- 1. Sickle cell anemia
- 2. Iron deficiency anemia
- Feed to increase iron
- 3. Megaloblastic and pernicious anemia
- 4. Hemolytic anemia
- 5. Aplastic anemia
The treatment for anemia varies according to what is causing the disease, and may include taking medication, supplementation or an iron-rich diet, for example.
In the most severe cases, in which it is not possible to control anemia using these simpler forms, the doctor may suggest a blood or even bone marrow transfusion. However, these cases are rare and usually occur due to genetic diseases.
1. Sickle cell anemia
In this type of anemia, there is a genetic alteration that alters the shape of red blood cells, decreasing their ability to carry oxygen. Since it is not possible to correct the genetic change, treatment is usually done with the administration of oxygen and blood transfusions to regulate the levels of normal red blood cells in the blood.
In addition, the doctor may also prescribe the use of painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Diclofenac, to relieve the pain caused by this type of anemia.
In the most severe cases, in which it is very difficult to control anemia, treatments for cancer, such as bone marrow transplantation or anti-cancer drugs, such as Hydroxyurea, may also be used. Learn more about the treatment of this type of anemia.
2. Iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when iron levels in the body are very low, preventing proper production of red blood cells. Thus, treatment is done with iron supplements and dietary changes.
Feed to increase iron
To increase iron levels and treat iron deficiency anemia, it is advisable to increase the consumption of foods such as:
- Red meats in general; Kidneys, liver or chicken heart; Shellfish and seafood; Black beans; Beets; Chard; Broccoli; Spinach.
After consuming any of these foods, it is recommended to immediately consume some vitamin C source food to increase iron absorption, for example. Find out more about how to eat in this type of anemia.
3. Megaloblastic and pernicious anemia
These two types of anemia happen due to a marked decrease in the levels of vitamin B12 in the body, being treated with supplements of this vitamin and a diet richer in vitamin B12.
However, in some cases, this lack of vitamin B12 can happen due to the lack of intrinsic factor, which is a substance present in the stomach that guarantees the absorption of vitamin B12. In such cases, it is necessary to make injections of the vitamin directly into the vein, because if it is ingested, it will not be absorbed. These injections can be maintained for life.
Here are some important tips from our nutritionist to treat a lack of vitamin B12:
See also a list of foods that help treat vitamin B12 deficiency.
4. Hemolytic anemia
To treat hemolytic anemia, which happens due to the destruction of red blood cells by antibodies, the doctor generally recommends the use of drugs that reduce the action of the immune system, such as Cyclosporine and Cyclophosphamide, reducing the destruction caused by antibodies.
In the most severe cases, it may still be necessary to have surgery to remove a piece of the spleen, as this organ is responsible for the destruction of blood cells.
Learn more about this type of anemia.
5. Aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia is an autoimmune disease that affects the bone marrow, reducing the production of red blood cells. In these cases, your doctor may recommend blood transfusions to improve red blood cell levels, but you may also need to have a bone marrow transplant, especially if the bone marrow is no longer able to produce healthy blood cells.
