Anemia (cont.)

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What does a low hemoglobin level mean?

Low hemoglobin is called anemia. When there is a low hemoglobin level, there is often a low red blood cell count and a low hematocrit, too. Reference ranges are slightly different from one source to another, but typically hemoglobin of less than 13.5 gram/100 ml is abnormal in men and less than 12.0 gram/100 ml in women.

What is the hematocrit?

The hematocrit is specifically a measure of how much of the blood is made of red cells. The hematocrit is a very convenient way to determine whether the red blood cell count is too high, too low, or normal. The hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of blood that is composed of the red blood cells.

How is hematocrit determined?

The red blood cells in the sample of blood are packed down by spinning the tube in a centrifuge under prescribed conditions. The proportion of the tube that consists of red blood cells is then measured. Let's say that it is 45%. The hematocrit is 45%.

How is anemia treated?

Patient Comments on Anemia - Treatments
Comment from: Anonymous, 35-44 Female (Patient) Published: January 10

Two days ago I was diagnosed with Uterine Fibroids, which explains the excessive menstrual bleeding I've been dealing with for over a year now. I donate blood on a pretty regular basis; the last time was about five months ago. Always tested negative for Anemia. I was told I am mildly anemic about three months ago after a physical. I started taking a liquid iron supplement. I will have a CBC done in a week or so, which will tell if the supplement has helped. I did not know that fatigue was a symptom, so I just attributed my tiredness to my job. I've had a particularly taxing work experience. Now, I have a much clearer picture and am definitely paying much more attention to the little clues my body gives me. Once I find out the latest from my CBC I will post if indeed the supplement helped and what it is, exactly.

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Comment from: Naturalremedy, 45-54 Female (Patient) Published: February 22

I was suffering from anemia all my childhood. It came back heavily when I was pregnant. I took pills, iron, vitamins, and injections, nothing helped. I was told by a stranger to drink lots of fresh beetroot juice and sour red beetroot liquid. This is not the same as pickled beetroots. The fresh, raw slices of beetroots have to be put into a jar, with cold water, a few cloves of garlic and a piece of bread crust. The jar has to be covered but not closed. After a few days of fermentation, the water will turn red and should be ready to be used. Drink at least a glass of this liquid a day. This natural medication makes miracles. After a few days of drinking it, plus eating a lot of fresh vegetables you will be full of energy and your anemia will be gone. I have tried it many times, it saved me from severe anemia and its symptoms. Red beetroot has powerful ability to increase blood cells and cure various diseases connected with blood, also cancer. It's natural, powerful medication. Now I am like TIG(Trust in GOD)!

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Related Medications: garlic

Comment from: kimsue68, 35-44 Female (Patient) Published: March 20

For most of my life I have had these symptoms: fatigue, shortness of breath, prickling in my fingertips, cold skin, mental fatigue, moodiness and my worst one--hair loss. I bought good iron pills from the health food store that have multiple support minerals for iron absorption, folic acid, B12, ferrous sulfate (as iron), vitamin C, and chlorophyll. I take one pill with a multivitamin and fish oil and I feel great. I sleep better, my hair and skin are better, I am more alert, and I have more endurance. Please--if anyone suffers from these symptoms, go to your doctor, get a diagnosis and get treated. The quality of your life improves immediately.

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The treatment of the anemia varies greatly. First, the underlying cause of the anemia should be identified and corrected. For example, anemia as a result of blood loss from a stomach ulcer should begin with medications to heal the ulcer. Likewise, surgery is often necessary to remove a colon cancer that is causing chronic blood loss and anemia.

Sometimes iron supplements will also be needed to correct iron deficiency. In severe anemia, blood transfusions may be necessary. Vitamin B12 injections will be necessary for patients suffering from pernicious anemia or other causes of B12 deficiency.

In certain patients with bone marrow disease (or bone marrow damage from chemotherapy) or patients with kidney failure, epoetin alfa (Procrit, Epogen) may be used to stimulate bone marrow red blood cell production.

If a medication is thought to be the culprit, then it should be discontinued under the direction of the prescribing doctor.

Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on 3/26/2012

Patient Comments

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Anemia - Symptoms Question: For anemia, what were the symptoms and signs you experienced?
Anemia - Levels Question: What did you do to get your hemoglobin levels up?
Anemia - Diet Question: What dietary changes did you make after being diagnosed with anemia? Did the changes help your condition?
Anemia - Treatments Question: How was your anemia treated?

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