pErLaS nG SiLaNgAnAn: fAnTaSy & ReAlItY

Date: 1 May 2007
Start: 11:47 AM

Hello again! I've had another series of dreams last night, after having a hard time to sleep. Anyway, the one I remembered most was I was in a biology class of some sort. What really made an impression on me was the analogy that the smaller fish always gets eaten by the larger one. Weird? Yes indeed. By the way, I also had a dream yesterday during my afternoon nap. I was in some art contest. I don't know. I'm not an artist. What's the point? These past few days really give me the creeps. What's wrong with me? I do believe that dreams exist in order to deliver some message. What is it that these dreams are trying to tell me? Besides, each dream doesn't seems to be related to one another. Blah! Enough of this fantasy psychiatry. Let's get to the real world, that is the truth.

My father and I visited the doctor awhile ago. It's some follow up regarding the lab test. When the secretary called a few days ago, I was puzzled. The only test I had was a blood test. Besides, why is it that the flaw was discovered just now? Well, the only way to find out is to go visit the doctor. So what's my flaw? I am slightly anemic. Well, I was advised to eat foods rich in iron, which means that I am an iron-deficient anemic. Well, not that bad. Actually, I am even proud of it. Weird? Well, I have never been hospitalized, had a surgery and so on. You think that I'm a healthy person? Think again. Anyway, just before writing, I did a research on iron-deficiency anemia. Below is my research work.
*************************************************************************************

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Alternate Names: Anemia - Iron Deficiency

Definition

Anemia is a condition where red blood cells are not providing adequate oxygen to body tissues. There are many types and causes of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a decrease in the number of red cells in the blood caused by too little iron [1].

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. Approximately 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men are iron deficient. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in the blood. Iron is normally obtained through the food in the diet and by recycling iron from old red blood cells. Without it, the blood cannot carry oxygen effectively -- and oxygen is needed for the normal functioning of every cell in the body [1].

The causes of iron deficiency are too little iron in the diet, poor absorption of iron by the body, and loss of blood (including from heavy menstrual bleeding). It can also be related to lead poisoning in children [1].

Anemia develops slowly after the normal stores of iron have been depleted in the body and in the bone marrow. Women, in general, have smaller stores of iron than men and have increased loss through menstruation, placing them at higher risk for anemia than men [1].

In men and postmenopausal women, anemia is usually caused by gastrointestinal blood loss associated with ulcers, the use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), or certain types of cancer (esophagus, stomach, colon) [1].

High-risk groups include women of child-bearing age who have blood loss through menstruation; pregnant or lactating women who have an increased requirement for iron; infants, children, and adolescents in rapid growth phases; and people with a poor dietary intake of iron. Risk factors related to blood loss are peptic ulcer disease, long term aspirin use and colon cancer [1].

Iron Deficiency Anemia Symptoms & Signs [2]

Pale skin color (pallor)
Fatigue
Irritability
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Sore tongue
Brittle nails
Unusual food cravings (called pica)
Decreased appetite (especially in children)
Headache - frontal
Blue tinge to sclerae (whites of eyes)

Note: There may be no symptoms if anemia is mild.

Iron Deficiency Anemia Prevention

Everyone's diet should include adequate amounts of iron. Red meat, liver, and egg yolks are important dietary sources of iron. Flour, bread, and some cereals are fortified with iron. If you aren't getting enough iron in your diet, iron should be taken orally [3].

During periods of increased requirements, such as pregnancy and lactation, increase dietary intake or take iron supplements [3].

Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosis & Tests [4]

Low hematocrit and hemoglobin (red blood cell measures)
Small red blood cells
Low serum ferritin
Low serum iron level
High iron binding capacity (TIBC) in the blood
Blood in stool (visible or microscopic)

Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment

The cause of the deficiency must be identified, particularly in older patients who are most susceptible to intestinal cancer [5].

Oral iron supplements are available (ferrous sulfate). The best absorption of iron is on an empty stomach, but many people are unable to tolerate this and may need to take it with food. Milk and antacids may interfere with absorption of iron and should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements. Vitamin C can increase absorption and is essential in the production of hemoglobin [5].

Supplemental iron is needed during pregnancy and lactation because normal dietary intake rarely supplies the required amount [5].

The hematocrit should return to normal after 2 months of iron therapy, but the iron should be continued for another 6 to 12 months to replenish the body's iron stores, which are contained mostly in the bone marrow [5].

Intravenous or intra-muscular iron is available for patients who can't tolerate oral forms [5].

Iron-rich foods include raisins, meats (liver is the highest source), fish, poultry, eggs (yolk), legumes (peas and beans), and whole grain bread [5].

Iron Deficiency Anemia Prognosis (Expectations)

With treatment, the outcome is likely to be good. In most cases the blood counts will return to normal in 2 months [6].

Iron Deficiency Anemia Complications

There are usually no complications. However, iron deficiency anemia may recur, so regular follow-up is encouraged. Children with this disorder may be more susceptible to infection [7].

Calling Your Health Care Provider

Call for an appointment with the health care provider if symptoms suggestive of this disorder develop or if blood is noted in the stool [8].

Pictures & Images

Reticulocytes [9]

In the presence of some anemias, the body increases production of red blood cells (RBCs), and sends these cells into the bloodstream before they are mature. These slightly immature cells are called reticulocytes, and are characterized by a network of filaments and granules. Reticulocytes normally make up 1% of the total RBC count, but may exceed levels of 4% when compensating for anemia.

Blood Cells [10]

Blood is comprised of red blood cells, platelets, and various white blood cells.

Reference:

*************************************************************************************

So if there's a club for the slightly iron- deficient anemic, then count me in. Well, so much for me being a healthy person. So from now on, I have to watch my diet. By the way, I hate liver, even if that is very rich in iron. I would strongly suggest that no one serve me that thing. If you dare to, you know how I would react. So you better watch out. 'Til then!

End: 12:08 PM

pErLaS nG SiLaNgAnAn

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

fAnTaSy & ReAlItY