Archives for January 2007

Blood loss can also cause anemia - whether it's because of excessive bleeding due to injury, surgery, or a problem with the blood's clotting ability. Slower, long-term blood loss, such as intestinal bleeding from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can also cause anemia.   Anemia sometimes results from heavy menstrual periods in teen girls and women. Any of these factors … [Read more...] about Anemia Caused by Blood Loss

Hemolytic ("hemo" means blood, "lytic" means destroying) anemia occurs when red blood cells are being destroyed prematurely. (Normally, the lifespan of RBCs is 120 days. In hemolytic anemia, they have a much shorter lifespan.) And the bone marrow (the soft, spongy tissue inside bones that makes new blood cells) simply can't keep up with the body's demand for new cells. This can … [Read more...] about Anemia Caused by Destruction of RBCs

Anemia is one of the more common blood disorders. It occurs when the level of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body becomes too low. This can lead to health problems because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemia can cause a variety of complications, including fatigue and stress on bodily organs.   Among many other causes, … [Read more...] about What is anemia?

Currently, there is no way to prevent anemia due to genetic defects affecting the production of RBCs or hemoglobin. And preventing anemia depends on its cause.   However, as a father, you can take steps to help prevent iron deficiency, the most common form of anemia. Before following any of these suggestions, be sure to talk them over with your children's doctor: … [Read more...] about Preventing Anemia

Fathers must keep in mind that the type, cause, and severity of their children’s anemia will determine what kind of care is needed. Rest assured, though, that children often tolerate anemia much better than adults.   In general, a child with significant anemia may tire more easily than other children and therefore need to limit activity levels. Make sure that your kids’ … [Read more...] about Tips for caring when your children have anemia