Hypochromia disease - what is it?

Not all of us can understand medical terms. For example, hypochromia - what is it? This will be discussed in this article.

You should be aware that such a diagnosis is made only on the basis of a laboratory study. So, hypochromia in a blood test (general): what does this mean? First, find out what this term means.

Hypochromia - what is it?

This is a condition characterized by insufficient hemoglobin in red blood cells. Another name for this phenomenon is hypochromic anemia. To establish a diagnosis, in addition to the level of hemoglobin, a color indicator is also studied. In normal condition, it is in the range of 0.85-1.05 and displays the amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cell. If the color index is less than 0.8, then hypochromia is diagnosed. Also, this diagnosis can be confirmed by a change in the size and shape of red blood cells. With hypochromia, they take the form of a ring, dark at the edges and light in the center. The following types of hypochromic anemia are distinguished:

• iron deficiency;

• iron redistribution;

• iron saturated;

• mixed type.

Symptoms of the disease

Manifestations of hypochromic anemia depend on the severity of the disease. If the hemoglobin content is 90 g / l according to the results of the analyzes, then the first degree of severity is determined, 70-90 g / l - the second degree of disease severity, below 70 g / l - anemia of the third degree of severity.

The main signs of the disease, common to all hypochromic anemia:

• dizziness;

• dyspnea;

• weakness;

• heart palpitations;

• pallor of the skin and mucous membranes;

• fatigue;

• irritability.

When the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to conduct a blood test, according to the results of which the diagnosis of hypochromia will be confirmed or refuted. What is it and what treatment is needed - an experienced specialist will tell you. The main thing is not to delay the visit to the doctor and not to self-medicate. Since it can cost you health, and in some cases life.

Hypochromia: causes

A variety of phenomena can provoke hypochromic anemia:

• chronic or prolonged bleeding;

• impaired absorption of iron by the body during enteritis or in the postoperative period;

• conditions in which the need for iron increases (pregnancy, breastfeeding);

• malnutrition with insufficient consumption of meat;

• intoxication with chemical poisons of industrial production;

• taking certain medications.

  

Hypochromia treatment

Therapy of the disease consists primarily in eliminating the causes and treating the underlying ailment that led to this pathology.

If bleeding is the cause of hypochromia, then it is stopped using a conservative or surgical method. If the pathology is associated with diseases of the digestive tract, then it is necessary to conduct their treatment. During pregnancy, special iron preparations are prescribed to prevent anemia. If the lack of hemoglobin in the body is associated with improper nutrition, then a specific diet is prescribed - with a high content of meat products. Regardless of the cause of the disease, the patient is prescribed iron preparations, which must be taken for a long time (up to six months). If a severe degree of hypochromia is diagnosed, then an intravenous infusion of iron, red blood cells, and vitamins is performed. When iron-saturated anemia is detected, as well as with redistributive anemia, taking iron preparations is inappropriate, as this will contribute to the accumulation of excess iron in tissues and organs. Treatment in this case involves the use of vitamin B6.

Hypochromia - what is it? You learned the answer to the question after reading this article.