Anemia is a condition where there are low red blood cell counts or hemoglobin levels. It is very common in India, affecting adults and children of both sexes. The main types are iron deficiency, megaloblastic, and hemolytic anemias. Causes include blood loss, poor diet, infections, and genetic disorders. Symptoms vary depending on severity but can include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure hemoglobin and iron levels. Treatment focuses on iron supplements, diet changes, and blood transfusions for severe cases. Prevention strategies center around balanced nutrition, supplements, and addressing underlying causes like parasites.

1. SHREE SAPTHAGIRI INSTITUTEOF NURSING SCIENCES HOSAPETE
Topic: ANEMIA

2. Introduction
 Anemia is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions and if left
untreated, can have many serious implications such as
cardiovascular disease and compromised immune functions.
 According to WHO estimates, India is one of the countries in the
world that has highest prevalence of anemia.
 Statistics reveal that one in every five maternal death is directly
due to anemia
 Anemia affects both adults and children of both sexes, although
pregnant women and adolescent girls are most susceptible and
most affected by this disease.

3. Definition
Anemia : An – Without, emia - Blood
Qualitative and quantitative reduction of
red blood cells (RBCs) is called Anemia

4. Classification
1. Iron Deficiency Anemia:
 Excessive Loss of iron
 Women are at risk because of blood loss during menstrual
period and growth of fetus during pregnancy.
2. Megaloblastic Anemia
 Less intake of Vitamin B12 and folic acid
 Bone marrow produces abnormal RBC
3. Pernicious Anemia
 Inability of stomach and small intestine to absorb Vitamin
B12.

5. Classification
4. Hemorrhagic anemia
 Excessive loss of RBC through bleeding, menstruation etc.
5. Hemolytic anemia
 Rupture of RBC plasma membrane
a. Thalassemia ( Less synthesis of haemoglobin)
b. Sickle cell anemia ( It is hereditary blood disorder characterized
by abnormal RBCs usually in sickle shape)
6. Aplastic anemia
 Destruction of red bone marrow caused by toxins, gamma
radiations

6. Causes
GI Bleeding
Menorrhagia
Persistent hematuria
Intravascular hemolytic disorders
Parasitic infections
Accidents
Vegetarian diet

7. Causes
Poor socio economic status
Multiparity
Teenage Pregnancy
Menstrual Problems
Surgery
Medications like antacids

8. Signs and Symptoms

9. Diagnostic Evaluation

10. Diagnostic Evaluation
History Collection for dietary habits, socio economic
status, previous surgery etc.
Physical Examination
CBC
 Hemoglobin
Men : 14 – 18 mg/dl
Women: 12 – 16 mg/dl
 Hematocrit (Packed Cell Volume)
Men : 42 – 52 mg/dl
Women: 36 – 48 mg/dl

11. Diagnostic Evaluation
Stool occult blood
Serum iron level (60 to 170mg/dl)
Serum Ferritin level (10 to 120ng/ml)
Peripheral blood smear
Bone marrow aspiration

12. Management
Find out the specific cause of anemia
Assess the patient activities and severity of
anemia
Monitoring vital signs
Iron and vitamin B12 supplements
Folic acid in dose of 5mg daily is effective
Diet: High protein and high calorie diet

13. Management
Hospitalization in case of severe anemia
to prevent further complications.
Administration of Injection Iron sucrose
infusion
Administration of oxygen if necessary

14. Management
Transfusion of packed cell volume if
the patient Hb level is less than
5mg/dl
Bone marrow transplantation if
abnormal production of RBCs

15. Prevention and control of anemia
 Balanced diet Rich in Iron, vitamins and
minerals
 Green leafy vegetables and fruits, grains
(wheat,jawar, jaggery,dried fruits and
ground nuts)
 Vitamin C rich foods (amla, oranges,
lemon) helps in absorption of iron

16. Prevention and control of anemia
Anemia in adolescents can be prevented by
regular consumption of iron and folic acid
tablets once a week, ideally 52 tablets in a
year
Prevention and treatment of hookworm
infestations: De-worming reduces worm
load and blood loss and prevents anemia
Consult doctor regularly and when problems
arise