Not all of us can understand medical terms. For example, hypochromia - what is it? This will be discussed in this article.
You should know that such a diagnosis is made only on the basis of a laboratory test. So, hypochromia in a blood test (general): what does this mean? First, let's find out what this term means.
Hypochromia - what is it?
This is a condition characterized by insufficient hemoglobin content 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 the normal state, it is in the range of 0.85-1.05 and displays the amount of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte. 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. There are the following types of hypochromic anemia:
- iron-deficient;
- iron distribution;
- iron-saturated;
- mixed type.
Symptoms of disease
Manifestationshypochromic anemia depend on the severity of the disease. If, according to the results of the tests, the hemoglobin content is 90 g / l, then the first degree of severity is determined, 70-90 g / l - the second degree of severity of the disease, below 70 g / l - anemia of the third degree of severity.
The main signs of the disease, common to all hypochromic anemia:
- dizziness;
- shortness of breath;
- weakness;
- palpitations;
- pallor of skin and mucous membranes;
- fatigue;
- irritability.
When the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to conduct a blood test, the results of which will confirm or refute the diagnosis of hypochromia. 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 self-medicate. Because it can cost you your he alth, and in some cases your life.
Hypochromia: causes
A variety of phenomena can provoke hypochromic anemia:
- chronic or long-term non-stop bleeding;
- impaired absorption of iron by the body during enteritis or in the postoperative period;
- conditions that increase the need for iron (pregnancy, breastfeeding);
- malnutrition with insufficient meat consumption;
- intoxication with chemical poisonsindustrial production;
-
taking certain medicines.
hypochromia in the blood test
Hypochromia treatment
Therapy of a disease consists primarily in eliminating the cause and treating the underlying ailment that led to this pathology.
If the cause of hypochromia is bleeding, 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 treat them. During pregnancy, special iron preparations are prescribed to prevent anemia. If the lack of hemoglobin in the body is associated with malnutrition, then a certain diet is prescribed - with a high content of meat products. Regardless of the cause of the disease, the patient is prescribed iron supplements, 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, erythrocyte mass, and vitamins is carried out. When iron-saturated, as well as redistributive, anemia is detected, taking iron supplements is not advisable, 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.
