Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin (a protein which attaches oxygen to red blood cells) is decreased.
Symptoms – Include difficulty breathing (out of breath feeling), pale skin (may also be noticed at fingernails, eyes, and gums), fatigue, and weakness. Other symptoms may include vertigo or dizziness, headaches, sore throat, general ill-feeling, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), nausea, Angina Pectoris, or abdominal pain.
Cause – Many factors may contribute to anemia such as iron deficiencies (iron is needed for the body to produce hemoglobin), excessive blood loss (hemorrhage) or blood cell destruction (hemolytic anemia), disorders that involve the bone marrow or deficiencies in B-12 (pernicious anemia) or folic acid.
Diagnosis – Observation of the aforementioned symptoms or discovery through routine examination or blood tests. Analysis of bone marrow, diet, or more involved blood analysis may be needed to accurately diagnose the cause of anemia.
Treatment – Varies depending on the cause of the anemia. Treatment may involve control of any excessive bleeding, supplementing the diet with iron, B-12, or folic acid, or possibly a blood transfusion, marrow-stimulating medication, or antibiotics.