ron Deficiency Anemia in Women

Anaemia

Anaemia occurs when the blood lacks red blood cells/haemoglobin to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anaemia is the most frequent blood disorder in the United States. The condition is believed to afflict around 3.5 million people, the majority of whom are children, women, and persons suffering from chronic diseases (Benoist et al., 2008). Certain varieties of anaemia are inherited, and women of childbearing age are the most vulnerable due to blood loss during menstruation. There are around 400 different forms of anaemia, which are classified into groups. The groups include anaemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells, anaemia caused by decreased production of red blood cells and anaemia caused by blood loss. Because of the many types of anaemia, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the disease (Benoist et al., 2008).

Causes and Symptoms of Anaemia

Lack of iron in the body is the most common cause of anaemia. However, other causes of the disease include the decreased circulation of red blood cells and conditions that destroy red blood cells in the human body. According to Wintrobe (2009), lack of certain vitamins such as Vitamin B12, leukaemia and bone marrow problems and national problems also cause anaemia. Regardless of the type of anaemia, lack of energy and fatigue are the common symptoms of anaemia. These symptoms occur because the body organs are not getting enough oxygen. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, light-headaches, chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, dry nails and pale complexion. However, individuals with mild anaemia may not have symptoms or may only show mild symptoms of the disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Ms. A has noted increased shortness of breath and low levels of energy and enthusiasm. These symptoms seem worse during her menses. The attending physician also stated that Ms. A had low blood pressure and her body temperature was 98 degrees F. Considering these symptoms and conditions, Ms. A is most likely suffering from Iron Deficiency Anaemia which is caused by the failure of iron deposits in the body to produce red blood cells (Wintrobe, 2009). Ms. A is having shortness of breath which according to Bellanger (2010), is one of the preliminary symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA). Also, Ms. A experiences increased shortness of breath and low levels of energy. While playing golf with one of his colleagues, Ms. A felt dizzy.

Ms. A has low levels of hematocrit and haemoglobin. A normal Hematocrit range for adult women is 38.8 to 50 percent, and the average haemoglobin range is 12.0 g/dl to 15.5 g/dl (Bellanger, 2010). People who are suffering form from IDA have low haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. According to this case, Ms. A’s laboratory values indicate that her haemoglobin is 8 g/dl and her hematocrit level is 32 percent. These levels are below the normal values. This, therefore, directs the diagnosis of IDA. Wintrobe (2009), affirms that the contention of low levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit attributes the diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anaemia. Furthermore, Ms. A states that her conditions worsen during her menses. IDA among females is associated with blood loss during menstruation. Ms. A states that her symptoms seem worse during her menses. Moreover, symptoms such as low blood pressure as evidenced in this case study describe the clinical contention of iron deficiency.

Additionally, haemorrhage following chronic use of aspirin is described by Bellanger (2010), as one of the reasons that result in the development of IDA. Haemorrhage can be caused by many factors including Menorrhagia and dysmenorrheal as in the case of Ms. A. Hemorrage from whichever cause has been shown to reduce the iron content in the blood. Consequently, the body lacks iron to manufacture haemoglobin to supply oxygen around the body. Reduction of iron in the human body due to haemorrhage results in a post-hemorrhagic anaemic episode (Wintrobe, 2009). The inability of the human body to manufacture haemoglobin results in the production of microcytic erythrocytes (Wintrobe, 2009). In this case study, RBC smear showed microcytic and hypochromic cells. It is therefore evident that Ms. A most likely has Iron Deficiency Anaemia.

References

Bellanger, R. A. (2010). Iron Deficiency Anemia in Women. US Pharm, 35(9), 50-58.

Benoist, B. D., McLean, E., Egll, I., & Cogswell, M. (2008). Worldwide prevalence of anaemia 1993-2005: WHO global database on anaemia. Worldwide prevalence of anaemia 1993-2005: WHO global database on anaemia.

Wintrobe, M. M. (2009). Wintrobe’s clinical hematology (Vol. 1). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.