Treatment for anemia varies depending on the cause of the disease and may include, for example, taking medications, supplements, or an iron-rich diet.
In more severe cases, where anemia cannot be controlled with these simpler forms, your doctor may suggest a blood or even bone marrow transfusion; however, these cases are rare and often occur from genetic diseases.
- In this type of anemia there is a genetic alteration that alters the shape of red blood cells.
- Which decreases their ability to carry oxygen.
- Since it is not possible to correct genetic alteration.
- Treatment is usually done by administration of oxygen and blood transfusions to regulate normal levels of red blood cells in the blood.
In addition, your doctor may also prescribe the use of pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac, to relieve pain caused by this type of anemia.
In more severe cases, where anemia is very difficult to control, cancer treatments, such as bone marrow transplantation or cancer remedies, such as hydroxyurea, may also be used. Learn more about treating anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when iron levels in the body are very low, preventing proper production of red blood cells, so treatment is done with iron supplements and dietary changes.
To increase iron levels and treat iron deficiency anemia, it is advisable to increase food intake such as:
After eating any of these foods, it is recommended to immediately consume a dietary source of vitamin C to increase iron absorption, for example, more information on how to eat in this type of anemia.
Both types of anemia occur due to a marked decrease in vitamin B12 levels in the body, treated with vitamin B12 supplements and a diet richer in vitamin B12.
However, in some cases, this lack of vitamin B12 can occur due to the lack of the intrinsic factor, which is a substance present in the stomach that guarantees the absorption of vitamin B12, in which case it is necessary to inject vitamin directly into the stomach. vein, because if swallowed, it will not be absorbed. These injections can be maintained for life.
Here are some important tips from our nutritionist to treat the lack of vitamin B12:
See also a list of foods that help treat vitamin B12 deficiency
To treat hemolytic anemia, which is caused by the destruction of red blood cells by antibodies, the doctor generally recommends the use of drugs that reduce the action of the immune system, such as cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide, reducing the destruction caused by antibodies.
In the most severe cases, surgery may still be needed to remove a piece of spleen, as this organ is responsible for the destruction of blood cells.
Learn more about anemia
Aplastic anemia is an autoimmune disease that affects the bone marrow, reducing red blood cell production, in these cases your doctor may recommend blood transfusions to improve red blood cell levels, but a bone marrow transplant may also be necessary. especially if the bone marrow can no longer produce healthy blood cells.