Information about Anemia

Anemia is defined as “a pathologic deficiency in the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the red blood cells.” It is a common problem for cancer patients and often results from the therapies used to suppress or control tumors. Anemia is associated with fatigue - a feeling of weakness or diminished physical and mental capacity unrelieved by rest (fatigue). Additional symptoms include diminished ability to perform daily functions and possibly impaired cognitive function, headache, dizziness, chest pain and shortness of breath, nausea, depression and occasionally pain. These symptoms are often complicated by coexisting disease(s).There are many compromises that are necessary when one has symptomatic anemia. This can affect the tolerability of therapy. Anemia is also associated with a poorer prognosis and increased mortality.Anemia CausesAnemia is caused by a deficiency of Hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a pigment made up of protein and iron. Hemoglobin’s main job is to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deposit into the red blood cells, which in turn carries the oxygen throughout the body. Without Protein and Iron you have a loss of Hemoglobin, which means you have a lost of oxygen for the red blood cells.Anemia SymptomsAnemia symptoms go undetected in many people, as symptoms can be vague. Most commonly, a feeling of weakness or fatigue is reported. Shortness of breath is reported in more severe cases. Very severe anemia prompts a compensatory response where cardiac output is markedly increased, leading to palpitations and sweatiness; this process can lead to heart failure in elderly people. Pallor (pale skin and mucosal linings) is only notable in cases of severe anemia, and is therefore not a reliable sign.Types of AnemiaThere are several different types of anemia. Most are very rare but others are both known and common among various populations. The most common types of anemia are: aplastic, iron deficiency, sickle cell and trauma related or blood loss anemia. As anemia is a disorder of the blood, the diagnosis remains the same in all types. Diagnosis of anemia is done by collecting a blood sample from the patient which is then sent to a laboratory where testing of blood cells, blood cell counts and a visual inspection of the cells is completed. However, as each type of anemia has it’s own cause, the signs, symptoms and treatments of various types will differ.Anemia TreatmentA common treatment for anemia - a deficiency in red blood cells (rbcs) caused by their insufficient production, excessive destruction, or excessive loss - is administration of recombinant erythropoietin (Epo), a hormone that stimulates the production of rbc precursors by the bone marrow.Hydroxyurea is a new treatment for sickle cell anemia that reduces the frequency of pain epidsodes, acute chest syndrome and the need for blood transfusions in adults. Studies are currently underway to determine the proper dosage of hydroxyeurea for children. Researchers also are investigating similar drugs for children to reduce the number of complications and improve survival, as well as new approaches to gene therapy.

This article will help you to find simple home pet remedies. These home pet remedies can be used either for dogs or cats, unless otherwise stated.

Anemia: To help get rid of anemia in your pet increase the amount of iron, and vitamin B intake. A recommended serving of liver in the amounts of an ounce for cats, two ounces for small dogs, three ounces for medium dogs, and four ounces for larger dogs.

Arthritis: First things first, if your pet is overweight, then you will need to get him/her on a weight loss plan. Loosing weight will take the pressure off of those painful joints. Several 20 minute walks a day can be very helpful as well. Avoid having your pet sleep outside when it is cold. The cold air is not helping as it inflames the joints, and triggers the arthritis. Finally a moist heating pad around the joints can be applied for about 20 minutes twice a day.

Bad Breath: If your pet has bad breath it is sign of plaque. Simply brushing your pets’ teeth will help reduce the bad breath odor, and help to eliminate the plaque. Raw carrots have been known to help with the cause of bad breaths in pets as well. To prevent bad breath try giving them a rope to play with, don’t feed can foods, and as bad as it is try not to give them table scraps.

Diarrhea: One of the easiest home pet remedies for diarrhea is to make sure that your pet is well hydrated. Adding Gatorade to their water will also help the diarrhea. The Gatorade will help them to stay hydrated, and retain some electrolytes. It is best to stop regular routine feedings, when you are aware of this problem. If the diarrhea doe not stop with this basic home remedy please seek professional advice from your veterinarian.

Fever: Warning - If your pet has had a fever more than 24 hours please consult your veterinarian. A fever that cannot be broken is a sign that something is severely wrong with your pet. If you have just discovered that your beloved pet has a fever, then use a cool compress on their belly. If that is not possible, a cool bath will also help. Normal temperatures for dogs and cats run usually from 1000.5 to 102.5 anything over that is considered a fever.

Fleas: One of the best home pet remedies for fleas is to mix in some Brewer’s Yeast. In addition to the yeast adding about 3 cloves of garlic cut up will keep the fleas away from your pet.

Smelly Kitty Litter: To keep your kitty litter smelling nice, and fresh, use about 2 parts baby powder to one part baking soda in your kitty litter.

Hope you have enjoyed this article about home pet remedies. Please note that these home pet remedies are not professional veterinarian advice. If serious problems persist with your pet please seek the care of a trusted veterinarian.

Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells. These cells are the main transporters of oxygen to organs. If red blood cells are also deficient in hemoglobin, then your body isn’t getting enough iron. Symptoms of anemia — like fatigue — occur because organs aren’t getting enough oxygen.

Blood is actually a liquid made up of several different cell types. One of the most important and most numerous cell types is the red blood cell. The purpose of the red blood cell is to deliver oxygen to the body. Anemia describes the condition in which the number of red blood cells in your blood is low. For this reason, doctors sometimes describe someone with anemia as having a low blood count. A person who has anemia is called anemic.

Anemia Symptoms:

Because a low red blood cell count decreases oxygen delivery to every tissue in the body, anemia causes many signs and symptoms. It makes almost any other underlying medical condition worse. For example, if you have an underlying heart problem and become anemic, you are more likely to have problems associated with your heart disease than you would have if you were not anemic.

Here are the following symptoms of Anemia:

· Easy fatigue and loss of energy.

· Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise.

· Shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise.

· Difficulty concentrating.

Causes of Anemia:

Anemia can be caused by the body not making enough red blood cells. It is also caused by their loss or destruction. Several factors can cause anemia:

· Too little iron, vitamin B12 or folate. A shortage of folate can cause megaloblastic anemia, where red blood cells are large and pale (see Fact Sheet 121)

· Damage to bone marrow or kidneys

· Blood loss from internal bleeding or a woman’s menstrual cycle

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA)

IDA is the most common type of anemia. IDA happens when you don’t have enough iron in your body. You need iron to make hemoglobin. People with this type of anemia are sometimes said to have “iron-poor blood” or “tired blood.”

Vitamin deficiency anemia (or megaloblastic anemia)

Low levels of vitamin B12 or folate are the most common causes of this type of anemia.Vitamin B12 anemia is the result of an impaired ability of the digestive tract to absorb the B12 that is a normal part of the diet. B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, as well as the maintenance of the nervous system, and is found in food of animal origin such as meat, fish and dairy products.

Treatments:

Blood transfusion used to be the only treatment for severe anemia. However, transfusions can cause infection and suppress the immune system. They appear to cause faster progression of HIV disease and to increase the risk of death for HIV patients.

Fortification with ascorbic acid, which increases bioavailability in both presence and absence of inhibiting substances, but which is subject to deterioration from moisture or heat. Ascorbic acid fortification is usually limited to sealed dried foods, but individuals can easily take ascorbic acid with basic iron supplement for the same benefits