advice. Treatment of Anemia depends on the causes of Anemia.
- Iron deficiency anemia. This form of anemia is treated with changes in your diet and iron supplements.
If the cause of iron deficiency is loss of blood, other than from menstruation, the source of the bleeding must be located and stopped.
- Vitamin deficiency anemia.Folic acid and vitamin C deficiency anemia(s) are treated with dietary supplements.
- Hemolytic anemia(s).Management of hemolytic anemia(s) includes avoiding suspect medications, treating related infections and taking drugs that suppress your immune system which may be attacking your red blood cells.
Dietary Advice
At Aimil Healthcare and Research Center, Anemia patients are advised to take special considerations in their diet to stay nutritionally well. The body functions more efficiently when it is well-hydrated thus patients should take plenty of water. Also, ayurvedic physicians suggest patients of anemia to take plenty of dark, leafy green vegetables and legumes as they contain higher level of iron. Intake of high energy foods such as pulses and seeds are beneficial for the body. Stay away from fast-release energy sources such as sugar and caffeine which will energize you for a little while and then leave you feeling more tired than you were. Avoid food and drink that blocks iron absorption like tea and coffee. Eat oranges or drink orange juice.
Physical Activities
Aimil Healthcare and Research center aims at complete treatment of the patients by suggesting a healthy lifestyle to them. Along with herbal preparations, physicians also suggest some physical activities that should be followed by the patients regularly.
If you have chronic anemia, exercise may leave you easily fatigued and short of breath. However, research suggests that regular exercise can markedly improve your endurance and overall fitness level. The key for maximizing the benefits of exercise is to follow a well-designed program that you can stick over for long-term. The primary goal of your program is to improve endurance. Choose activities that you enjoy and you will do on a regular basis. If your fitness level is low, start with shorter sessions (10 to 15 minutes) and gradually add five minutes to your workouts in every two to four weeks. Also, we suggest the patients to take frequent breaks during activity if needed. Your workouts should be comfortable and not strained.
