Anemia is the blood disorder, characterized by the reduction in:
1. Red blood cell (RBC) count
2. Hemoglobin content
3. Packed cell volume (PVC).
Generally, reduction in RBC count,
hemoglobin content and PCV occurs because of:
1. Decreased production of RBC
2. Increased destruction of RBC
3. Excess loss of blood from the body.
All these incidents are caused either
by inherited disorders or environmental influences such as
nutritional
problem, infection and exposure to
drugs or toxins.
CLASSIFICATION OF ANEMIA
Anemia is classified
by two methods:
1. Morphological
classification
2. Etiological
classification.
MORPHOLOGICAL
CLASSIFICATION
Morphological
classification depends upon the size and color of RBC. Size of RBC is determined by
mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Color is determined by mean corpuscular hemoglobin
concentration (MCHC). By this method, the anemia is classified
into four types :
1. Normocytic
Normochromic Anemia
Size (MCV) and color (MCHC) of RBCs
are normal. But the number of RBC is less.
2. Macrocytic
Normochromic Anemia
RBCs are larger in
size with normal color. RBC count is less.
3. Macrocytic
Hypochromic Anemia
RBCs are larger in size. MCHC is less,
so the cells are pale (less colored).
4. Microcytic
Hypochromic Anemia
RBCs are smaller in
size with less color.
ETIOLOGICAL
CLASSIFICATION
On the basis of etiology (study of
cause or origin),
anemia is divided into
five types :
1. Hemorrhagic anemia
2. Hemolytic anemia
3. Nutrition
deficiency anemia
4. Aplastic anemia
5. Anemia of chronic diseases.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA
SKIN AND MUCOUS
MEMBRANE
Color of the skin and mucous membrane
becomes pale. Paleness is more constant and prominent in buccal and pharyngeal
mucous membrane, conjunctivae, lips, ear lobes, palm and nail bed. Skin looses
the elasticity and becomes thin and dry. Thinning, loss and early
grayness
of hair occur. The nails become brittle and easily breakable.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
There is an increase in
heart rate (tachycardia) and cardiac output. Heart is dilated and cardiac murmurs are produced.
The velocity of blood flow is increased.
RESPIRATION
There is an increase
in rate and force of respiration. Sometimes, it leads to breathlessness and
dyspnea
(difficulty in
breathing). Oxygenhemoglobin dissociation curve is shifted to right.
DIGESTION
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal
discomfort and constipation are common. In pernicious anemia, there is atrophy
of papillae in tongue. In aplastic anemia, necrotic lesions appear in mouth and
pharynx.
METABOLISM
Basal metabolic rate increases in
severe anemia.
KIDNEY
Renal function is disturbed.
Albuminuria is common.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
In females, the menstrual
cycle is disturbed. There may be menorrhagia, oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea.
NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEM
Common neuromuscular symptoms are
increased sensitivity to cold, headache, lack of concentration, restless ness,
irritability, drowsiness, dizziness or vertigo (especially while standing)
and fainting. Muscles become weak and the patient feels lack of energy and
fatigued
quite often and quite easily.
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