The sharp drop in hemoglobin indices below 110 g / l or insufficient number of erythrocytes in plasma were recorded in 50% of patients older than 60 years who sought medical advice. Laboratory data indicate the occurrence of anemia, which interferes with the transport of oxygen in the blood. In most cases, symptomatic picture of hard to diagnose with concomitant diseases. Therefore, treatment of anemia in the elderly conducted in the later stages of the disease.
Causes
Anemia in people over 50-60 years is caused by the pathogen, which is classified into 4 main groups. Causes of anemia in the elderly are distributed in a similar way:
- B12 deficiency. Insufficient amount of cobalamin causes anemia in 15% of people over 50 years. In old age, reduced activity of natural intestinal microflora, which is involved in the synthesis of vitamin B12. As a result of disrupted bone marrow hematopoiesis. The number of red blood cells drops gradually become anemic. The situation is complicated by hidden over the pathological process. There is a weakness and dizziness attributed to the symptoms of a heart attack, so pinpoint anemia can be only with a blood test.
- The presence of chronic diseases. Natural age-related changes have a negative impact on the internal organs and systems, including the red bone marrow. Infectious diseases, systemic inflammation, cancer, inflammation inhibit the formation of blood. As a result, anemia arises as a feature of the underlying disease and symptomatic treatment is subjected.
- Folic acid deficiency. Deficit develops in the background of an unbalanced diet. When correct diagnosis pathology eliminate possible within days with 1 mg of folate.
- Iron deficiency. The pathological process provokes the reduction of hemoglobin, because of which gradually evolves anoxaemia cells. Cause of iron-deficiency anemia can be severe blood loss, or an unbalanced diet.
With a lack of iron in the body of an elderly person reduced color index blood decreases serum concentrations of iron and ferritin. Against the background of the pathological process develops and erythrocyte microcytosis hypochromia. Increases serum iron-binding quality.
symptoms Features
Anemia in the elderly is characterized by the following symptoms:
- chronic fatigue;
- muscle weakness;
- dizziness;
- confusion;
- pale skin.
The clinical picture is called anemic syndrome. Anemia decreases the level of hemoglobin in the blood to insufficient oxygen, hypoxia. The risk of developing the disease increases after age 65. Individuals in this age group should be regularly carried out a blood test with the appearance of the symptoms of anemia.
How to treat
Anemia in the elderly, in contrast to the younger and middle age groups is not of a separate character. In 87% of cases of anemia sympathetic picture confused with comorbidities chronic forms that it prevents diagnose the disease in time. Scheme of treatment depends on the individual and taking the drug. Depending on the etiology of anemia pick one of the following therapies:
- If anemia triggered by iron deficiency, treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying pathology. Iron-containing medicines prescribed as maintenance therapy. At low functional activity of the gastrointestinal tract prescribed administration of drugs in injectable form. The night person over 55 years old should get 300 mg of iron.
- With the shortage of folic acid administered preparations containing vitamin B9 in a daily norm - 5 mg. Drugs used in the presence of short duration rates of malignant neoplasms and hemolysis. Against the background of seizures folic acid taken under strict medical supervision, because the vitamin can cause disorders in the nervous system.
- Lack cobalamin compensated by appropriate drug therapy. At the initial stage of treatment Vitamin B12 is taken every day. After receiving the normal hemoglobin indicators continue therapy on doctor's recommendations.
For the prevention or treatment of anemia is important to good nutrition with the normal ratio of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. When anemia is necessary to include in the diet the following foods:
- Natural honey.
- Products that improve the rheological properties of blood: leafy greens, buckwheat, celery, cucumber, beets, zucchini, beef liver, nuts.
- Proteins of animal origin: dairy products, meat, fish, eggs.
- Vegetable food yellow or orange hue: seabuckthorn, cherry tomatoes, peppers, citrus, persimmon, pumpkin, apricots.
It is strictly forbidden to persons over 65 years of age eat for a vegetarian or vegan principles. Abrupt changes in the diet can provoke deterioration of the general condition. It is recommended to make herbal infusions from the fees that are rich in vitamin C.
