Patients suffering from anemia have low red blood cells in their body. This creates a problem for the blood cells while supplying oxygen to the various bodily tissues. Because of this, patients who suffer from anemia constantly feel weak and tired.

Anemia is a disease with many types, namely iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia, and aplastic anemia. Let’s look at the treatments for each.

Iron deficiency anemia

In order to treat iron deficiency anemia, doctors ask their patients to take iron supplements. Each patient will need a different strength of dosage. To increase the chances of the patients’ body absorbing the iron tablets, doctors suggest taking the tablets when patients are on an empty stomach, and also to take the tablets with a vitamin C supplement. Also, doctors advise against having the iron tablet along with medications for relieving heartburn.

Thalassemia

Severe forms of thalassemia require treatments that include lifelong blood transfusions. Some patients may be advised bone marrow transplant to eliminate the need for transfusions. Chelation therapy is given to cope with the excess iron in the blood that may come with the thalassemia treatment. Mild thalassemia does not require medical treatment.

Sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia has no cure. The treatment of sickle cell anemia involves managing the condition to minimize pain and improve the overall quality of life for the patient. As part of the treatment, medicines are given to deal with pain. Some of the medicines that are commonly prescribed for pain include hydroxyurea, Crizanlizumab, and certain narcotics. Blood transfusions may also be prescribed for patients. At a later stage, they may require a stem cell transplant. This is a risky procedure, and usually only permitted for children with severe symptoms. Penicillin is also prescribed to infants with anemia.

Vitamin deficiency anemia

Vitamin deficiency anemia is treated with the help of folic acid supplements, vitamin C tablets, and vitamin D injections.

Aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia is generally treated with the help of blood transfusions that supplement the patient with new red blood cells and platelets. Other treatments may include immunosuppressants and bone marrow transplant. Patients may also be given antiviral and antibiotic medicines depending on their requirement. Cancer patients may develop aplastic anemia as a result of chemotherapy treatment. This usually resolves on its own once chemotherapy stops.

Home remedies for anemia

Fortunately, there are many steps that we can take to supplement the role of medicines in fighting anemia. Some of the home remedies to tackle anemia are:

• Increase intake of iron-rich foods such as figs, tofu, soy, broccoli, spinach, nuts, and dates.
• Consume more folate from foods such as peanuts, lettuce, spinach, and avocados.
• Increase intake of beta-carotene, and vitamin A, and vitamin C as these help your body absorb iron well.
• Ask your doctor for iron and folate supplements to improve your health.

Iron supplements should only be taken with a doctor’s prescription as excessive iron is bad for your health. The doctor will know the right dosage required by you depending on your medical health and severity of deficiency.