Dizziness and weakness were mistaken for anemia but were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Doctor: Combined 2 symptoms should be checked as soon as possible
Does anemia not necessarily cause dizziness? Iron supplementation alone may not be effective
What warning signals does the body send out that may be related to “anemia”? Dr. Xu Shenglun, the attending physician at the Department of Family Medicine of Wanfang Hospital, said that the most important clinical symptom of anemia is dizziness. Lack of heme may also cause fatigue and lack of energy. In some people who are deficient in iron, they may also experience pica, a craving for ice cubes. There are many causes, types and pathological changes of anemia, and symptoms may not be the same for everyone.
Dr. Xu Shenglun pointed out that anemia can be mainly divided into “macrocytic” and “microcytic” types. Among the microcytic anemias, iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia are more common. Macrocytosis is commonly related to lack of vitamin B12 and folic acid. It is necessary to draw blood to check the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin to determine what kind of anemia it is. Not all anemia can be improved through iron supplementation, so the public is reminded to pay attention.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause anemia! Alcoholism and picky eating should be avoided
Although iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, thalassemia, which is also a microcytic anemia, is a congenital problem. Although hemoglobin is low and the red blood cells are smaller, the body will compensate and produce more red blood cells. , such people may not reach the level of anemia when measured. As for anemia caused by lack of B12 and folic acid, we should also pay attention to whether it is related to gastric mucosal atrophy or gastrointestinal absorption problems, or appropriately supplement the deficient vitamins.
Dr. Xu Shenglun reminded that some iron deficiency anemia is common in women and is related to menstrual bleeding and blood loss. It is recommended to maintain a normal lifestyle and get adequate rest to avoid aggravating anemia symptoms. Vegetarians may be more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency. Excessive drinking is also the cause of insufficient vitamin B12 and folic acid, resulting in poor nutritional intake and absorption by the body. You should pay attention to balanced nutrition and avoid picky eaters, alcohol abuse and other behaviors to reduce the occurrence of anemia.
Anemia could be a precursor to cancer? Be careful when combined with weight loss and bloody stools
Anemia may also be a sign of malignant disease? Which symptoms are most dangerous to combine? Dr. Xu Shenglun said that some cancers, colorectal cancer, blood cancer, etc. may indeed manifest as anemia, and most malignant diseases will cause weight loss. When you do not deliberately lose weight but lose 5-10 kilograms in 1-3 months, you should Notice. In addition, anemia may also be related to gastrointestinal bleeding. If you find blood in your stool or the color of your stool is like asphalt, you should be alert to the possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Dr. Xu Shenglun pointed out that a middle-aged woman with clinical anemia came to see a doctor because of dizziness and weakness. After examination, she was found to have iron deficiency anemia, but the therapeutic effect of iron supplementation was not satisfactory. After further questioning, I found that I had recently lost weight and my appetite had deteriorated. I lost about 5 kilograms in one month. I arranged for a colonoscopy and found polyps. After biopsy, they were confirmed to be symptoms of early-stage cancer.
“Sometimes anemia is a symptom of other diseases in the body. If it is accompanied by weight loss, bleeding or other uncomfortable symptoms, you should get checked as soon as possible!” Dr. Xu Shenglun reminded that people over 50 years old can receive free fecal occult blood screening, which can help early detection. For gastrointestinal bleeding or even colorectal cancer, eligible Taiwanese can make appropriate use of relevant resources to take care of their health.
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