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From teenage girls to anemia: How does the ancient legend of green disease influence modern medicine?
One of the symptoms of anemia is the lighter color of red blood cells. This condition is called hypochromic anemia. The connection between the historical view of hypochromic anemia and modern medicine is thought-provoking. Did the concepts of ancient medicine influence current science, or vice versa?
Hypochromic anemia is a disease caused by insufficient heme (an important component that makes blood red) in red blood cells. It usually appears as light-colored red blood cells that are different from the biconcave disc shape of normal red blood cells. .
Mainstream diagnostic indicators include mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Taking MCHC as an example, if it is lower than the normal reference range of 33-36 g/dL, it can usually be diagnosed as hypochromic anemia. This state often occurs in conditions such as iron deficiency or thalassemia.
Ancient names and treatments
Hypochromic anemia was historically known as the "green disease". The name reflects the unique skin color that patients may develop. The female doctor Johannes Lange called this disease "virgin disease" in 1554 and believed that most patients were virgins. He also said that this disease would cause symptoms such as general weakness and shortness of breath.
This discussion of the cause leads to an interesting and slightly bizarre treatment suggestion: Why not resolve the condition by living with someone of the opposite sex? Some doctors once claimed that the disease could be completely cured if one could get pregnant.
As the times progress, medical concepts have also changed. The 17th-century French physician Jean Valanda gave the disease a more scientific name, "chlorine disease," and researchers have discovered that iron plays an important role in treating it. Medical literature in the 18th century began to clearly link this anemia to a lack of iron intake.
Causes and modern perspectives
In current medical research, there are many causes of hypochromic anemia, including low-iron diet, indigestion, chronic diseases, etc. In addition, certain parasitic infections or medications may worsen anemia. For example, lead poisoning or some patients who use aspirin for a long time may cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding and further aggravate anemia.
This type of anemia is not limited to iron deficiency, but may also result in abnormalities in the shape and function of red blood cells due to microcytic anemia. This reminds us that the level reached by modern science and technology and medical understanding has become more and more detailed and comprehensive.
New findings also emerged about the genetic pattern of the disease. In the case of certain genetic defects, even patients with severe anemia can face iron overdose. This means that the cause of this disease is not only the content of heme, but also the comprehensive result of human physiology and genetics.
Conclusion
From ancient times to the present, the explanation and treatment of hypochromic anemia have undergone many evolutions, reflecting human beings' in-depth exploration of health and disease. By studying ancient legends, we can not only better understand the origins of disease, but also consider how these historical insights can inspire future medical innovations.
However, with current medical technology, have we ignored those questions that have not been fully answered in ancient wisdom?
