What is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition where blood hemoglobin is lower than normal, in adult men < 13 gr/dL, in adult women < 12 gr/dL, in pregnant women < 11 gr/dL. Everyone is at risk of anemia. Women of childbearing age and pregnant women have a higher risk of anemia. Infants and children of growing age also have a high risk of anemia, especially nutritional anemia due to iron deficiency.

Causes of Anemia?

1. Blood loss
   Bleeding that can cause anemia can include nosebleeds, coughing up blood, bloody stools, bleeding gums, heavy and long menstruation, bloody urination and bleeding due to injury. Prolonged bleeding usually causes iron deficiency anemia.
2. Decreased production in the bone marrow
   If there is a disorder in the bone marrow, such as aplastic anemia, leukemia and the spread of malignant tumor cells to the bone marrow, there will be a decrease in the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, resulting in anemia. Reduced production can also be caused by a lack of intake of certain nutrients such as folic acid and vitamin B12.
3. Increased destruction of red blood cells
   In certain diseases, such as malaria infection, thalassemia or due to certain medications, red blood cells are destroyed more quickly than they should be (normal 120 days) so that this condition causes anemia which is called hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia can also occur due to autoimmune diseases such as lupus suffered by a patient.

Causes of Anemia?

• Weakness and fatigue quickly.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Often sleepy, for example feeling sleepy after eating.
• Skin looks pale or yellowish.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Cold hands and feet.

The above symptoms may be caused by other medical conditions, you should consult a medical professional for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of anemia is made through physical examination and laboratory tests.

Anemia Treatment

• Treatment of anemia is carried out according to the cause
• In cases where the Hb is very low < 8.0 or there is active bleeding, a blood/blood component transfusion is required.
• In anemia caused by chronic diseases/malignancies, therapy for the underlying disease is also carried out.
• For anemia due to nutritional deficiencies, additional food supplements will be given according to the doctor's recommendations and a diet with balanced nutrition will be used

Material by: PKRS (Promosi Kesehatan RS Santo Borromeus)