Anemia and Hemolytic Anemia Essay

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ASA Institute
Division of Health Disciplines
Course: LABORATORY TECHNIQUES 11
BIO 110

SECTION: M01

Fall Semester 2012

Instructor: Dr. Saxon Maya

Student: Osary Rodriguez

Project: Tularemia

Anemia:
Is the condition of having a lower than normal red blood cell count or when a person’s red blood cells do not include enough hemoglobin. Those who have anemia do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Anemia is common and may occur at any age and among any ethnic group. Although men and women can have anemia, women of childbearing age are at increased risk. A major symptom of anemia is exhaustion. Long-term anemia may damage the brain, heart and other body organs. Severe anemia may lead to death. Although some types of anemia may be severe and life-threatening if untreated, many types are mild, short term and easily treated. Some types may be prevented with a healthy diet or with dietary supplements. Treatment varies depending upon the cause and severity of the condition.
Various types of anemia exist that are caused by specific traits: aplastic anemia, blood loss anemia, Cooley’s anemia, iron deficiency anemia and sickle cell anemia.
Symptoms
* Chest pain * Dizziness or light-headedness (especially when standing up or with activity) * Fatigue or lack of energy * Headaches * Problems concentrating * Shortness of breath (especially during exercise)
Some types of anemia may have other symptoms, such as: * Constipation * Problems thinking
Causes,
* Certain medications * Chronic diseases such as cancer, ulcerative colitis, or rheumatoid arthritis * Genetic: Some forms of anemia, such as thalassemia, can be inherited * Kidney failure * Blood loss (for example, from heavy menstrual periods or stomach ulcers) * Poor diet * Pregnancy * Problems with bone marrow such as lymphoma, leukemia, or multiple myeloma * Problems with the immune system that cause the destruction of blood cells (hemolytic anemia) * Surgery to the stomach or intestines that reduces the absorption of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid * Too little thyroid hormone (underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism) * Testosterone deficiency

Signs and tests
The doctor will perform a physical examination, and may find: * Pale skin * Rapid heart rate * Heart murmur
Some types of anemia may cause other findings on a physical exam.
Blood tests used to diagnose some common types of anemia may include: * Blood levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and other vitamins and minerals * Red blood count and hemoglobin level * Reticulocyte count * Ferritin level * Iron level

Risk Factors
Although nutritional iron-deficiency anemia has declined in industrialized nations, it affects an estimated 2 billion people worldwide. Even in the U.S., iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency. It is highly associated with poverty. People in lower socioeconomic groups have double the risk of those who are middle or upper class. Among Americans with iron