Anemia

ANEMIA /CAUSES/SYMPTOMS/PATIENTCOUNSELLING

1. PATIENT COUNSELLING ON ANEMIA PRESENTED BY, KAVIYA AP PHARM D RA1522281010017

2. DEFINITION Anemia  is a blood disorder characterized by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells.  Anemia results if there is not enough hemoglobin or red blood cells are produced, too many red blood cells are destroyed, or if too much blood is lost, Otherwise, Anemia is a condition in which the no.of.RBCs / amount of hemoglobin in RBC is reduced.

3. CAUSES Anemia is a medical condition that occurs when a person does not have enough red blood cells or enough hemoglobin.There are many causes and types of anemia.  Anemia results if not enough normal red blood cells are produced or if too many red blood cells are destroyed.  Anemia also occurs if too many red blood cells are lost due to excessive bleeding. A lack of hemoglobin may result if there is not enough iron, folate, or vitamin B12 in a person’s diet.These nutrients are necessary for hemoglobin and red blood cell production.  Some people may not produce enough red blood cells because of medical conditions that affect the bone marrow, such as certain infections, chronic illness, kidney disease, and arthritis. 

4. Certain medications may suppress the bone marrow's production of red blood cells or trigger destruction of red blood cells in the bloodstream.  In rare cases, people are born with the inability to produce enough red blood cells.Normally , red blood cells are round and flat.Genetic conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, can change the shape of a red blood cell and cause its destruction.  Substantial blood loss can result from serious traumatic accidents or from complications from surgery or childbirth. This may occur in females with heavy menstrual periods and people with inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer.

5. SYMPTOMS

6. TYPES OF ANEMIA

7. RARE ANEMIA Fanconi anemia This type of anemia is also rare and it is genetic. It happens because the bone marrow does not make enough red blood cells. There are physical signs of this condition, such as abnormal bone structure and abnormal skin color. About 50% of people with this condition are diagnosed by the time that they turn 10 years old. Diamond- Blackfan anemia This is a rare blood disorder that may be inherited or acquired. In this type of anemia, the bone marrow does not make enough red blood cells. Diamond- Blackfan anemia is diagnosed within the first year of life in nearly 90% of people who have it. Mediterranean anemia This condition is also known as Cooley’s anemia and actually refers to beta thalassemia major. Thalassemias are inherited conditions in which your body does not make the right amount of hemoglobin. In addition to not making enough of these cells, the red blood cells do not live as long as they would in someone without the condition.

8. TREATMENT Treatment usually depends upon treating the underlying causes which include -  iron , vitamin B 12, folic acid and vitamin C supplements are provided to improve the hemoglobin level. If anemia is caused as a result of chronic diseases then blood transfusion is recommended to boosts iron levels, bone marrow transplantation and also treating other underlying conditions is vital.

9. PATIENT COUNSELLING

10. DISEASE COUNSELLING Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin concentration within them is lower than the normal. Poor eating habits and lack of access to healthcare are the main causes of high prevalence of anemia among women. Nutrient deficiency ,trauma ,genetic disorder and menstrual blood loss are main causes of anemia. Intake of iron–rich foods,fruits and leafy vegetables can improve the concentration of Hb level in the body.

11. DIET COUNSELING Fruits that effectively treat anemia are plums,bananas,grapes,oranges,carrots when eaten in large quantities. Honey is a potent source of iron,copper and manganese.when these elements are combined they aid hemoglobin synthesis. Dry fruits like almond,cashews,pine nuts are good source of iron , protein,fibre,fats and vitamins. Daily intake of 5-6 can increase RBC easily. Coconut drink a week : it maintains blood sugar and A1c and its a good source of magnesium which may increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar level. Limit foods and drinks that includes saturated fats,high in sodium, beverages with added sugars.

12. DRUG COUNSELING Supplements should be taken in only prescribed amount as directed by the physician. Multivitamins should be taken only in the morning after food for effective treatment. Do not take iron supplements along with calcium products as it decrease the effectiveness of one another. Milk and antacids should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements.Wait for at least 2 hours after taking foods before taking iron supplements. Drink iron rich fruit juices like carrot-spinach and parsley juice , amla-ginger juice , pineapple-coriander juice or watermelon –guava juice while taking iron supplements.these will improve the condition of anemia and increase heme concentration.

13. LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION Eat healthy foods with lots of iron-rich foods ( beef,liver,salmon,dry fruits and fortified cereals) If amount of sleep decreases, blood sugar level increases. So sleep for 8-10 hours for normal functioning of body and also for the production of RBCs. Sleep more at night and take naps at daytime. Try to do light exercise everyday.Exercise can improve hb level in blood. Sufficient water intake may contribute to alleviate anemia by increasing hemoglobin. Avoid alcohol consumption , it prevents bone marrow from p roducing more RBCs or healthy RBCs.

14. HOME REMEDIES

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22. REFERENCES PHARMACOTHERAPY BOOK BY DIPIRO MAYOCLINIC CLEVELANDCLINIC.COM EMEDICINE.MEDSCAPE.COM DRUGS.COM WEBMD.COM HEALTHLINE.COM FOOD.NDTV.COM