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The Secret of Low Red Blood Cells: Why Does Hypochromic Anemia Make You Feel Tired?
Hypochromic anemia is an anemic condition characterized by red blood cells that are lighter in color than normal. The core problem of this condition is the reduction of hemoglobin content in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the key component in red blood cells that gives them their red color, and when the proportion of this component decreases relative to the volume of the cell, it causes the red blood cells to become lighter in color.
The medical definition of hypochromic anemia is a level where the mean hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of red blood cells is below the normal range.
The most common causes of this anemic state are iron deficiency and thalassemia. In addition to changes in hemoglobin concentration, these red blood cells are also typically smaller, further exacerbating symptoms. Historically, hypochromic anemia was called "green disease" because the patient's skin sometimes showed a unique skin color. In modern medicine, this condition causes many people to face symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and indigestion.
History of hypochromic anemia
As early as 1554, the German doctor Johann Lange described the "maiden's disease", which specifically referred to these symptoms faced by young women. Gender-based perspectives at the time led to misdiagnosis, which was associated with abstinence. As science progressed, the understanding of this disease gradually deepened. In 1615, French doctor Jean Valenda formally defined "chlorosis", which means "pale" or "light green state". .
The definition of "chlorine disease" gradually shifted from a superstitious view to the exploration of its physiological properties, such as the direct impact of hemoglobin deficiency.
In the 19th century, scientists further confirmed the link between this condition and iron deficiency and introduced iron as the drug of choice for treatment. Also, many doctors are beginning to study the effects of growth and menstruation on the female body, noting that this may be an additional challenge for teenage girls.
Acquired and inherited hypochromic anemia
Hypochromic anemia is not limited to iron deficiency and may also occur due to vitamin B6 deficiency, chronic illness or other conditions such as hookworm infection. The category of acquired anemia includes anemia caused by gastrointestinal bleeding or long-term use of certain drugs (such as aspirin).
A typical example of hereditary hypochromic anemia is iron absorption disorder caused by gene mutation, which in turn affects the production of red blood cells.
Patients with this type of anemia often show symptoms of anemia, including pale complexion, fatigue, sluggish growth, and may even suffer from excessive iron accumulation in the liver, leading to damage. Another rare form of anemia, called siderosis, causes low iron levels in the blood, which requires medical professionals to carefully examine the patient's blood composition when making a diagnosis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of hypochromic anemia should not usually be ignored. Patients generally experience persistent fatigue, which directly affects their quality of life. Many people may experience symptoms such as loss of appetite and headaches, which are signs that further examination is needed. Doctors usually diagnose the disease through blood tests, including measuring indicators such as MCH and MCHC to find out the specific condition of red blood cells.
These assessments not only indicate the extent of anemia, but also help identify possible underlying causes.
Treatment and Management
Once diagnosed, treatment usually includes iron supplements and a modified diet. Many experts recommend increasing your intake of iron-rich foods, such as red meat, green leafy vegetables, and beans. At the same time, regular examinations and follow-up are also essential to monitor the improvement of the condition. For some anemias caused by specific causes, more detailed diagnosis and treatment may be needed to target the cause.
It is understandable that although hypochromic anemia is a common health problem, the physiological mechanism behind it should not be underestimated. Understanding the secrets of low red blood cells is an essential step for everyone. Have you ever experienced the fatigue that comes with hypochromic anemia and thought about the impact it has on your life?
