I FEEL TIRED, I HAVE LOW ENERGY, IS IT ANEMIA?

Anemia happens when your red blood cells are in short supply. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of the body, giving you the energy you need to do your daily activities. Hemoglobin is the part of the red blood cells that carries the oxygen.  Anemia is commonly encountered in primary care practice and is a major sign of diseases. Your doctor can tell you if you have anemia by measuring your hemoglobin. If your hemoglobin level is lower than the normal range (which is 12.0 for women and 13.5 for men), it is likely you have anemia. In that case, your doctor will check to find the exact cause of your anemia and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

In normal adults, red blood cells are made in the bone marrow and requires several ingredients, including iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and erythropoietin (a hormone made by the kidney). Anemia can be caused by diseases that harm or destroy your blood cells, such as sickle cell disease, infection or inflammation, blood loss from accidents, stomach ulcers, too little iron, folic acid or vitamin B12, other diseases like kidney disease, liver disease, HIV/AIDS, or cancers. You can also become anemic if you do not eat healthy foods with enough vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. Such foods include green leafy vegetables, eggs, liver and fish.

Anemia can cause you to look pale, feel tired, have little energy, poor appetite, trouble sleeping, trouble thinking clearly, feel dizzy or have headaches, feel short of breath or have a rapid heart rate. Not everyone with anemia has symptoms. Speak to your doctor if you think you have anemia. Make a list of questions. Write down your symptoms, allergies, medications, previous medical and other health problems. Discuss how you feel and ask questions.

Before starting anemia treatment, your doctor will order tests to find the exact cause of your anemia. If untreated, anemia can cause serious problems. It can also make your other health problems worse.  A low supply of red blood cells in your body can make your heart work harder. This can lead to a type of heart failure. Check with your doctor before making any changes in your diet.

Dr Segun V. Simon is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Medical Specialties, Nephrology (kidney diseases and Hypertension) and currently practices along with Dr Andrew O. Baddoo at the following addresses:

745 Northfield Ave. (suite 1)                                    108 South Munn Ave

West Orange NJ 07052                                              East Orange, NJ 07018

Phone- 973 -731- 3800                                              phone – 973 –674 – 8100

Fax -973 – 731 – 3881                                                Fax -973 – 674 – 8400

E –mail – victors4b@yahoo.com

                     

Posted by on Apr 13 2013. Filed under Community News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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