Anemia

Anemia

Signs and Symptoms

General symptoms:

1. Weakness and fatigue.

2. Pale skin; paleness of gums, nail beds, and eyelid linings.

3. Shortness of breath.

4. Headaches, dizziness, and fainting.

5. Difficulty concentrating.

Vitamin B 12 deficiency anemia:

1. The symptoms mentioned above and:

2. Sore mouth and tongue.

3. Tingling in hands and feet.

4. Problems with walking and balance.

5. Memory loss and confusion.

Iron deficiency anemia:

1. The symptoms mentioned above and:

1. Fragile nails.

2. Black or bloody stools indicating intestinal bleeding.

Folic acid deficiency anemia:

1. The symptoms mentioned above and:

2. Sore mouth and tongue.

3. Swollen abdomen.

4. Loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhea.

What to do now

1. If you suspect you have anemia, talk to your doctor. Don’t take iron supplements without asking your doctor first. Too much iron can cause symptoms similar to anemia and may worsen your condition.

When to call a doctor

If you have been taking iron supplements and you have these symptoms:

1. Fever, vomiting.

2. Lethargy and/or seizures.

3. Bloody diarrhea.

4. If these symptoms appear you my have iron overload, which can be fatal.

Call for advice and an appointment:

1. If you have symptoms of anemia.

2. If you are being treated for a nutritional anemia and don’t get better in two weeks.

How to prevent it

To have enough vitamin B 12:

1. Include meat, chicken, fish, and/or dairy products in your diet.

To have enough iron folic Acid:

1. Eat plenty of citrus fruits (oranges, grape fruit), green vegetables and dried beans. Eat liver, eggs, and milk.

2. If you drink alcoholic beverages, you shouldn’t take more than 250 ml alcohol in any particular day, but if you’re a woman you shouldn’t take more than 125 ml. But to keep your health good never drink more than three times a week. Alcohol can interfere with the absorb or iron.

3. If you’re pregnant or nursing, or if you have very heavy periods, discuss your diet with your doctor.

To get enough iron:

1. Don’t drink coffee or tea with meals. They contain a substance that makes it hard for your body to absorb iron.

2. Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, including potatoes, raisins, dried beans, oatmeal, and molasses. Eat meat, liver, and shellfish.