ANEMIA Flashcards
What is Anemia?
the lack of red blood cells or haemoglobin
What leads to a lack of red blood cells or haemoglobin?
- shortage of IRON, VITAMIN B12 & FOLIC ACID
Where are red blood cells made and what do they contain?
- made in bone marrow
- made with haemoglobin (iron-containing protein which aids in carrying oxygen)
What does the body of an anemic lack?
oxygen rich blood
symptoms of an anaemia:
- tiredness
-weakness - breathlessness
- dizziness
- headaches
- poor appetite
what do pernicious anemia patients lack?
lack of VITAMIN B12
what does VITAMIN B12 contribute?
- essential for formation of blood cells
- from animal products
- plants sources do not provide B12 unless fortified
- vegetarians/vegans are susceptible to VITAMIN B12 deficiency
symptoms of deficiency: weight loss, pale, shortness of breath
what do MEGALOBLASTIC anemia patients lack?
FOLIC ACID & VITAMIN B12
what can’t the body due due to lack of B12 & FOLIC ACID?
- body cannot produce sufficient amount of red blood cells due to B12 & FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY
- they produce large dysfunctional red blood cells
sources of FOLIC ACID:
-liver
-orange juice
- dark green vegetables
- wholemeal bread
role of FOLIC ACID:
reduces risk of neural tube defects (spinal bifida)
Spina Bifida
- occurs in developing babies spinal cord fails to develop
symptoms: abnormal tuft of hair, protruding spinal cord
what does an IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA patient lack?
they lack iron, which is a component of haemoglobin & gives red blood cells their colour
what does lack of IRON result in:
- lack of energy
- insufficient cells
causes of ANAEMIA:
- blood loss (menstruation)
- bleeding in; digestive or urinary tract, blood donation, kidney disease
- common in adults & adolescents
