What is microcytic hypochromic anemia?

Abstract. Microcytic anemia is defined as the presence of small, often hypochromic, red blood cells in a peripheral blood smear and is usually characterized by a low MCV (less than 83 micron 3). Iron deficiency is the most common cause of microcytic anemia.

What causes microcytic hypochromic anemia?

Iron deficiency hypochromic microcytic anemia is caused due to disruption of iron supply in diet due to decreased iron content in the diet, pathology the small intestines like sprue and chronic diarrhea, gastrectomy, and deficiency of vitamin C in the diet.

What are the symptoms of hypochromic microcytic anemia?

The red blood cells that are produced are abnormally small (microcytic) and pale (hypochromic). Hypochromic microcytic anemia with iron overload can lead to pale skin (pallor), tiredness (fatigue), and slow growth.

How is microcytic hypochromic anemia diagnosed?

In microcytic hypochromic anemia, seek a source of bleeding. The appropriate laboratory tests are serum iron level and TIBC and either serum ferritin level or stain of bone marrow specimen for iron.

Can Microcytic Hypochromic anemia be cured?

Treatment can be relatively straightforward if simple nutrient deficiencies are the cause of microcytic anemia. As long as the underlying cause of the anemia can be treated, the anemia itself can be treated and even cured. In very severe cases, untreated microcytic anemia can become dangerous.

Can microcytic anemia go away?

Severe or long-lasting anemia can even cause death. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of microcytic anemia. Doctors may need to carry out some tests to determine a cause so that they can put together a treatment plan. Doctors may recommend iron supplements, which often resolve microcytic anemia in children.

Is microcytic anemia serious?

As long as the underlying cause of the anemia can be treated, the anemia itself can be treated and even cured. In very severe cases, untreated microcytic anemia can become dangerous. It can cause tissue hypoxia. This is when the tissue is deprived of oxygen.

What is the cause of microcytic anemia?

The most common causes of microcytosis are iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia trait. Other diagnoses to consider include anemia of chronic disease, lead toxicity, and sideroblastic anemia. Serum ferritin measurement is the first laboratory test recommended in the evaluation of microcytosis.

Can microcytic anemia be cured?

What are the 6 types of anemia?

Signs and Symptoms of 6 Types of Anemia Blood Disease Pernicious Anemia (PA) Hemolytic Anemia (HA) Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) Aplastic Anemia (AA) Fanconi Anemia (FA) Bone Marrow Disease Anemia

What does microcytic anemia stand for?

Microcytic Anaemia (MA) is a term that is used to describe a condition in which the oxygen requirement by the body organs are not met due to smaller sized red blood cells. The condition arises when the body is unable to make an adequate amount of haemoglobin due to deficiency of iron in the body.

How does hypothyroidism cause microcytic anemia?

A 1999 study on hypothyroidism published in a Croatian medical journal indicates that hypothyroidism can lead to development of different forms of anemia including macrocytic, normocytic and microcytic anemia. The study indicates that nearly 20% to 60% of patients with hypothyroidism have anemia.

What are the effects of hyper-chromic anemia?

Some of the common symptoms associated with hypochromic anemia include: Weakness and generalized fatigue are common symptoms associated with this condition. The skin often looks pale and the nails become brittle and white. The heart rate increases to more than 100 beats per minute. Clinical depression is observed in some individuals associated with the disease.