Role of Technology in Diagnosing, Managing, and Preventing Anemia

Introduction

A protein in the red blood cells called hemoglobin carries oxygen to the tissues in the body from the lungs. Oxygen maintains the functions of the body and provides energy. If it is not present in the body, it leads to various complications. People with anemia are very weak and feel tired. Anemia occurs due to the loss of blood in the body.

What Are the Types of Anemia?

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: It is developed due to a low intake of or lack of iron in the blood. Dizziness, tiredness, and shortness of breath are the common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

• Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Anemia (Pernicious Anemia): When people do not have enough vitamin B-12 in their bodies, it leads to anemia. Vitamin B-12 is essential for developing RBC (red blood cells), WBC (white blood cells), and platelets. The common symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency are mood changes, vision problems, and weight loss.

• Hemolytic Anemia: Hemolytic anemia develops when the replacement of damaged red blood cells (RBC) with healthy red blood cells is delayed. Enlargement of the liver and spleen are the complications of this anemia.

• Aplastic Anemia: Bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells for the body's function. It is a rare and severe condition when it comes to bone marrow failure. People may feel fatigued and bleed.

• Thalassemia: This type of anemia is caused by genetics, and the body does not have the required protein to produce red blood cells. Abdomen swelling and dark color are the primary symptoms of thalassemia.

• Sickle Cell Anemia: It is a hereditary disorder in which the shape of the red blood cells varies due to the low oxygen content of the hemoglobin. Yellowish skin color and increased tiredness are the symptoms of this anemia.

Who Is at Risk of Anemia?

• Newborn children also have anemia at birth, and it is cured normally and sometimes, which may require blood transfusion treatment.

• During infancy, a child may get less iron in their food, which may also lead to anemia.

• At the age of two to three years, a child could need more iron for their growth and development; anemic children could lead to complications in brain development.

• Women are more susceptible to anemia because, during their menstrual period, there is a loss of blood.

• Older people are not getting enough iron in their diets and have more heart-related disorders, leading to anemia.

• People with chronic illnesses like cancer and autoimmune disorders are more likely to have anemia.

How to Diagnose Anemia?

• Physicians Test: Blood is examined under a microscope to identify any changes in the blood.

• A Blood Count Test: It is used to find the number of RBCs and the color and shape of the cells in the blood. This test is also used to find vitamin B12 deficiency in the blood. It is also used to measure the count of hemoglobin present in the blood.

• Complete Blood Count Test: It finds a low blood cell count.

• Blood Test: A blood test is performed to find ferritin, blood iron, hemoglobin, and a complete blood count (CBC).

• Hematology Analyzers: In addition to identifying and counting white blood cells and platelets, automated hematology analyzers can measure the size and quantity of red blood cells (RBCs). This results in a complete blood count, or CBC, useful for identifying the causes of anemia and other illnesses or genetic defects.

• Reticulocyte Count: It is used to determine the count of red blood cells present in bone marrow.

• Urine Test: It is performed to find the urine creatinine to determine if the function of the liver is properly occurring or not.

• Hemoglobin Electrophoresis: This test is applied by supplying current into the blood sample, which separates normal and abnormal blood hemoglobin. It determines the red blood cells' hemoglobin chains (amino acid chains). If any damage or dysfunction occurs in the hemoglobin, it is determined by this test.

• Abdominal Sonogram: An abdominal sonogram visualizes the abdomen's structure and evaluates the spleen's function, size, and shape.

What Is the Management of Anemia?

• It is important to identify the anemia before its management and treatment.

• Hematologists may suggest that people with anemia (iron deficiency) eat more iron-rich foods. If this deficiency occurs due to blood loss or bleeding, people may need surgery to stop bleeding.

• Medicines are also prescribed to increase the blood count or hemoglobin count in the blood.

• To decrease pain and avoid complications, treatment options may include oxygen, analgesics, and intravenous (IV) fluids. Taking antibiotics and folic acid supplements may be necessary to manage sickle cell anemia.

• Physicians may treat anemias caused by abnormal red blood cells, such as hemolytic or aplastic anemia, with blood transfusions or immunosuppressant drugs.

• Ferrous sulfate is used as an oral iron supplement for people with iron deficiency; it is taken orally, and iron supplements are also given through intravenous procedures.

• Treatment options for severe symptoms of anemia include transfusions of blood or injections of the hormone erythropoietin (a hormone in the kidney that stimulates the production of red blood cells).

• Folic acid and vitamin B-12 deficiencies are treated with dietary supplements and increased intake of these elements.

• Chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants are preferred for the damage to bone marrow function in the body.

• For mild thalassemia, they do not treat it. In severe cases, people may need to perform a blood transfusion. The patients may also require a bone marrow transplant and spleen replacement.

How to Prevent Anemia?

• Anemia can be prevented in various ways, including maintaining a nutritious diet daily.

• Maintain a proper diet rich in vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables; this helps the body absorb iron.

• Avoid foods that slow down iron absorption when consuming iron, such as bran in cereals (wholewheat flour, oats), tea, coffee, cocoa, and calcium.

• Take foods with an increase in iron, such as lean red meats, fish and poultry, legumes (lentils and beans), and green leafy vegetables.

• Take calcium and iron supplements at different times of the day.

• Wash hands with soap, and always clean your hands to prevent infection. Infections also lead to anemia in some people.

Conclusion

Poor diet is the main reason that may lead to the development of anemia in people. Iron- and vitamin-rich foods are essential to maintaining the health of anemic people. Researchers are finding more technologies to manage and prevent the different types of anemia. Early prevention and management are important in curing and reducing the further development of anemia and severe complications.