Unravelling Anemia Management solutions with DLI’s healthcare consulting

Anemia is a medical condition caused by the decrease in the amount of haemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood. According to an alarming statistic by the WHO, 37% of pregnant women, 30% of women aged 15-49, and 40% of children aged 6-59 months are anaemic. The growing prevalence of this disorder has resulted in a global health concern. This ailment, if not managed at an early stage, may lead to severe health complications and even death. Anaemic people are deprived of living a healthy life due to a constant feeling of tiredness, weakness, and fatigue.

Shedding light on the types and symptoms of anaemia

The common types of anemia are-

Iron deficiency anemia- It occurs when the body does not contain enough iron for the production of haemoglobin. It is the most commonly occurring forms of anaemia.

Megaloblastic anemia- This is caused by folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to the formation of larger than normal red blood cells.

Hemolytic anemia- It is characterized by the destruction of red blood cells faster than they can be produced.

Sickle cell anemia- Here, red blood cells become misshapen and break down easily mainly due to genetic defects.

Aplastic anemia- It is a rare type of anemia where the bone marrow doesn't produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Thalassemia- It is a genetic condition hindering the production of enough haemoglobin in the body.

Coming to the general symptoms, anaemic people mostly experience, fatigue and weakness pale or jaundiced (yellow) skin, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, cold hands and feet, headaches, and irregular heartbeat, among others. Although the degree of severity may vary from person to person.

Treatment landscape

Anaemia is a complicated disorder which almost has no permanent cure. Treatment approaches are mostly aimed at maintaining the level of haemoglobin, iron, and other deficit substances in the body and alleviating the symptoms.

Treatment mainly includes iron supplements in the form of tablets or intravenous infusion along with other medications to suppress the immune system or manage symptoms. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary to quickly increase the number of red blood cells. Also, in cases of aplastic anemia or thalassemia, bone marrow transplants may be required.

Apart from medical intervention, this condition can be managed through lifestyle modifications especially in terms of diet. Consumption of  iron-rich foods (e.g., red meat, beans, leafy greens), vitamin-rich foods (e.g., eggs, dairy, fortified cereals), or vitamin supplements can make a great difference in the lives of anaemic people.

Anaemia and Pregnancy

Anaemia is highly prevalent among pregnant women. During pregnancy, a woman's body needs more iron to support the increased blood volume and the development of the baby's red blood cells. Pregnancy anemia occurs when a pregnant woman's body doesn't have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy.  Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, pale skin, cold hands and feet, headache, and cravings for non food items like chalk, among others. Therefore, it is crucial for expecting mothers to maintain a well-balanced diet rich in iron sources, such as lean meats, prenatal vitamins, fortified cereals, and leafy greens. This is to prevent the severity of the anaemia. But in severe cases, iron supplements or intravenous iron therapy may be recommended. It is of paramount importance for the health of both the mother and the unborn child to manage pregnancy anaemia. Early detection and appropriate management of pregnancy anemia are vital to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing baby.

Final Words

Anemia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. It can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.  Disease Landscape Insight's healthcare consulting offers valuable insights and solutions for anemia management. Its deep dive expertise can help industry players identify the specific causes and types of anemia, and tailor management strategies accordingly. This could involve dietary interventions, iron or vitamin supplementation, medications, or more complex treatment options, depending on the underlying factors. DLI’s approach facilitates the development of effective and personalized solutions, improving the quality of life for individuals affected by anemia.