Anemia at Older Age: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Plan
According to many medical research, approx. 10% of people above 65 have anemia in the United States. It is one of the most common health problems in elder adults. In this condition, the red blood cell count gets lower than usual. Remember, untreated anemia can lead to serious complications such as poor immunity, heart failure and severe weakness. Consult with a dispensing provider promptly to get the perfect medication if you notice signs of chest pain, fatigue and headache. This article will help you to understand symptoms of anemia, the expert diagnosis methods and treatments. Also, you will get an idea about what you should be asking your doctor.
What is Anemia?
Normally, clinicians rely on the hematocrit and the hemoglobin level to detect anemia rather than red blood cell count. The experts consider a normal level of hemoglobin in the range of 12-15gm/dL for women and 14-17gm/dL for men. If the rate is below normal, then it can be used to identify the disease.
Symptoms
High heart rate
Headaches
Shortness of breath
Lower blood pressure
Fatigue
Weakness
Types of Anemia
Iron-Deficiency
Vitamin Deficiency
Aplastic Anemia
Sickle Cell
Thalassemia
Common Reasons for Anemia in Older Adults
In general, normal red blood cells have a lifespan between 100-120 days. Consequently, our body has to produce red blood cells all the time. When the old red blood cell dies, the body recovers and reuses it to create new cells. Anemia occurs when something prevents this normal process and obstructs the generation of new blood cells. But there are other reasons for anemia too. Scroll down to get a clear view of the same.
Problems Producing RBCs
These disorders obstruct the production of RBC - bone marrow disorders, chronic inflammation, iron/vitamin deficiency and low erythropoietin.
Problems Losing RBC
There are a few conditions that make you lose RBC such as Injury and trauma, frequent blood tests, menstrual bleeding and chronic bleeding.
Points to Remember
Have to know the blood count and causes of anemia.
Mainly mild to moderate anemia can be seen in older adults.
Make sure to keep copies of the test reports.
What to Ask Your Health Providers?
If the doctor tells you about your anemic condition, then you have to be sure how severe it can be and the causes that initiated the disease in you. It will help you to understand the follow-up treatment. There are important questions that you can ask the doctor including:
How bad is this anemia?
Is my medication responsible for this condition?
How long am I suffering from anemia?
What is the plan for treating anemia?
Get Medical Attention
If you suffer from iron-deficiency induced anemia, make changes in your diet and consult with a dispensing provider who can give you all the accurate medicines you need to treat the disease. To identify the reasons and its treatment you can visit PD-RX Pharmaceuticals as they provide medications during the consultation.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.