Treatment of anemia? 

First make a diagnosis.
The successful treatment of anemias depends on identifying and treating the underlying cause: blood loss, a nutritional deficiency, cancer, bone marrow infiltration, chronic illness, inflammation, or decreased response to erythropoietin. Through laboratory test results and a physical examination, a physician can determine the cause of your anemia and identify the best approach to treating it.

This may include:
1. Nutritional supplements - Iron, B12 or folic acid
2. Treatment of infections, inflammations or malignancies
3. Erythropoietin
4. Blood transfusions Providing red blood cell transfusions for bleeding and/or severe chronic anemias may be lifesaving. Red cell transfusions are the old mainstay, which offers the quickest relief for anemias. However, there are risks associated with transfusions.
A. Allergic reactions
B. Transmissions of infectious agents (hepatitis, HIV, and Human Leukemia Virus (HTLV)
C. HBV (hepatitis B virus): 1 in 63,000
D. HIV (AIDS) risk: 1 in 675,000 (5,000-1,000,000)
E. HIV 2: <1 in 10,000,000
F. HTLV (Human Leukemia Virus): 1 in 641,000
G. The viral risks of blood transfusions have recently been reduced due to a more accurate blood test called NAT (Nucleic Acid Test). This tests specifically for evidence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV)
H. Immune suppression
I. Iron overload from multiple transfusions (usually over 25-50 units of red cells)

Answered by Khursheed at 7:26 PM on March 05, 2008

Treatment of anemia depends on severity and the cause of anemia. Iron deficiency from nutritional causes is rare in non-menstruating adults. The diagnosis of iron deiciency mandates a search for potential sources of loss such as gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers or colon cancers. In case of mild to moderate iron deficiency anemia, treatmen used is iron supplementation with ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate. Vitamin C may aid in the body's ability to absorb iron. Vitamin supplement should also be accomplished with iron for better results. In anemia caused by chronic disease or conditions, anemia associated with chemotherapy or anemia associated with renal disease, recombinant erythropoietin, epoetin alfa, can be used to stimulate red cell production. In severe cases or with ongoing blood loss, a blood transfusion may be needed. In general, blood transfusion is avoided in anemia as it may lead to adverse clinical outcome. Reduction of oxygen delivery associated with anemia leads to adverse clinical outcomes is balanced by the finding that transfusion does not necessarily mitigate these adverse clinical outcomes. In severe, acute bleeding, transfusions of donated blood are often lifesaving.

Answered by MRIDUL BORA at 10:19 PM on March 04, 2008

mainly cause should be defined but in laymans terms you can give supplements of iron and treat the cause alongwith

Answered by rajesh goyl at 9:10 PM on March 04, 2008

well singh it is Your doctor will not treat your anemia until the underlying cause has been established. The treatment for one type of anemia may be both inappropriate and dangerous for another type of anemia.

Anemia Caused by Blood Loss
If you suddenly lose a large volume of blood, you may be treated with fluids, blood transfusion, oxygen, and possibly iron to help your body build new red blood cells. Chronic blood loss is treated by identifying the source of bleeding, stopping the bleeding, and, if necessary, giving treatment for iron-deficiency anemia.

Anemia Caused by Decreased Red Blood Cell Production
The type of treatment you receive depends on the cause of decreased red blood cell production.

With iron deficiency anemia your doctor will probably recommend iron supplements that contain the ferrous form of iron, which your body can absorb easily. Timed-release iron supplements are not a good choice for most people because iron is primarily absorbed in the upper part of the digestive tract. If you use iron supplements, remember the following cautions:

Always consult with your doctor before taking iron supplements. Excess iron intake can be harmful. Symptoms of iron overload include fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, irritability and joint problems.
Iron supplements -- like all supplements and any medication -- should be kept out of the reach of children. Iron poisoning is the most common cause of accidental poisoning in young children. Very few tablets can prove fatal in a matter of hours. Symptoms of poisoning in a child include dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Seek medical help immediately.
Watch for side effects. You may need to continue taking iron supplements for up to one year. Taking iron supplements with food can help prevent common side effects, which may include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Let your doctor know if you continue to have side effects. Different formulations are available.
Watch for medication interactions. Tell your doctor if you are being treated for another condition. For exalmple, calcium supplements interfere with iron absorption so it is best to take them at different times of the day.

Answered by sanjay at 2:56 PM on March 03, 2008

The treatment for anemia depends on the type and cause.

* Iron deficiency anemia is treated with iron (ferrous sulphate) supplements, initially taken three times a day. If nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation occur, the medication may be taken with a little bit of food. Treatment should be continued for three to six months in order for the body to fully replenish its iron supply. As long as excessive bleeding is not present and there are no other complicating factors, the anemia will be corrected within a few weeks. However, if the iron deficiency is caused by blood loss that is not due to menstruation, the source of bleeding must be found and stopped. This may require surgery.

* Pernicious anemia, or vitamin B-12 deficiency, is treated by a life-long course of intramuscular injections of B-12. Persons with this type of anemia receive a shot of B-12 several times a week when first diagnosed. The treatment may continue for life, with one shot about four times a year.

* Folic acid deficiency anemia can be corrected by taking folic acid supplements once a day.

* Hereditary hemolytic anemias, such as thalassemia is treated by first eliminating any existing infections and avoiding medications that suppress the body's immune system. These medications may attack red blood cells. In addition, persons with these types of anemia may require regular blood transfusions.

* Sickle cell anemia patients may be given oxygen, oral and intravenous fluids and pain-killing drugs to reduce pain and prevent complications. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed as well. Sufferers will need blood transfusions when the anemia becomes severe or if misshapen hemoglobin Iron-containing pigment of the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. needs to be replaced. In some cases, a bone marrow The soft tissue occupying the cavities of many bones, including the breastbone. Marrow is of two types: red and yellow. Red marrow is found in spongy bones, yellow is found in the cavities of the long bones. transplant may be effective. Adult patients may be treated with the cancer drug hydroxyurea (brand names Droxia, Hydrea).

* Sometimes rare aplastic anemias and autoimmune hemolytic anemias will respond to steroids. Failure to respond to steroids may require removal of the spleen A dark red, oval organ in the upper left abdominal quadrant posterior. The spleen removes old red blood cells from circulation. A dark red, oval organ in the upper left abdominal quadrant posterior. The spleen removes old red blood cells from circulation. which can become enlarged with defective red blood cells. Aplastic anemias may require blood transfusions and medications to fight infections.

Other treatment options may be appropriate based on the cause of the anemia.

For instance, if the bone marrow has failed because of leukemia, intensive chemotherapy may be required. Bone marrow transplantation may be contemplated if a suitable donor exists.

With proper treatment, many types of anemia can be eliminated, especially those caused by iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency.

Answered by Rekha at 1:30 PM on March 03, 2008

Treatment of Anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia
Treatment will depend upon whether an individual is not getting enough iron in the diet (increase iron intake); not absorbing iron (surgery for celiac sprue, etc.); or losing small amounts over time due to anything from alcoholic gastritis to medication abuse to tumors. The doctor will often recommend iron-rich foods (such as liver, seafood, dried fruits, lima beans, whole grains, green leafy vegetables and blackstrap molasses) or iron pills. In the more severe cases of iron deficiency anemia caused by blood loss, surgery, blood transfusions or hormone injections may be recommended.


Vitamin B12 deficiency

Current treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency consists of a life-long regimen of monthly B-12 injections. Unfortunately, neither diet or iron pills will help, but if diagnosed early a full recovery is promising.


Folic acid deficiency

Treatment is frequently a dietary correction. Main sources of folic acid include meat, poultry, cheese, milk, eggs, liver, green leafy vegetables, raw fruits, lima and kidney beans, and yeast. Folic acid tablets cure the anemia quickly. If intestinal disorders impede folic acid absorption, a supplement may be needed for a time. In rare instances, injections of folic acid are necessary.


Overall treatment considerations

Other therapies for anemia may include oxygen, fluids, fresh frozen plasma, platelet replacement and vasopressors (medication to elevate blood pressure). This will depend upon the underlying cause of the anemia.

Answered by deepa iyer at 9:24 AM on March 03, 2008

There are many different treatments for anemia and the treatment depends on severity and the cause.
Iron deficiency from nutritional causes is rare in non-menstruating adults (men and post-menopausal women). The diagnosis of iron deficiency mandates a search for potential sources of loss such as gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers or colon cancer. Mild to moderate iron deficiency anemia is treated by iron supplementation with ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate. Vitamin C may aid in the body's ability to absorb iron.
Vitamin supplements given orally (folic acid) or subcutaneously (vitamin b-12) will replace specific deficiencies.
In anemia of chronic disease, anemia associated with chemotherapy, or anemia associated with renal disease, some clinicians prescribe recombinant erythropoietin, epoetin alfa, to stimulate red cell production.
In severe cases of anemia, or with ongoing blood loss, a blood transfusion may be necessary

Answered by anitaraizada at 12:28 AM on March 03, 2008