Disease of hypochromia - 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 know that such a diagnosis is made only on the basis of laboratory research. So, hypochromia in the analysis of blood (general): what does it say? First, we will find out what the term means.

Hypochromia - what is it?

This condition is characterized by inadequate hemoglobin in erythrocytes. Another name for this phenomenon is hypochromic anemia. To establish the diagnosis, in addition to the level of hemoglobin, the color index is also studied. Under normal conditions, it is within 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 changing the size and shape of red blood cells. With hypochromia, they take the form of a ring that is dark at the edges and bright in the center. There are following types of hypochromic anemia:

• 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 severity level is determined, 70-90 g / l is the second severity of the disease, below 70 g / l is the anemia of the third degree of severity.

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

• dizziness;

• dyspnea;

• weakness;

• cardiopalmus;

• Pallor of the skin and mucous membranes;

• Increased 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 necessary - an experienced specialist will tell. The main thing is not to delay the visit to the doctor and not engage in self-medication. Since this can cost you health, and in some cases life.

Hypochromia: Causes

Provoke hypochromic anemia can a variety of phenomena:

• Chronic or prolonged periods of continued bleeding;

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

• Conditions in which the need for iron increases (pregnancy, lactation);

• Malnutrition with insufficient meat intake;

• Intoxication with chemical poisons of industrial production;

• Reception of certain medicines.

Treatment of hypochromia

Therapy of the disease consists primarily in the elimination of the cause and treatment of the underlying ailment that led to this pathology.

If the cause of hypochromia is bleeding, then stop it 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. In 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 an increased content of meat products. Irrespective 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, intravenous infusion of iron, erythrocyte mass, vitamins is carried out. When iron-saturated, as well as redistribution, anemia is detected, the intake of iron preparations 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? The answer to the question you learned after reading this article.