Dr. Prakash Arumugam

Anemia is a condition caused by a low number or quality of red blood cells, which are essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Patients with anemia usually experience a range of symptoms of poor oxygen supply to the body's organs and tissues such as fatigue and weakness is the most common, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, headaches.

There are several reasons that could have led to you developing anemia. It is essential to determine the type of anemia you have to treat it effectively. Let’s explore the most common causes and treatments of anemia in the United States.

1. Iron Deficiency Anemia: This type of anemia can arise from regular blood loss, which is common in premenopausal women, or from diets that lack sufficient iron, such as vegetarian and vegan diets. If you suspect frequent blood loss through stool or urine, it's crucial to consult a physician, as it may indicate a serious underlying condition.
2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Often caused by a lack of animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy in the diet, which are primary sources of Vitamin B12. Less frequently, absorption issues due to autoimmune conditions such as Pernicious Anemia, Atrophic Gastritis, Celiac Disease, or Crohn's Disease can lead to deficiency. These conditions damage parts of the gut where Vitamin B12 is absorbed. Additionally, individuals who have undergone gastric surgery might experience issues with Vitamin B12 absorption, leading to anemia.
3. Folate (Vitamin B9) Deficiency: Folate is abundant in leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale), legumes (e.g., lentils, beans), fruits (e.g., oranges, avocados), and fortified grains. Folate deficiency can occur in individuals with poor dietary habits or limited access to folate-rich foods. Similar to Vitamin B12, certain autoimmune diseases and alcoholism can impair folate absorption. Some medications, such as those for seizures and cancer, may also hinder the body's ability to utilize folate. Pregnant women are particularly encouraged to consume adequate folate to prevent anemia and promote fetal development.
4. Anemia of Chronic Disease: Individuals suffering from chronic conditions like kidney disease, cirrhosis, certain autoimmune disorders, or chronic infections may develop anemia despite having an adequate diet and vitamin supplementation.
5. Other Causes: Some less common types of anemia arise from autoimmune conditions or genetic disorders that cause regular damage to blood cells, such as Sickle Cell Disease and Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia.

In summary, anemia has many potential causes. Consulting your primary care physician is the best first step, as they can help identify the underlying cause of your anemia and tailor a treatment plan that is most likely to be effective.

Yes, a sinus infection can often go away on its own, especially if it's caused by a virus. Your body's immune system can usually fight off the infection without the need for antibiotics. However, if your symptoms are severe, last more than 10 days, or if you start feeling better and then get worse again, it's a good idea to see a doctor. They may recommend treatments to help relieve your symptoms or antibiotics if they suspect a bacterial infection.

Common symptoms of an infection include pain or pressure over your sinuses typically around your eyes, cheeks, forehead. Other symptoms include thick nasal discharge, fever, loss of taste, difficulty with breathing through the nose.

You are particularly at risk if you have seasonal allergies, nasal polyps, deviated septum. Exposure to tobacco smoke, airpollution, and other airborne irritants could increase the likelihood of a sinus infection.

Remember to talk to your doctor if your symptoms dont improve.

People

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when an important organ in your neck, called the thyroid, does not produce enough hormone known as thyroid hormone. Patients with low thyroid hormone typically experience fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, hair loss, memory problems, and menstrual irregularities in females. When suspected, it is diagnosed with a blood test called TSH, and if necessary, additional tests including free T4 and free T3.

Hypothyroidism is commonly treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Patients typically receive the medication called levothyroxine, also commonly known as Synthroid. This medication works to replace the deficient thyroid hormone in your body. It is typically taken orally, once daily, and is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach in the morning.

The dosage of levothyroxine is determined based on your daughter's age, weight, severity of hypothyroidism, and any other medical conditions she may have. It's essential to adhere to the prescribed dosage and follow up with her healthcare provider for regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels through blood tests. Adjustments to the medication dosage may be necessary over time to ensure that her thyroid hormone levels are not too high or too low.