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How to Know What Kind of Anemia You Have & How to Treat it

Anemia is a blood disorder in which a person has very low levels of red blood cells. Anemia often occurs when there is not enough hemoglobin present in the red blood cells. Having anemia means you are not getting enough Oxygen-rich blood. Then you will begin to experience such symptoms as shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains and coldness in hands and feet. The most common symptom is fatigue. Mild cases can be easily treated with remedies and techniques.

Things You'll Need

  • Medications
  • Blood
  • Bone marrow (in severe cases)
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Instructions

  1. Types of Anemia & Treatments

    • 1

      See your physician for testing. The first step in treating anemia is finding out the type you have. Your doctor will perform specific tests, such as a blood count. You will also be tested for the amount of iron present in your body to determine the severity of your condition. Your doctor will give you a complete diagnosis from the results of your tests and be able to tell you what your next course of action should be.

    • 2

      After you find out what type of anemia you have, you need to begin treatment. The goal in treating anemia is to increase oxygen in your blood. A blood transfusion is a surgical procedure where you are given blood introvenously. This will require finding a recipient whose blood matches your own. It is a common and safe procedure.

    • 3

      A bone marrow transplant is used in more severe cases of anemia where a blood and marrow stem cell transplant replaces abnormal stem cells with healthy ones. The stem cells are given through a tube placed in a vein, generally in the chest. The stem cells then travel to your bone marrow, where new red blood cells are made. This is a surgical procedure that also requires a stem cell match.

    • 4

      Medications and supplements are utilized because your body needs iron to make hemoglobin. Your doctor may ask you to take iron tablets, Vitamin C or Vitamin B12. These supplements will help raise iron levels in your body.

    • 5

      You should also change your diet. Eating turkey, chicken and red meat are a great source of iron, as are fruits and green vegetables Changing your diet is essential in helping your condition. You can still eat the foods you like, but you should increase your intake of foods that carry high levels of iron.

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