When a doctor diagnoses you with anemia can they tell what the cause of the anemia is?!
Question: When a doctor diagnoses you with anemia can they tell what the cause of the anemia is.?
like my doctor said i am anemic, can they see the deficiency or cause of the anemia in the blood test or just that you are anemic.? Health Question & Answer
Answers:
Usually the first blood test that your doctor would do would be a full blood count (or complete blood count CBC), which would show that the amount of haemoglobin (the part of the red blood cell that has iron and carries oxygen) would be low (ie: your anemic). It may also show that the number of red cells are reduced or that each one has less haemoglobin, or they are small.
If the lab looked at your blood under a microscope then they could also tell if there were any funny looking cells which may occur in certain kinds of anemia (eg sickle cell, spherocytosis, and leukemia /lymphoma which are much rarer causes of anemia). Although the patients profile and some of the full blood count can help point in the right direction to find if a deficiency is the cause of the anemia then additional blood tests would be required (eg: iron studies, folate, B12)
In an otherwise health woman of childbearing age iron deficiency is the most likely cause for anemia. The CBC can give an indication but will not usually be able to say with certainty the cause, other tests are need.
@cest moi -> green veges are actually not a great source of iron, as the form is quite poorly absorbed, and they also contain vitamin C which inhibits the absorption of iron
@medicine woman -> conjunctival pallor is a general sign of any sort of anemia not just iron deficiency and capillary refill indicates perfusion and doesn't really have much to do with anemia (more your blood volume).Health Question & Answer
If the lab looked at your blood under a microscope then they could also tell if there were any funny looking cells which may occur in certain kinds of anemia (eg sickle cell, spherocytosis, and leukemia /lymphoma which are much rarer causes of anemia). Although the patients profile and some of the full blood count can help point in the right direction to find if a deficiency is the cause of the anemia then additional blood tests would be required (eg: iron studies, folate, B12)
In an otherwise health woman of childbearing age iron deficiency is the most likely cause for anemia. The CBC can give an indication but will not usually be able to say with certainty the cause, other tests are need.
@cest moi -> green veges are actually not a great source of iron, as the form is quite poorly absorbed, and they also contain vitamin C which inhibits the absorption of iron
@medicine woman -> conjunctival pallor is a general sign of any sort of anemia not just iron deficiency and capillary refill indicates perfusion and doesn't really have much to do with anemia (more your blood volume).Health Question & Answer
Most Doctors usually have an idea what is causing your anemia from your symptoms and your examination. I have anemia from lack of iron and from B12 but I have B12 and I have to give myself injections of it but because I have a digestive disorder called Gastroparesis The B12 is not enough to help my anemia because I am also vitamin & mineral deficient as well as all my electrolytes are deficient and I stay dehydrated. I can't eat food except strained baby fruit and you can't get what you need from that so I have to go have IV's of vitamin, minerals & elecrtolytes every 2-3 weeks. Iron deficient will show when the Dr pulls down your lower part of your eye skin, it should be pink but iron deficient show less color, almost white, another way is how long your capillary refil is. Dr's have all kinds of ways of telling and not the same symptoms for sickle cell. Vitamins with iron would be good for you as would beets, spinach, liver (all high in iron) and cooking in an iron skillet. I almost had leukemia as a teen and this is some things the Dr said I had to do to get better. Yes, they can tell in your CBC but only if the Dr orders it. As I said, usually the Dr already knows from your symptoms and physical exam.Health Question & Answer
Yep, anemia is a lack of iron. I have always been borderline because I don't eat enough green veggies. However, I spent a few years in the UK, drank tons of Guiness during that time, which I am told is chock full of iron, and then when I came back to the states, my iron levels were above normal! Go figure!Health Question & Answer
i am anemic also. but its only from not getting enough iron. if you eat more iron you wont be so anemic. i am on iron pills. i just dont like alot of red meats and things of that sort.Health Question & Answer
The person above me mentioned guinness! That beer really has several health benefits....look it up..Health Question & Answer