Medical treatments for anemia

Medical treatments for anemia

Treatments vary depending on type of anemia. People with fragile health or suffering from another disease (cancer, heart disease, etc.) are those who feel the benefits of treatment the most.

  • Stop taking drug that causes anemia or exposure to a toxic material.
  • Correct a deficiency iron (by mouth), vitamin B12 (by mouth or in the form of injections) or folic acid (by mouth), if necessary.
  • For women with heavy periods, a hormonal treatment can help (contraceptive pill, IUD with progestin, danazol, etc.). For more information, see our Menorrhagia sheet.
  • Optimal treatment of chronic disease the cause of anemia. Often, adequate treatment of the latter is enough to make the anemia disappear.
  • In patients with sideroblastic anemia, taking pyridoxine (vitamin B6) may help with treatment.
  • In case of acquired hemolytic anemia (non-congenital), immunosuppressants and corticosteroids are prescribed.
  • In sickle cell anemia, painful attacks are relieved with pain relievers.
  • In severe anemia, synthetic erythropoietin injections, blood transfusion, or bone marrow transplantation may be considered, as appropriate.

 

Special care

For people with aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, or sickle cell anemia, certain precautions should be taken.

  • Protect against infections. Aplastic anemia, which also affects white blood cells, increases the vulnerability to infections. Wash your hands often with antiseptic soap, avoid contact with sick people, get enough sleep, get vaccinated and take antibiotic therapy as needed.
  • Stay hydrated. Poor hydration increases the viscosity of the blood and can cause painful attacks or lead to complications, especially in sickle cell anemia.
  • Avoid overly intensive exercises. For one thing, even light exercise can cause fatigue in a person with anemia. On the other hand, in the event of prolonged anemia, it is important to spare the heart. This has to work a lot more because of the deficient oxygen transport associated with anemia.
  • Watch out for impacts, cuts and injuries. In people with low blood platelet counts, the blood clots less well and blood loss should be avoided as much as possible. For example, shaving with an electric razor rather than a blade, prefer toothbrushes with soft bristles and refrain from practicing contact sports.

 

 

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