"What Constitutes Severe Anemia?"

Severe Anemia

Severe anemia refers to a condition where the hemoglobin concentration falls below 60g/L, accompanied by pronounced clinical symptoms. Patients often experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, may also suffer from dyspnea and impaired consciousness.

1. Causes

Severe anemia can be attributed to various factors. It may arise from long-term chronic blood loss, such as hemorrhoids or bleeding from digestive tract ulcers. It can also stem from malnutrition due to imbalanced diets or picky eating habits. Additionally, it may be linked to abnormal hematopoiesis, such as in aplastic anemia.

2. Symptoms

Patients with severe anemia typically exhibit symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, dyspnea and consciousness disorders may also occur. Some patients may also experience symptoms like pale skin and thin nails.

3. Treatment

For patients with severe anemia, prompt medical attention is crucial. If the anemia is caused by long-term chronic blood loss, hemostatic medications can be prescribed, such as aminomethylbenzoic acid tablets or Vitamin K1 injections. If malnutrition is the underlying cause, dietary adjustments should be made to include more iron-rich and protein-rich foods like animal liver, lean meat, and eggs. Maintaining a balanced diet with appropriate blood-enriching foods like donkey-hide gelatin and red dates is also essential. In case of discomforting symptoms, patients are advised to seek immediate medical attention.