Treat Hyperchromic Anemia
Hyperchromic anemia is a condition where the red cell count is low, but the cells themselves are abnormally large and carry abnormally large amounts of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen around the body. Because body tissues and organs are not getting enough oxygen, they do not work as well as they should. You are pale, tire easily, have trouble concentrating, are short of breath and may experience neurological problems, chest pain or heart rhythm problems. accounts for 7 percent of the anemias in the United States. The condition is more common in older people but can also occur in children.
Instructions
1. Visit your doctor and find out what is causing your hyperchromic anemia. This condition can have many causes including a poor diet, pernicious anemia, difficulty absorbing or storing nutrients from food, problems producing red cells, gastrointestinal disturbances, impaired liver function, pregnancy, underactive thyroid, leukemia, alcoholism, and problems maintaining enough functioning red cells. Tell your doctor what medications you are taking. Once your doctor knows what is causing the problem, he will be better able to treat it.
2. Follow your doctor's instructions. Your doctor will probably start you on vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements immediately because hyperchromic anemia typically is the result of a vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. Prompt early treatment is important to prevent neurological problems. Initially you will receive vitamin B12 by injection. After awhile you will be switched to the oral medication, which you will have to take for the rest of your life. Folic acid is given in pill form.
3. Receive a blood transfusion. In the rare case your hyperchromic anemia is severe and life-threatening, you will need a transfusion.
4. Eat a diet high in vitamin B12 and folic acid. Rich sources of include asparagus, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, lemons, bananas, melons, liver and mushrooms. You should avoid overcooking your food or cooking foods in a lot of water because that destroys the folic acid. If you are a vegetarian, your doctor will want you to include dairy products and eggs in your diet to make sure you get enough vitamin B12.
5. See a specialist. If your hyperchromic anemia does not respond to treatment, you may be referred to a hematologist, neurologist or gastroenterologist for further testing. Children who don't respond should be referred to a pediatrician who specializes in children with inborn errors.
Tags: folic acid, hyperchromic anemia, vitamin folic, , your doctor, your hyperchromic
