Home

HIV/ AIDS

What is HIV ?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS, a health condition in which a person is affected by a series of diseases because of poor immunity. HIV by itself is not an illness and does not instantly lead to AIDS. An HIV infected person can lead a healthy life for several years before s/he develops AIDS.

What is AIDS ?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Acquired means that the disease is not hereditary but develops after birth from contact with a disease causing agent (in this case, HIV).

Immunodeficiency means that the disease is characterized by a weakening of the immune system.

Syndrome refers to a group of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease. In this case of AIDS this can include the development of certain infections and/ or cancers, as well as a decrease in the number of certain cells in a persons immune system.

How does HIV cause AIDS ?

HIV destroys a certain kind of blood cell (CD4+ T  cells) which is crucial to the normal function of the human immune system. In fact, loss of these cells in people with HIV is an extremely powerful predictor of the development of AIDS. Studies of thousands of people have revealed that most people infected with HIV carry the virus for years before damage is done to the immune system for AIDS to develop.

How does HIV attack the immune system ?

Once HIV enters the body, it gets attached to a type of white blood cell called T lymphocyte (which is the T cell in the human body's protection against infections). The RNA (genetic material) of the virus then gets converted to DNA (genetic material) by an enzyme that the virus produces. This viral DNA then gets incorporated into the DNA of the human cell (T lymphocyte), and remains there for the lifetime of that cell. This infected cell now becomes a virus factory producing more viruses (HIV) which bud out of the cell, attack new T lymphocytes, and destroy them. Over a period of years, the T cell count of the infected person drops to a critical level and the individual develops many opportunistic infections and hence is then said to have AIDS.

Opportunistic infections are caused by bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites. Some of the common opportunistic infections that affect HIV positive persons are: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), Tuberculosis (TB), Salmonellosis, Bacillary Angiomatosis (all caused by bacteria); Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Viral hepatitis, Herpes, Human papillomavirus (HPV), Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) (caused by virus); Candidiasis, Cryptococcal meningitis (caused by fungus) and Pneumocystis Carinii pneumonia (PCP). Toxoplasmosis. Cryptosporidiosis (caused by parasites). HIV positive persons are also prone to cancers like Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma.

What is the difference between a person infected with HIV and one who has AIDS?

A person living with HIV (medically known as an HIV positive person) is one who has virus in his/her body. Such a person, remains infected and is presumed infective for the rest of his/her life. However, s/he will appear to be perfectly normal and healthy and asymptomatic for many years. An asymptomatic HIV infected person does not have Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). But when an HIV positive person's T lymphocytes (which are responsible for the immunity) count falls to 200 or less, s/he starts developing symptoms for eg. cough, fever, diarrhoea, skin lesions, etc. They are due to opportunistic infections (so called because they develop when the body's immunity becomes deficient) like TB, Thrush, Pneumonia, Cryptococcal meningitis, etc. All persons with AIDS are infected with HIV, but not all persons with HIV infection have AIDS. AIDS is only the end stage of this infection.

How does HIV differ from other viruses that infect human beings?



HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. As the name suggests it only causes disease in humans, which leads to the depletion of white blood cells leading to lowering of immunity. Once the virus enters the body it lies dormant for many years and hence is known as a 'slow virus'. Most other viruses for example, those causing measles, mumps, chicken pox, etc., manifest the disease in 14-21 days after it enters the body. Hence the incubation period is short (2-3 weeks) whereas in HIV infection it is very long and runs into years. 

How does a person get infected with the HIV virus?

Unprotected sex: If a person engages in sexual intercourse with an infected person without using a condom, s/he can get infected.

Sharing of needles: If a person shares the needle or syringe used by/on an infected person, either for injecting drugs or drawing blood or for any other purpose involving piercing, s/he can get infected. Instruments used for piercing and tattooing also carry a small risk of infection.

Unsafe blood: A person can get the infection, if he/she is given transfusion of infected blood.

  

Improperly sterilized hospital tools: If surgical devices like syringes and scalpels, or even certain instruments, used on an infected person, are used on another person without proper sterilization, they can transmit the infection.

  

Parent to Child: An HIV positive mother can transmit the virus to child during pregnancy or birth. Breast milk can also act as a transmission-medium.

Does HIV spread through casual contact?

No, HIV is not transmitted by day-to-day contact in the workplace, schools, or social settings. HIV is not transmitted through shaking hands, hugging or a casual kiss. You cannot get infected from a toilet seat, a drinking fountain, a doorknob, dishes, drinking glasses, food or pets.

HIV is not an airborne or food-borne virus, and it does not live long outside the body.

Is there a connection between HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases?

Yes, having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can increase a person’s risk of becoming infected with HIV, whether the STRD causes open sores or breaks in the skin (like syphilis, herpes, chancroid) or does not cause breaks in the skin (like chalmydia, gonorrhea).

If the STD infection causes irritation of the skin, breaks or sores may make it easier for HIV to enter the body during sexual contact. Even when the STD causes no breaks or open sores, the infection can stimulate an immune response in the genital area that can make HIV transmission more likely.

Can HIV spread through mosquitoes ?



No, when an insect bites a person, it does not inject its own or a previously bitten person’s or animal’s blood into the next person. Rather, it injects saliva, which acts as a lubricant so the insect can feed efficiently. HIV lives for only a short time inside an insect and, unlike organisms that are transmitted via insect bites, HIV does not reproduce (and does not survive) in insects. Thus, even if the virus enters a mosquito or another insect, the insect does not become infected and cannot transmit HIV to the next human it bites.

How is HIV diagnosed ?

 

In the early stages of infection, HIV often causes no symptoms and the infection can be diagnosed only by testing a person's blood. Two tests are available to diagnose HIV infection - one that looks for the presence of antibodies produced by the body in response to HIV and the other that looks for the virus itself.



Antibodies are proteins produced by the body whenever a disease threatens it. When the body is infected with HIV, it produces antibodies specific to HIV. The first test, called ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay), looks for such antibodies in blood.

 

If antibodies are present, the test gives a positive result. A positive test has to be confirmed by another test called Western Blot or Immunoflouroscent Assay (IFA). A person infected with HIV is termed HIV- positive or seropositive.

 

The HIV- antibodies generally do not reach detectable levels in the blood till about three months after infection. Some times, the antibodies might take even six months to show up.

The second test is called PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which looks for HIV itself in the blood. This test, which recognizes the presence of the virus' genetic material in the blood, can detect the virus within a few days of infection. 

There are also tests like Radio Immuno Precipitation Assay (RIPA), a confirmatory blood test that may be used when antibody levels are difficult to detect or when Western Blot test results are uncertain. Other available tests are Rapid Latex Agglutination Assay, a simplified, inexpensive blood test that may prove useful in medically disadvantaged areas where there is a high prevalence of HIV infection, and p24 Antigen Capture Assay.

What are the early symptoms of HIV infection?

 

Many people do not develop any symptoms when they first become infected with HIV. Some people, however, get a flu-like illness within three to six weeks after exposure to the virus. This illness, called Acute HIV Syndrome, may include fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea and enlarged lymph nodes (organs of the immune system that can be felt in the neck, armpits and groin). These symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken for another viral infection.

 

During this period, the quantity of the virus in the body will be high and it spreads to different parts, particularly the lymphoid tissue. At this stage, the infected person is more likely to pass on the infection to others. The viral quantity then drops as the body's immune system launches an orchestrated fight.

 

More persistent or severe symptoms may not surface for several years, even a decade or more, after HIV first enters the body in adults, or within two years in children born with the virus. This period of "asymptomatic" infection varies from individual to individual. Some people may begin to have symptoms as soon as a few months, while others may be symptom-free for more than 10 years. However, during the "asymptomatic" period, the virus will be actively multiplying, infecting, and killing cells of the immune system.

 

What are the later symptoms of HIV/AIDS ?

 

  • Lack of energy
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent fevers and sweats
  • A thick, whitish coating of the tongue or mouth (thrush) that is caused by a yeast infection and sometimes accompanied by a sore throat
  • Severe or recurring vaginal yeast infections
  • Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or severe and frequent infections like herpes zoster
  • Periods of extreme and unexplained fatigue that may be combined with headaches, lightheadedness, and/or dizziness
  • Rapid loss of more than 10 pounds of weight that is not due to increased physical exercise or dieting
  • Bruising more easily than normal
  • Long-lasting bouts of diarrhoea
  • Swelling or hardening of glands located in the throat, armpit, or groin
  • Periods of continued, deep, dry coughing
  • Increasing shortness of breath
  • The appearance of discoloured or purplish growths on the skin or inside the mouth
  • Unexplained bleeding from growths on the skin, from mucous membranes, or from any opening in the body
  • Recurring or unusual skin rashes
  • Severe numbness or pain in the hands or feet, the loss of muscle control and reflex, paralysis or loss of muscular  strength
  • An altered state of consciousness, personality change, or mental deterioration
  • Children may grow slowly or fall sick frequently. HIV positive persons are also found to be more vulnerable to some    cancers.

Is there treatment against HIV and AIDS ?

 

Till today, there is no conclusive treatment to eliminate HIV from the body; however, timely treatment of opportunistic infections can keep one healthy for many years. The commonly available treatment for AIDS is the treatment against opportunistic infections. Normally standard treatment regimens, used against such infections in non-HIV patients, also work well with the HIV-positive persons. If properly treated, almost all the opportunistic infections can be contained.

 

However, during the last decade, researchers have developed powerful drugs that check the replication of the virus at various levels. Called Antiretroviral drugs, they are available in three classes and under various brands. Taken in combinations (called cocktail or combination therapy) under specialised medical advice, these drugs drastically reduce the viral load in blood. However, they do not permanently cure one of HIV. This line of treatment, called HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) has resulted in a huge reduction or AIDS-related deaths. Though many positive persons and caregivers have welcomed these drugs, others have experienced serious side effects. They are also very expensive and are out of reach for a majority of the infected people. But of late, the prices have been steeply falling.

What about vaccines ?

 

More than a dozen HIV vaccines are currently being tested. As of now, there is no vaccine to prevent HIV infection.

What is Parent to Child Transmission ?

 

Babies born to mothers infected with HIV may or may not be infected with the virus, but all carry their mothers' antibodies to HIV for several months after birth. If these babies lack symptoms, a definitive diagnosis of HIV infection using standard antibody tests cannot be made until after 15 months of age. By then, the babies are unlikely to still carry their mothers' antibodies and will have produced their own, if they are infected. New technologies to detect HIV itself are being used to more accurately determine HIV infection in infants between ages 3 months and 15 months. A number of blood tests are being evaluated to determine if they can diagnose HIV infection in babies younger than 3 months.

The experience of infected people during the last two decades has shown that HIV is not the "end of the world" and that there is good quality life for several more years. Taking care of one's health, keeping in mind one's vulnerability to diseases, and a positive attitude have been found to be very useful. New drugs and vaccine efforts also offer considerable hope to infected and affected individuals and their families. Several NGOs/CBOs, government organisations, public and private institutions offer ongoing support to people in need.

 

Can HIV be transmitted through breastfeeding ?

Yes, the virus has been found in breast milk in low concentrations and studies have shown that children of HIV-infected mothers can get HIV infection through breast milk.

 

What should one do if found HIV positive ?

 

  • Consult a clinician experienced in treating HIV/AIDS.
  • Protect your sex partner(s) from HIV by following safe-sex guidelines.
  • Inform sex partner(s) who may also be infected.
  • Do not share needles.
  • Get psychological support from a counsellor and/or join a support group for people with HIV.
  • Get information and social and legal support from AIDS service organisations.
  • Don't share your HIV status with people who do not need to know. Only tell people you can count on for support. Think about whom do you want to share your HIV status with.
  • Maintain a strong immune system with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical examinations.
  • Consider using antiretroviral therapies that may slow the progress of the infection in consultation with a qualified physician..

How can one prevent oneself from getting infected with HIV ?

 

Since there is no effective vaccine and no cure for HIV, the only way to protect oneself is prevention. People should either abstain from having sex or use latex condoms. Only condoms made of latex should be used, and whenever necessary only water-based lubricants should be used. People who are allergic to latex can use polyurethane condoms. Although some laboratory evidence shows that spermicides can kill HIV, there is no conclusive evidence if it can prevent transmission. The risk of HIV transmission from a pregnant woman to her baby is significantly reduced if she takes AZT during pregnancy, labour and delivery, and her baby takes it for the first six weeks of life. Nevirapine is also found to be useful. But, one should seek expert medical assistance in such situations.

Having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can increase manifold a person's chances of getting HIV through sexual contact. So, it is necessary to treat STD as soon as one suspects infection.

What is the history of HIV in India ?

  • 1986 – First case of HIV identified in Chennai.
  • 1990 – HIV levels among groups designated high risk like sex workers and STD clinic attendants in Maharashtra and amongst injecting drug users in Manipur reaches over 5%.
  • 1994 – HIV no longer restricted to high risk groups in Maharashtra, but spreading into the general population. HIV also spreading to the states of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu where high risk groups have over 5% HIV relevance.
  • 1998 – Rapid HIV spread in the four large southern states, not only in groups designated high risk but also in the general population where it has reached over 1%. Infection rate among antenatal women reaches 3.3% in Namakkal in Tamil Nadu and 5.3% in Churachandpur in Manipur. Among IDUs in Churachandpur it crosses 76% and in Mumbai, 64.4%.
  • 1999 – The infection rate in antenatal women in Namakkal rises to 6.5%. About 60% of the sex workers in the same areas in Mumbai are infected. Infection rates among STD patients have reached up to 30% in Andhra Pradesh and 14-60% in Maharashtra. About 64.4% IDUs at one of the sites in Mumbai and 68.4% in Churachandpur are infected.
  • 2001 – Infection crosses 1% in 6 states. These states account for 75% of the country’s estimated HIV cases. The Prime Minister addresses the Chief Ministers of high prevalence states and urges them to intensify prevention activities.
  • 2003 – Increase of about 6 lakh infections (4.58 million). This increase noticed primarily in Karnataka, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. There is no significant increase in HIV infections in the country. India continues to be in the category of low prevalence countries with overall prevalence of less than 1%.
  • 2005 – NACO reports 5.13 million infections.        

4. RTI/ STI

What is Reproductive tract infection (RTI) ?

Reproductive tract infection (RTI) are infections that affect the reproductive tract, which is part of the Reproductive System. For females, reproductive tract infections can be in either the upper reproductive tract (fallopian tubes, ovary and uterus), and the lower reproductive tract (vagina, cervix and vulva); for males these infections are at the penis, testicles, urethra or the sperm tube. The three types of reproductive tract infections are endogenous infections, latrogenic infections and the more commonly known sexually transmitted infections. Each has its own specific causes and symptoms, caused by a bacterium, virus, fungus or other organism. Some infections are easily treatable and can be cured, some are more difficult, and some are non curable.

What is Endogenous infection ?

Endogenous infectionsare probably the most common RTIs worldwide. They result

from an overgrowth of organisms normally present in the vagina. Endogenous infections

include bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis. These infections can be easily treated and cured.

What is Iatrogenic infection ?

Iatrogenic infectionsoccur when the cause of infection (a bacterium or other micro-organism) is introduced into the reproductive tract through a medical procedure such as menstrual regulation, induced abortion and the insertion of an IUD or during childbirth. This can happen if surgical instruments used during the procedure have not been properly sterilized, or if an infection that was already present in the lower reproductive tract is pushed through the cervix into the upper reproductive tract.

What is Sexually transmitted infection ?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasitic microorganisms that are transmitted through sexual activity with an infected partner. About 30 different sexually transmitted infections have been identified, some of which are easily treatable, many of which are not. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is perhaps the most serious sexually transmitted infection as it eventually leads to death. STIs affect both men and women, and can also be transmitted from mothers to children during pregnancy and childbirth.

What are the signs and symptoms of RTI in a woman ?

  • Most women may experience no symptoms at all, but she should seek medical advice if she has:
  • Vaginal Discharge- clear, cloudy or foul smelling.
  • Urinary problems- burning and pain.
  • Itching in the genital area.
  • Lower abdominal pain.
  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Irregular/painful periods.
  • Ulcer/Wart/Swelling in genital area.

 

How are RTIs transmitted in a woman ?

  • Some RTI can be sexually transmitted .
  • Some of them may be carried by unsafe abortion procedure.
  • By IUCD insertion by untrained workers, without aseptic precaution.
  • RTI can be caused if personal hygiene is not maintained.
  • RTI can be caused if clean sanitary protection is not observed (e.g. using unwashed clothes and unsterilised cotton wool packed in vagina).
  • RTI can be caused by infection from other parts of the body (endogenous/UTI).

 

What behaviors influence transmission of RTI in a woman ?

  • Not using clean sanitary protection.
  • Not maintaining personal hygiene.
  • Getting unsafe abortion done by an unqualified practitioner.
  • IUCD insertion by untrained workers without aseptic precaution.
  • Improper/Incomplete treatment of UTI.

 

What are the complications of RTI in a woman ?

  • Chronic abdominal pain, ill health & Anaemia.
  • Infertility.
  • Ectopic pregnancy-tubal pregnancy.
  • Spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, premature births.
  • Blindness or serious infections in infants.

 

What to do if a woman thinks she has RTI ?

  • Don't be afraid or ashamed-seek medical advice immediately. The sooner you get yourself examined the better the chances of cure.
  • Consult a qualified doctor.
  • Complete the treatment.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of STI?

WOMAN:

Most women may experience no symptoms at all, but she should seek medical advice if she has:

  • Vaginal Discharge- clear, cloudy or foul smelling.
  • Urinary problems- burning and pain.
  • Itching in the genital area.
  • Ulcer/Wart/Swelling in genital area.
  • Lower abdominal pain.
  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Irregular/painful periods.

MAN:

Most men may experience no symptoms at all, but he should seek medical advice if he has:

  • History of unprotected sexual contact outside wedlock.
  • Any lesions on the penis.
  • Tenderness or lump in the groin
  • Uretheral discharge of pus.
  • Burning, pain while passing urine.
  • Itching in genital area.
  • Ulcers, erosion and swelling around the external genitalia.
  • Fever in acute phase.

How are STIs transmitted ?

WOMAN:

  • The main mode of transmission is through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner (heterosexual or homosexual).
  • Syphilis can be spread by an infected blood transfusion.
  • Syphilis and Gonorrhea can be passed from mother to baby, before birth or during delivery. The babies may be born sick or even dead.

MAN:

  • The main mode of transmission is through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner (heterosexual or homosexual).
  • Syphilis can be transmitted by infected blood transfusion.

What behaviors influence transmission of STI ?

WOMEN:

  • Unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple sexual partners.
  • Not informing partners if you have STI.
  • Having sex with 'casual partners', whose other contacts are not known.
  • Continuing to have unprotected sex while having symptoms of STI.
  • Not completing treatment or having sex with an infected partner during the course of treatment.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

MEN:

  • Unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple sexual partners.
  • Recent change of partner.
  • Not informing partners if you have STI.
  • Having sex with 'casual partners', whose other contacts are not known, and whose status of STI is not known.
  • Continuing to have unprotected sex while having symptoms of STI.
  • Not completing the treatment or having sex with an infected partner during the course of treatment.

What are the complications of STI ?

WOMEN:

  • Chronic abdominal pain and ill health
  • Anaemia
  • Infertility
  • Ectopic pregnancy-tubal pregnancy
  • Spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, premature births
  • Blindness or serious infections in infants.
  • STI clients are more likely to get AIDS
  • Strained marital relations.

MEN:

  • Infection in any part of the genital tract
  • Blockage of urethra
  • Erosion of genitalia
  • Central nervous system may be affected causing headache
  • Chronic inflammation of lymph nodes
  • Enlargement of genitalia
  • in different stages can cause rash, malaise, fever, and hepatitis. In late cases the nervous and cardio-vascular system can be affected and can be ultimately fatal.

Who are vulnerable to STI ?

WOMEN:

  • Young girls and women with several sexual partners.
  • Commercial sex workers and their clients.

MEN:

  • People with lack of knowledge about protective methods especially condom and its usage.
  • Adolescents who are sexually active
  • Homosexuals with several partners.
  • Heterosexuals with several partners.
  • Clients of commercial sex workers.

What to do if you think you have STI ?

WOMEN:

  • Please consult a qualified doctor not a vaid or hakim.
  • Inform your partner(s) and tell them to get treated, so that you are not reinfected.
  • Complete the treatment.
  • Do not have unprotected sex whilst undergoing treatment.
  • Insist your partner on using a condom.

MEN:

  • Don't be afraid or ashamed-seek medical advice immediately. The sooner you get yourself examined the better the chances of cure.
  • Please consult a qualified doctor not a vaid or hakim.
  • Inform your partner(s) and tell them to get treated, so that you are not reinfected.
  • Complete the treatment.
  • Do not have unprotected sex whilst undergoing treatment.
  • Use a condom correctly and consistently.

5. Anemia

What is anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition that occurs when you have an abnormally low amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, a red pigment that gives blood its colour. The job of haemoglobin is to carry oxygen around the body. When red blood cells and therefore haemoglobin are low the blood fails to supply the body's tissues with sufficient amounts of oxygen. As your lungs and heart will then have to work harder to get oxygen into the blood, symptoms of anaemia, such as difficulty in breathing will begin to develop.

The normal haemoglobin (HB) levels are:

 

In average

In adult male

13-14g %

In adult female

12-14 %

In children (After1 year upto 12 year)

17g %

In infant (1 year of age)

20 to 25g %

Iron deficiency or anaemia is a global public health problem, which is as harmful as any epidemic. Here are a few facts:    

  • India has the distinction of being one of the countries having high prevalence of anemia in 70%-80% of children,
  • 65-75% of adolescents both boys and girls are victims of anemia, more so with girls as they have to supplement their iron loss during the menstrual cycle.
  • 70% of pregnant women and 24% of adult men suffer from anaemia.

What causes anaemia?

There is not usually one cause of anaemia, however, the following are reasons why anaemia may develop:

  • Heavy periods.
  • Diet low in iron.
  • Internal bleeding, for example if you have an ulcer or a tumour.
  • Diet low in vitamin B12 or folic acid.
  • Blood diseases such as leukaemia.
  • Infections, such as malaria.
  • Blood loss due to any cause
  • Excessive destruction of red blood cells due to:
  • Abnormality of haemoglobin like thalassemia,
  • Deficiency of red cell enzymes like Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency,
  • Abnormality of red cell membrane like hereditary sperocytosis
  • Auto immune haemolytic anaemias
  • Inadequate production of red blood cells in bone marrow due to:
    • Lack of raw materials e.g. nutritional anaemia.
    • Depression of bone marrow e.g. chronic infections, drugs, radiation etc.
    • Infiltration of bone marrow in conditions likes malignancy.

What are the different types of anaemia?

The main types of anaemia are caused by shortages of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, all of which are needed (among other things) to produce red blood cells, so if one or more of these are missing or running low then anaemia will develop.



1. Iron deficiency anaemia

The most common type of anaemia is iron deficiency anaemia, which basically means the body is running low on iron. The body needs iron to successfully produce haemoglobin the substance that carries oxygen throughout the body.

The main reason why people may have a shortage of iron is because the body is losing blood faster than the body can remake it. This can be caused by gastritis, piles, stomach cancer, ulcers or bowel cancer. In women the most common reason for iron deficiency is menstrual bleeding (periods). Another possible reason for a shortage of iron is diet, which is low in iron. Good sources of iron include fruit, dark green vegetables, wholemeal bread, fortified breakfast cereals, beans and meat.



Causes of iron deficiency anaemia

  1. Due to reduced intake or absorption of iron:
    • Iron poor diet
    • Malabsorption syndromes
    • Chronic diarrhoea
    • Gastrointestinal surgery
  2. Due to increased loss:
    • Gastrointestinal bleeding due to any cause
    • Hook worm infestation
    • Bleeding disorders
    • Excessive menstruation
  3. Due to increased demands:
    • Pregnancy
    • Lactation
    • Prematurity and low birth weight
    • Adolescence
    • Chronic illness

2. Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia

The main cause of vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia (also called pernicious anaemia) is when there is inadequate absorption of vitamin B12 from the diet. This can be due to ulcers, stomach cancer, and diseases of the small intestine or from the after effects of surgery.

A vegetarian is at risk of developing pernicious anaemia because vitamin B12 is only found in foods of animal origin. Vitamin B12 can be found in liver, meat and dairy products.

Vitamin B12 is also essential for the nervous system, so if you have a lack of vitamin B12 you can also develop inflammation of the nerves or dementia.

3. Folic Acid deficiency

The main reason why you may have a lack of folic acid is due to a poor diet and if you drink excessive alcohol it can reduce the uptake of folic acid. Folic acid can be found in fresh fruit, raw green vegetables, beans and whole grain cereals.

Folic acid deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia may also be known as megaloblastic anaemia.

 

What symptoms are linked with anaemia?

As anaemia causes a shortage of oxygen, the main symptom is usually chronic tiredness and palpitations. Other symptoms you may get could include:

  • Pale appearance
  • Shortness of breath and dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Angina
  • A red, sore tongue and a reduced sense of taste, this is usually only a symptom with folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia.

Symptoms of Anaemia                                              

  • Weakness, irritability
  • Paleness, fatigue, laziness
  • Low physical performance
  • Poor cognitive function
  • Headaches, swelling in the legs
  • Giddiness

A

 

 

 

 

 

 
 Copyrights © 2008 Parivar Seva all rights reserved