Anisochromia in the general analysis of blood: what is it? Reasons and treatment

A blood test is a fairly informative diagnostic method, with which you can find out both about the general condition of the body and about the development of pathological processes in various organs and systems of a person. Sometimes the result of the analysis may indicate the presence of anisochromia. What this is and what consequences this condition can lead to, we will consider in the article.

General definition

Anisochromia in a general blood test is a condition in which uneven staining of red blood cells is observed. This is due to the content of hemoglobin in them. The more it is in red blood cells, the more they are of a brighter color. The same red blood cells that do not contain enough hemoglobin look paler. In a blood test, such indicators are defined as color.

The main function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. The more hemoglobin these blood cells contain, the faster oxygen saturation occurs. But everything should be a measure. Therefore, experts have identified the optimal hemoglobin content in red blood cells, allowing to ensure the most efficient operation of the whole organism. Deviation from normal values ​​may indicate the presence of pathological processes.

Norm

Normal levels of hemoglobin in red blood cells depend on the gender of the person and his age. Below is a table of normal values.

Kinds

Anisochromia in the general analysis of blood can manifest itself in the form of normochromia, hypochromia and hyperchromia. Consider these phenomena in more detail:

1. Normochromia is a normal state in which red blood cells have a uniformly pink color with a small spot of light color in the middle.

2. Hypochromia - a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in red blood cells. In this case, there is a violation of the delivery of oxygen to the tissues, which leads to hypoxia of organs. As a rule, anisochromia in a general blood test of this type indicates anemia. Currently, experts distinguish three degrees of hypochromia:

• The middle part of the blood cell is much lighter than the norm.
• Only the periphery of the red blood cell is colored red.
• The red blood cell remains light, only reddening of the cell membrane is observed.

3. Hyperchromia. This type of blood anisochromia indicates an oversaturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin. The blood cell has a bright red color without enlightenment in the middle. The red blood cell itself is enlarged. This condition is quite dangerous, as it can lead to the development of dangerous conditions due to the fact that cells become unable to fulfill their transport function.

Reasons for the condition

Anisochromia in the norm may also be present in an absolutely healthy person, but the percentage of unevenly stained cells is so small that they are practically not detected by a blood test.

The causes of anisochromia in a general blood test will be considered below.

Hypochromia

The reasons are as follows:

• Anemia This is the main reason for the development of this condition. They can be of several types: iron deficiency, iron-saturated (in the body the iron concentration is within normal limits, but under the influence of certain factors it is poorly absorbed by cells) and iron redistribution (develops when red blood cells are destroyed under the influence of various pathological processes).
• Bleeding.
• Pregnancy and adolescence.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Chronic diseases (e.g., bronchitis or heart disease).
• Chronic purulent inflammatory processes occurring in the body.
• Improper nutrition with a lack of protein.
• Taking certain medications.
• Poisoning.

Hyperchromia

The causes of anisochromia in a general blood test, which is defined as hyperchromic, are the following conditions:

• Deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid.
• Intestinal diseases.
• Congenital diseases.
• Hereditary factor.
• Malignant tumors of the stomach or lungs.
• Hepatitis.
• The presence of worms.
• Blood diseases.
• Pathological conditions of the kidneys.
• The consequences of radiation or chemotherapy used in the treatment of leukemia.
• Violations of the normal functioning of the bone marrow.

Symptomatology

Before identifying anisochromia in a general blood test, a person can notice symptoms that indicate the development of this pathological condition. These include:

• Fast fatiguability.
• Decreased concentration.
• Prostration.
• Mood swings.
• Dizziness.
• Heart palpitations for no apparent reason.
• Dyspnea.
• Headache.
• Noise in ears.
• Pallor of the skin.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Hypersensitivity to the skin.
• Hair loss.
• Numbness of the limbs.
• Loss of smell and taste.

If the above symptoms appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible and pass the necessary tests.

Anisochromia in children

Diagnosis of anisochromia in a general blood test in children in most cases indicates the development of anemia. This is a fairly common pathology in childhood, which occurs due to the intensive growth of the body against the background of an underdeveloped blood formation system. Also, this can be contributed by malnutrition and various pathological processes that occur in the body.

The manifestations of pathology include pallor of the skin, some lag in development, lethargy, apathy, the appearance of cracks in the corners of the lips, prolonged and frequent colds.

Parents should closely monitor their children and consult a doctor at the first suspicious signs.

Diagnostics

Anisochromia is detected using a general blood test, in which special attention is paid to the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin. To identify the cause of deviations in the indicators, the following laboratory and instrumental examinations can be assigned:

• Analysis of urine.
• Fecal occult blood test.
• Ultrasound examination of the kidneys.
• Fluorography.
• The study of blood serum for iron content.
• Gynecological examination.
• Bone marrow samples.

Possible treatment

If anisochromia is detected in a blood test, treatment is aimed at eliminating the root cause and removing unpleasant symptoms. In most cases, complex therapy is prescribed, which includes drug treatment, adherence to a certain diet and the use of traditional medicine. It is worth noting that if anisochromia is detected in a general blood test, therapy is prescribed only by the attending physician. Self-medication can aggravate the situation and provoke the development of more serious diseases. Consider the most common treatments.

Medication

In most cases, the following is assigned:

• Iron preparations (for example, Ferrum-Lek, Gemofer, Ferrofolgama and others). When prescribing a drug in the form of a dropper or injection, treatment is carried out in a hospital setting.
• Vitamin B12. As a rule, this drug is prescribed as an injection (for example, "Cyanocobalamin").
• Folic Acid Preparations.

There are combination drugs, including both vitamin B12 and folic acid. For example, Maltofer.

In most cases, the above drugs are prescribed in the form of capsules or tablets. With a complicated degree of anemia, a decision is made to undergo treatment in a hospital.

Diet therapy

If blood anichromy is detected, adherence to a special diet is of great importance for normalizing the condition. Consider the general rules:

• Protein of animal origin must be present in the daily diet.
• It is necessary to limit fat intake.
• The diet should contain the required amount of foods rich in B vitamins.
• It is recommended to use fish, meat and mushroom broths.

The following foods are allowed:

• The eggs.
• Cottage cheese.
• Liver (every other day or every day in small quantities).
• Brewer's yeast.
• Mushrooms.
• Red meat.
• Fish.
• Beet.
• Apples
• Pomegranate juice (can be mixed with beetroot juice or slightly diluted with water).
• Legumes
• Rosehip.
• Currant.
• Pumpkin.

The following products are not recommended:

• Tea.
• Some greens.
• Fatty foods.
• Dairy products.
• Coffee.
• Oatmeal or millet porridge.
• Alcohol

ethnoscience

Folk remedies are used as an additional treatment to the main therapy or preventive measure. The following recipes have proven themselves well:

• Glasses of boiling water brew 10 grams of nettle leaves. Let it brew, then apply three tablespoons 1 tablespoon each.
• Mix dried fruits with honey and take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.

Complications

With untimely treatment of anisochromia initiated or its complete absence, more serious pathological conditions may develop. These include:

• Decreased immunity.
• Liver enlargement.
• Decreased quality of life due to unpleasant manifestations of a pathological condition.
• Growth retardation in children.
• Mental and mental retardation in a child.
• Chronic anemia

It is important to note that if tumor processes, hepatitis and other dangerous diseases have become the cause of revealing anisochromia in the general blood test, the lack of treatment can lead to the development of serious complications.

Conclusion

As a rule, anisochromia is a consequence of other pathological processes that occur in the body. Sometimes a change in diet and lifestyle adjustment can help get rid of the disease. In more serious cases, following the instructions of the attending physician, the prognosis is also positive. You need to listen to your body, visit a doctor in a timely manner and not neglect the prescribed treatment and preventive measures, which include following a certain diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.