Anemia Root Causes: Experts Explain Risk Factors & Testing Options For Low Iron

Anemia: An Invisible Scourge

Very few health conditions affect over one-billion people. Hypertension is among the most common and deadly conditions on earth, while obesity also impacts over one billion lives globally. However, while these conditions receive significant attention in the media, the topic of today's discussion does not. That silent, incredibly common condition? Anemia.

To get the latest information about anemia, visit https://valleant.com/what-is-the-main-reason-for-anemia-uncovering-the-primary-causes/

Anemia - or low iron - affects nearly a quarter of the world's population, and yet, compared to other conditions that exist at this scale, research funding is relatively low, as is the amount of available educational material.

The health experts at Valleant, an educational platform devoted to promoting quality content related to the most commonly discussed health topics, have set out to fix that. They have compiled a new guide to anemia, which can tell you everything you need to know about this potentially damaging condition.

What Is Anemia?

As Valleant explains, anemia refers to a group of blood disorders characterized by deficiencies of certain nutrients, most commonly iron. Anemia can be caused by a wide range of underlying conditions, often existing as a symptom of chronic disease, though nutritional imbalances can also be a contributing factor.

Symptoms

The symptoms of anemia, according to the guide, include a weakened immune system, pale skin, bruising, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Depending on the underlying cause of the condition, jaundice can also occur, as well as serious long-term consequences to the circulatory and nervous systems.

Diagnosing Anemia

Valleant goes on to say that doctors may pursue blood testing or bone marrow testing to determine the exact imbalance that is causing the anemia. As previously mentioned, iron is a common culprit, along with vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, and iodine, all of which are often lacking in cases of restricted diet.

Treatment Options

Due to the varying nature of the condition, Valleant explains that treatments may also vary widely depending on the patient. However, doctors typically provide nutritional recommendations to help address the immediate deficiencies, then move on to test for specific root causes such as bone marrow disorders or chronic kidney disease.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for anemia are widespread, according to their panel of experts, though women are typically more prone to the condition than men, especially during pregnancy and menstruation. Seeking treatment during pregnancy is particularly important, as failure to address the condition could lead to severe complications and even endanger the lives of the mother and child.

More From Valleant

This guidance is being made available by Valleant’s dedicated team of medical experts, who have been operating in the health education space since the 1990s. The new guide to anemia and many others like it are available for free at the link below.

Read the full guide right away at https://valleant.com/what-is-the-main-reason-for-anemia-uncovering-the-primary-causes/