Anemia is a blood disorder that causes low levels of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in the body. There are different types of anemia, which are caused by various factors like loss of blood, nutrient deficiencies, and destruction or abnormality of the RBCs. The treatment options for anemia depend on its underlying cause. Read on to know some of the treatment options for anemia.

Treatment for anemia caused by blood loss
If anemia is a result of blood loss due to accidents, heavy menstruation, or hemophilia, the person might be treated with iron supplements to help create new RBCs. Sometimes, oxygen therapy and blood transfusions may be given in case of heavy blood loss. If the cause of anemia is chronic blood loss, the reason must be identified before starting treatment.

Treatment for iron-deficiency anemia
Adequate iron levels are essential for the body to create new RBCs, so an iron deficiency can lead to anemia. While this type of anemia is mostly caused by menstruation in women, men can be affected by the condition due to internal bleeding or abnormal absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract. So, a colonoscopy may be prescribed to diagnose the underlying cause of iron deficiency.

Supplements containing the ferrous form of iron are the most common treatment options for anemia caused by an iron deficiency. Doctors usually recommended taking these supplements with food to avoid any side-effects, and foods with high acidic content help increase iron absorption in the body. Apart from supplements, one can get iron from dietary sources like red meat, whole-grains, fish, nuts, and dairy.

Treatment for vitamin-deficiency anemia
If there is a lack of vitamin-B12, vitamin C, or folic acid, the treatment options for anemia include taking supplements for these nutrients. Consuming more vitamin-rich foods like dairy, red meat, organ meat, cruciferous vegetables, leafy vegetables, seeds, and nuts is also recommended.

Severe vitamin-B12 deficiency makes the body unable to absorb it from supplements, so doctors might prescribe vitamin B-12 shots. Initially, one needs to take these shots every other day, but they are limited to every three months or a year over time.

Treatment for anemia caused by hereditary diseases
Anemia can also be caused by hereditary conditions that change the shape and form of the RBCs or decrease their production, like sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia. While most forms of thalassemia are mild, patients might still need regular blood transfusions and iron and folic acid supplements. In severe cases, the removal of spleen and bone marrow transplant is recommended.

Bone marrow transplant is also used to treat aplastic anemia. The treatment for sickle-cell anemia includes blood transfusions, nutrient supplements, and medications like hydroxyurea. Oxygen, intravenous fluids, and pain killers might be administered to manage the symptoms.

Treatment options for anemia caused by RBC destruction
Also called hemolytic anemia, the immune system attacks the RBCs and causes their destruction in this type. Immunosuppressants like steroids can help manage this condition, and other treatment options include plasmapheresis and surgery to remove tumors, faulty heart valves, or broken blood vessels that might be causing RBC destruction.