Anemia is a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. Since red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, when there are too few of them tissues are deprived of oxygen. How anemia is treated can depend on its cause and severity. That is the first look to understand what causes anemia.
Home Care in Tamarac FL: Anemia
What Causes Anemia
There are three general causes of anemia. They are:
- Blood loss.
- Not making enough red blood cells.
- The body destroying red blood cells.
There is more than one kind of anemia. The cause depends on the kind of anemia your aging relative has.
Some kinds of anemia are:
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common kind. It happens when there isn’t enough iron in the body. Iron is needed to create the hemoglobin needed to make red blood cells. One of the reasons iron deficiency occurs is because of blood loss, such as from an ulcer or cancer.
Vitamin Deficiency Anemia: Making red blood cells also involves vitamin B12 and folate. Not getting enough of these nutrients through diet can lead to anemia. In addition, some people’s bodies aren’t able to use B12 efficiently, which can also lead to anemia.
Anemia of Chronic Disease: This kind of anemia occurs as a result of a chronic disease, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or kidney disease. These diseases can keep the body from making red blood cells.
Sickle Cell Anemia: When a person has sickle cell anemia, their body produces misshapen red blood cells that look like sickles. These defective cells don’t live as long as they should, so the body is constantly short on red blood cells.
Anemia Symptoms
The different kinds of anemia are important in how the condition is treated. However, they all have similar signs and symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Skin that is pale or yellowish.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Feeling short of breath.
- Being dizzy or lightheaded.
- Pain in the chest.
- Hands and feet that feel cold.
- Headaches.
Treatments for anemia include using iron supplements, dietary changes, and medical procedures.
If your aging relative has anemia, senior care can help them to manage the condition and underlying conditions that lead to anemia. Senior care providers can prepare healthy meals that include iron-rich foods and other nutrients that support the production of healthy red blood cells. Senior care providers can also assist the older adult to walk safely when they are feeling tired or weak, which could lead to a dangerous fall. If the doctor has recommended supplements or medications, the senior care provider can remind them when it’s time to take them.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering In-Home Home Care in Tamarac, FL, please contact the caring staff at IDS In-Home Care today. Providing In-Home Care Services in Broward County: 954-476-5353 and Palm Beach County: 561-988-8483
Sources
Mayoclinic.org
Webmd.com
Medicalnewstoday.com
Jeff Stern
Owner at IDS In-Home Care
Jeff Stern is the Owner at IDS In-Home Care.
IDS In-Home Care stands for Independence, Dignity & Security, so naturally our mission is to help our clients achieve a life of Independence and Dignity in the Security of their own homes.Posted in Caregiver in Tamarac FL, Home Care in Tamarac FL and tagged Anemia, Home Care in Tamarac FL
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