Caribbean L 34 ife, OCTOBER 18-24, 2019
Anemia is not usually discovered unless a blood test is ordered. Its symptoms can mimic
other conditions.
Anemia and aging
Aging is accompanied by a number
of physical changes. Some
of these changes, such as vision
impairment or loss of hearing, are anticipated,
while others may arrive unexpectedly.
One condition many adults unexpectedly
encounter is anemia. It is
common in older adults and its prevalence
increases with age, but it is not
a condition that is widely considered
part of the aging process.
Anemia is often a symptom of a
hidden problem that needs to be addressed
promptly.
Anemia is one of the most common
blood disorders, affecting more than
three million Americans, says the National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
The American Society of Hematology
notes that anemia is characterized
by insuffi cient levels of red blood
cells in the blood. Anemia also occurs
when red blood cells, which are responsible
for carrying oxygen to the
various organs and tissues throughout
the body, are not functioning
properly.
Very often the signs of anemia
are overlooked or go unnoticed until
a blood test determines low hemoglobin
or hematocrit concentrations.
Some people discover they have anemia
as they attempt to donate blood, at
which time their red blood cell count
is found to be inadequate.
When the body lacks oxygen, any
number of the following symptoms
may be experienced:
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Extreme fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Pale or yellow skin
• Cold hands or feet
Frequently, existing disorders or
conditions, such as congestive heart
failure, are made worse by anemia.
But unless doctors specifi cally consider
anemia as a possible cause of
symptoms, its presence can go undiagnosed.
The American Academy of Family
Physicians says the most common
causes of anemia among older men
and women include chronic diseases
and iron defi ciency. Vitamin B12 defi -
ciency, folate defi ciency, gastrointestinal
bleeding, and myelodysplastic
syndrome are other causes of anemia.
The main way to treat anemia is
to discover its source and reverse the
outcomes. For instance, a gastrointestinal
bleed may need to be repaired.
If iron defi ciency is the source of
the anemia, iron supplements may be
prescribed. Many methods to correct
anemia involve trial and error and experimentation,
especially when the
source of the anemia is unknown.
Anemia is a condition that can affect
aging adults but does not need to
be accepted as a natural consequence
of aging. Correct diagnosis and treatment
can mitigate symptoms.
Wellness