Why did hemoglobin drop sharply. Causes of low hemoglobin, symptoms and treatment for it

Hemoglobin is a complex protein that is made up of iron. Its main function is to transport oxygen throughout the body, normalize the acid-base balance, and metabolic processes. The level of iron-containing protein in the body depends on the age and sex of the person.

The lack of hemoglobin in the blood leads to disruption of the normal functioning of the whole organism, the development of serious consequences, complications.

The level of hemoglobin depends on the amount of iron in the blood. Many are interested in the question, what affects this indicator?

Blood loss. Blood loss occurs as a result of surgery, trauma, hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal diseases, frequent nosebleeds. The cause of low hemoglobin in women can be an ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cyst, uterine fibroids.
Lack of vitamins. Insufficient amount of vitamins A, C, B12, B6, microelements can cause disturbances in protein synthesis.
Gastrointestinal pathologies: gastritis, ulcer, colitis. Dysfunctions of the digestive organs are the cause of the violation of the integrity of the mucosa, the normal absorption of iron.
Infectious diseases lead to a redistribution of red blood cells: tuberculosis, hepatitis, pyelonephritis.
Thyroid disorders: Hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland does not produce the necessary amount of hormones. They are needed for normal absorption of iron.
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a short vital activity of red blood cells: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glomerulonephritis. This leads to the destruction of cells and tissues.
Malignant formations of internal organs;
Psycho-emotional stress has an overwhelming effect on the human psyche.
Wrong nutrition. The body does not fully receive the nutrients necessary for its normal functioning. Regular consumption of sweets, strong coffee, tea can cause poor absorption of iron.
Lack of physical activity leads to poor blood circulation.
Drug intoxication.
Pregnancy, lactation.

Reduced hemoglobin is considered normal for donors. After donating blood, in the absence of other pathologies, the level of iron in the blood is restored.

Symptoms

Symptoms of low hemoglobin occur depending on the stage of the disease. At the first stages of the development of the disease, it practically does not manifest itself. The threat of anemia can only be determined after a blood test.

With a decrease in the level of iron in the blood, characteristic signs appear:

weakness, chronic fatigue;
drowsiness;
disturbed sleep;
fast fatiguability;
headache;
noise in ears;
dizziness followed by fainting;
lack of appetite;
menstrual irregularities in women;
weak potency in men;
deterioration of the condition of nails, hair: brittleness, delamination, loss, fungal infections, poor growth;
impaired sense of smell, taste;
deterioration of the skin condition: dryness, peeling;
leg cramps, tingling in the feet, joint pain;
increased body temperature;
rapid pulse;
unstable blood pressure;
disruption of the organs of the cardiovascular system;
the occurrence of cracks on the lips, in the oral cavity.

The appearance of symptoms indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood, a violation of the pH level in the cells, a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Signs of oxygen starvation may occur with a slight decrease in hemoglobin, if this phenomenon is observed for a long time.

Prolonged oxygen starvation can lead to the development of unwanted diseases and pathologies.

Low hemoglobin and its consequences:

Low hemoglobin is considered the main cause of anemia. As a result, the acid-base balance is disturbed, cardiac activity and the work of the respiratory organs are disturbed.
Deterioration of the protective properties of the body. A person becomes more vulnerable to colds, viral, infectious diseases.
Consequences of low hemoglobin manifested in dysfunctions of the central nervous system, brain. Memory deteriorates, attention is disturbed.
The work of the cardiovascular organs is disrupted. The body tries to restore oxygen deficiency by accelerating blood circulation. As a result, the load on the heart and blood vessels increases.
Iron deficiency negatively affects the condition of hair and nails. Hair stops growing, split ends, become dull and lifeless. The nail plate exfoliates, breaks, and is easily affected by a fungal infection.
Violated functioning, the integrity of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, oral cavity, digestive organs.
Skin diseases occur: eczema, dermatitis.
There is a failure of metabolic processes;
Dysfunction of the kidneys, genitourinary system: swelling, urinary incontinence.

Consequences of low hemoglobin manifest differently in men and women. Men have problems with potency, which can lead to impotence.

For women, a lack of iron in the blood can cause menstrual irregularities from slight delays to complete disappearance. A low level of red blood cells may indicate the development of ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids. A low level of hemoglobin is typical for pregnant women. Large deviations from the norm lead to uterine hypotension, hypoxia, developmental delay or fetal fading.

A low concentration of iron-containing protein during pregnancy negatively affects the baby. A baby can be born with low weight, mental underdevelopment, pathologies of the respiratory organs, nervous system, withering away of muscles and organs.
In children, a decrease in hemoglobin can lead to a halt in physical and mental development. The child is lethargic, inactive, gets tired quickly, there are problems with learning at school age.

Treatment and prevention

Therapy of anemia consists in the complex use of traditional medicine, folk methods. Their action is to eliminate the causes and consequences of low hemoglobin, normalize the level of iron in the blood.

To restore the hemoglobin index, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of its decrease.

Drug therapy consists in the appointment of iron-containing drugs: ferretab composite, sorbifer durules, totem, fenules, vitamins B12 and B9, folic acid. Medicines can be taken in the form of injections, tablets. The course of therapy is recommended to take place in a hospital under the supervision of a specialist.

In combination with traditional treatment, decoctions based on medicinal plants are used: wild rose, juniper.

To prepare the tincture, you need to grind 200 g of juniper. Add a spoonful of honey, lemon juice. Pour a mixture of components with a glass of boiling water, leave for 12 hours. Take the medicine 1 glass in the morning before meals for 14 days.
Juice therapy has medicinal properties. Mix 100 ml of carrot and 150 ml of beetroot juice or 100 ml of apple juice with 150 ml of cranberry juice. Drink 250 ml per day.

Preventive measures will help prevent the development of complications due to a lack of iron in the blood.

Balanced diet. You can increase the concentration of iron in the blood with the help of food: liver, beef, buckwheat, blackcurrant, pomegranate, prunes, dried apricots, apples, walnuts.
It is recommended to include seafood, jacket potatoes, wheat, oat bran in the daily menu. It is necessary to regularly consume vegetables, fruits, greens: peach, plum, citrus fruits, melon, watermelon, kiwi, banana, grapes, green peas, onions.
Give up bad habits: alcohol, smoking, strong coffee, black tea.
Timely treat chronic diseases, gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Strengthen immunity: play sports, walk in the fresh air, avoid stress.
Periodically donate blood for analysis.

If you experience characteristic symptoms of a decrease in hemoglobin, you should consult a doctor. He will prescribe a course of effective treatment, taking into account the causes of the development of the disease, the individual characteristics of the body.
It is not recommended to resort to self-medication. Incorrect, ineffective treatment can lead to the development of undesirable consequences, death.

Iron deficiency in the body leads to the development of iron deficiency anemia. The reasons for low hemoglobin can be different, for normal life it is necessary to restore the norm and maintain it.

How to understand that low hemoglobin: symptoms

The circulatory system provides communication between organs and systems, is responsible for trophic function and oxygen delivery to tissues. Oxygen in the blood binds directly to hemoglobin, thus moving around the body.

A decrease in hemoglobin levels leads to malnutrition and energy supply to tissues, including the heart muscle and brain. Reduced hemoglobin makes itself felt:

headache, dizziness;
weakness, rapid fatigue;
drowsiness;
lowering blood pressure, irregular heartbeat;
pallor of the skin.

Iron deficiency affects the appearance: the skin becomes dry, rough, flaky. "" appear in the corners of the mouth - cracks that do not heal for a long time, hurt, bleed. , hair, grows back for a very long time and poorly, the hairstyle is thinning. Among women .

Why can hemoglobin be lowered

There are a lot of reasons that provoke a long-term decrease in blood hemoglobin:

Iron deficiency anemia is a violation of the formation of hemoglobin, resulting from a lack of iron or the inability to fully absorb it;
Significant blood loss - prolonged menstrual bleeding, trauma, surgery, hidden bleeding;
Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - atrophic gastritis, inflammatory processes in the intestines, dysbacteriosis, hemorrhoids;
Autoimmune disorders (lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis);
Blood cancer;
Diseases of the red bone marrow;
Infectious diseases - hepatitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia;
malignant formations.

Hemoglobin below normal is often observed during pregnancy, this is associated with an increase in circulating blood volume and hormonal changes. In infants, indicators below the norm may be associated with artificial feeding with an insufficient amount of iron, or pathologies that prevent its full absorption.

A decrease in hemoglobin may indicate the presence of another disease, the symptom of which is anemia: pathology of the female reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract. Not the last role is played by heredity.

How to determine the level of hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a component of red blood cells, erythrocytes. It consists of a protein part and iron atoms connected to it by a chemical bond. With hemoglobin has the ability to attach oxygen, transfer it from the lungs to the tissues and give it to the "delivery point".

Iron enters the body with food and vitamin-mineral complexes. It is very important that the body has the opportunity to fully absorb the incoming iron. For this, it is necessary to maintain a sufficient level of B vitamins and, first of all, B 12, folic acid.

The rate of hemoglobin in the blood varies and depends on several factors: gender, age, body weight.

In an adult male, a concentration of 130 to 170 g / l is considered normal. The greater the muscle mass, the higher the indicator will be, since steroid hormones affect the level of hemoglobin.

In women, the rate is slightly lower, from 120 to 150 g / l of blood. During pregnancy, the lower threshold drops to 110 g / l.

In childhood, in boys and girls, the hemoglobin norm is the same:

from birth to 14 days - 135-195 g / l;
up to a year - 125 -165 g / l;
from a year - 110-130 g / l;
7 years - 115-135 g / l;
adolescence - 125-145 g / l.

How to take a blood test

To determine the level of hemoglobin, a general blood test is taken, from a finger, on an empty stomach. On the eve it is not recommended to smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, eat fatty and fried foods, physically or mentally overwork.

The intake of certain medications distorts the picture, therefore, before taking the tests, it is necessary to warn the attending physician about drug therapy.

The consequences of a chronic decrease in hemoglobin

A decrease in the indicator adversely affects the state of the body as a whole. The lack of hemoglobin is manifested by weakness, fatigue and apathy.

There are dizziness, fainting, drowsiness.
Decreased performance.
The skin is dry, pale, peeling, cracking.
The heart rhythm is disturbed, the pressure drops, headaches haunt. Hair falls out, nails exfoliate, grow poorly.
The tone of smooth muscles decreases, involuntary urination, convulsions may occur.

The immune system reacts to a decrease in hemoglobin: the most insignificant infection threatens with serious complications.

An insufficient level of hemoglobin in a pregnant woman adversely affects the health of the fetus and the course of pregnancy:

low attachment or placenta previa;
decreased muscle tone of the uterus;
hypoxia - insufficient blood supply to the fetus;
delay / stop intrauterine development;
fetal hypotrophy;
violations in the child from the respiratory and nervous system;
amyotrophy;
retardation in mental and physical development.

How to increase hemoglobin level

Medically

Iron supplements are not the same. In some, iron is in an accessible divalent form, in others it is indigestible trivalent. Absorption is promoted by ascorbic and succinic acid.

Among the popular medicines are maltofer, ferrum lek, hemofer prolongatum, tardiferon, aktiferrin, venofer, ferkoven and others.

Some of them are intended for oral administration, some are administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

Courses of taking iron supplements are long, from several months to a year. The drug must be prescribed by a doctor.

Eating Right

With the help of food, it is not easy to cure serious anemia, but it is necessary to change the diet, to focus on healthy foods.

The menu must include:

beef, chicken meat;
offal;
buckwheat, beans;
onions, tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkin;
greens;
fruits - green apples, bananas, pomegranates, peaches, apricots, plums, quinces, persimmons;
dried fruits;
nuts;
fruit and vegetable juices.

What to do if anemia is not treatable? In severe cases of chronic anemia, doctors perform a blood transfusion.

Hemoglobin levels need to be monitored. Feeling the symptoms of anemia, take a blood test to start treatment of the disease in a timely manner.

With a decrease in the level of iron in the body, many symptoms appear, so a completely natural question arises as to why low hemoglobin is dangerous.

Anemia or anemia occurs due to impaired gas exchange. This leads to a constant oxygen deficiency in the cells and tissues of the body.

There is weakness, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, even loss of consciousness. It is important to clearly understand what this can lead to in the worst cases and take the necessary preventive measures in time.

Hemoglobin performs the most important function of transporting oxygen to the tissues and cells of the body. It is an iron-containing protein that is part of red blood cells.

Thanks to this protein, the tone increases, the body's metabolism is activated, and immunity is strengthened.

Normally, in men, one liter of blood contains 130-160 grams of hemoglobin, in women these figures are 10-15 grams less, and in pregnant women, these figures are even lower due to the intensive consumption of iron.

At the same time, up to 18 years of age, the norms of hemoglobin in the blood practically do not differ.

A decrease in the level of iron-containing protein is dangerous for all organs and systems of the body.

At the same time, iron deficiency first manifests itself in general weakness, and in the later stages, oxygen starvation of the internal organs and brain may appear.

This threatens with severe irreversible consequences for the health of the body and human life.

With the appearance of general weakness, drowsiness, fatigue of a person, one can suspect the development of any pathology.

A low level of hemoglobin can accompany the following pathological conditions of the human body:

blood loss;
chronic diseases of the stomach;
dysbacteriosis or inflammatory processes in the intestine;
oncology;
chronic iron deficiency anemia;
immune diseases;
infectious diseases;
blood diseases.

For most people, however, problems with hemoglobin are associated with a lack of iron in the body.

The most common causes of hemoglobin loss in the blood are malnutrition, blood loss.

In this case, bleeding can be both hidden and obvious.

Injuries, surgeries, heavy periods and hemorrhoids are visible to the naked eye. Such situations require immediate measures to normalize the level of hemoglobin in the body.

Regular donors who donate blood on an ongoing basis also require special attention.

Internal bleeding often accompanies pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, women's diseases, immune, infectious diseases.

Improper nutrition often leads to anemia if the diet is too low in iron, B vitamins, and certain other trace elements.

Sometimes, in addition to changing the diet, drugs are taken to solve hemoglobin problems that increase iron levels.

Risks from lowering iron-containing protein

Due to female physiological changes, such as pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, their body loses iron.

In addition, hormonal surges and physical activity significantly increase the body's need for hemoglobin, which supplies oxygen to the cells of the body.

Accordingly, adolescent girls, pregnant women and women over 45 experience the greatest need for oxygen.

The danger of a lack of hemoglobin depends on the severity and neglect of this problem of the body.

For example, at the initial stage of anemia, it is enough to adjust your diet to correct the situation.

If the hemoglobin level is too low for a long time, then medical intervention will be needed, a long-term restoration of the affected internal organs and body systems.

In advanced cases, there is even a risk of death. Thus, each person needs to be attentive to the health of his body, not to start the disease, taking adequate measures in time to correct the situation.

There are three main causes of anemia:

insufficient intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid;
iron deficiency in the body;
excessive destruction of red blood cells.

Caused by various reasons, low hemoglobin threatens the female body in different ways.

From a very early age, with group B vitamin deficiencies, there is often a lag in the development and growth of the girl's body.

Adolescence may be accompanied by fainting, poor health, increased pallor, weakness.

Against this background, coordination is disturbed, spasms of the limbs appear. The skin becomes dry, cracked, especially in the area of the hands and knees.

Due to insufficient oxygen supply of the digestive tract, pains in the stomach, larynx appear when swallowing, internal ulcers of the stomach and intestines occur.

During pregnancy, a low level of hemoglobin disrupts its flow, and sometimes leads to premature birth, impaired development of the child.

Due to the lack of iron in the body of women, there is a significant decrease in immunity, which leads to an increase in morbidity.

A feeling of constant weakness, frequent overwork, a state of irritability, shortness of breath, neurological disorders, delamination of nails, hair loss - all these are the most common external manifestations with a decrease in hemoglobin.

With hemolytic anemia, signs of jaundice, gallstone disease, and pain in the back and abdomen may worsen.

Gradually, heart failure develops, often the condition is aggravated by fainting, fever.

The body ceases to resist disease. The liver and spleen increase in size, begin to wear out faster.

What threatens low hemoglobin can be considered on the example of the functions of the heart and the immune system.

Due to the lack of oxygen, the heart begins to work with an increased load, heart failure occurs. There is a danger of death at any moment.

A decrease in immunity makes the body defenseless against many infectious diseases, which, with low hemoglobin, occur with complications.

Of particular danger is the reduction of iron-containing protein within the blood composition for pregnant women and may affect the development of the fetus.

Oxygen starvation significantly increases the risks. In this case, it is better to focus on dietary nutrition and consult a hematologist.

Treatment for low hemoglobin

To replenish iron inside the body and increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, it is necessary to combine the intake of B vitamins (B1, B6, B9, B12), C, and PP12 with good nutrition.

Correction of most cases in this case requires only the right diet.

The best effective diet for low hemoglobin should include a lot of meat products. Red meat of veal and beef is especially rich in iron.

Among these products, beef liver and kidneys can be distinguished, since they contain ferrous iron, which is perfectly absorbed by the body.

Representatives of legumes, especially peas and beans, can quite effectively increase the level of hemoglobin.

Among fresh fruits, apples, pears, apricots, persimmons, and plums are especially useful for iron deficiency.

Useful berries for anemia are the fruits of black currant, dogwood, raspberry, watermelon, pomegranate. At the same time, pomegranate is best consumed in the form of fresh juice with a low level of hemoglobin daily.

Raisins, dried apricots, lemon, honey, dark chocolate are useful supplements in the right diet for iron deficiency.

Along with the need to include healthy foods in the diet with low hemoglobin, certain foods should be avoided. For example, the habit of constantly drinking coffee and tea is highly undesirable for anemia.

In case of problems with blood, it is advisable to replace coffee with cocoa without milk, and tea with hawthorn broth, which contains a maximum of ascorbic acid. Such measures will significantly increase the reduced hemoglobin in red blood cells.

It is advisable to consume dairy products separately, since they bind iron and prevent it from being effectively absorbed by the body.

On the other hand, calcium is necessary, so it is absorbed very quickly. If dairy products are consumed separately from the intake of iron-containing products, then the effect will be quite normal.

Nutritional supplements can often raise low hemoglobin in the body, among which the most popular are Hematogen and Brewer's Yeast.

Thus, to normalize the level of hemoglobin, there are many effective methods, but only a doctor will be able to choose the most optimal combination of them, taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism and the situation of the person.

Anemic conditions in women are observed more often than in men and are characterized by a faster clinical development. Understanding that the causes and consequences of low hemoglobin are interrelated will help to avoid dangerous deviations, and often lie in a decrease in the biological potential of the female body.

Causes of low hemoglobin in women

Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in blood plasma, which, in combination with red blood cells, ensures the transport and supply of oxygen to cells.

The iron atom in the hemoglobin molecule has the ability to bind four oxygen molecules at the same time, due to which not only the full nutrition of tissues is maintained, but also the processes of reverse transportation of carbon dioxide.

The red color of blood is the result of plasma pigmentation with hemoglobin.

A decrease in hemoglobin levels is regarded by physicians as a state of oxygen deficiency. Such a pathology may occur as a result of a decrease in the volume of iron-containing cells in the blood (anemia), or due to dysfunction of hemoglobin itself, associated with a loss of the ability to bind oxygen.

Among the main causes of low hemoglobin in women:

various types of anemia - iron deficiency, which occurs with pathologies of hematopoiesis and dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, and posthemorrhagic, associated with blood loss during menstruation, childbirth or operations;
lack of nutrients in the body, due to malnutrition or diets;
bone marrow diseases;
hypothyroidism. The hormone thyroxin produced by the thyroid gland is responsible for the function of iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Insufficient production of thyroxine leads to a lack of iron in the blood;
autoimmune diseases contribute to the death of red blood cells;
infectious lesions - hepatitis, tuberculosis;
kidney failure;
diseases of the digestive tract - gastritis, ulcers, enteritis, dysbacteriosis;
the impact of chemotherapy;
helminthic infestations cause a lack of B vitamins necessary for the production of red blood cells;
a sedentary lifestyle reduces the intensity of blood flow, causing a shortage of red blood cells, since the brain does not receive signals about the need to produce them;
donation.

In addition, in the life of a woman there are many factors that provoke the development of anemic conditions - periodic changes in physiological parameters cause menstruation, pregnancy, menopause.

What is dangerous low hemoglobin: consequences

The main function of hemoglobin is to supply the cells of the body with oxygen. When the level of iron-containing proteins in the blood decreases, a persistent lack of oxygen gradually forms in the tissues.

Against the background of oxygen starvation, there is a decrease in the efficiency of cells, the general well-being of a woman worsens, weakness, fatigue appear, and brain activity is disturbed.

Most heard about hemoglobin in childhood. Experts pay special attention to its content in the blood. This is not surprising, since hemoglobin performs the most important mission: it carries oxygen to all tissues and organs of the human body, and from there it delivers carbon dioxide to the lungs. Thus, it ensures the vital activity of the organism, guarantees it "breathing".

Hemoglobin - what is it?

Hemoglobin is a complex protein found in erythrocytes (red blood cells). It contains:

protein directly;
iron compounds.

The atoms of the latter provide the blood with a red color. Thanks to iron, hemoglobin performs its respiratory function, since it is able to connect oxygen molecules and give it to the tissues.

Low hemoglobin: causes

The body loses hemoglobin for many reasons. The most common of them are:

Blood loss:
- obvious - visible loss of life-giving fluid by the body during strip operations, serious injuries, wounds, hemorrhoids, in women - with heavy periods;
- hidden - internal bleeding in diseases of the digestive tract.
Lack of amino acids and vitamins necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin. The reason for the lack of vitamin C in the body must be sought in a poor and unbalanced diet. This also explains the deficiency of folic acid.
But if there is a lack of vitamin B12, then helminthic invasion can be suspected.
Diseases of the digestive system. Diseases such as colitis, gastritis, ulcers interfere with the normal absorption of iron, as they deplete the mucosa of the digestive tract.
Severe infectious diseases: tuberculosis, hepatitis. Pathological processes accompanying them cause premature and overestimated death of red blood cells. The consequence of this undesirable phenomenon is a decrease in hemoglobin, which, as you know, is found in red blood cells.
Hypothyroidism is a severe syndrome caused by a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones. Since they are responsible for regulating iron absorption in the intestines, their deficiency automatically lowers the hemoglobin content in the blood.
Autoimmune diseases that cause normal tissues to become damaged and destroyed. In this case, the development of autoimmune inflammation occurs. It manifests itself in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glomerulonephritis.
Blood diseases that are malignant in nature.
Neoplasms in the internal organs.
stressful situations. They depress the psyche and introduce a person into a depressed state. Long-term negative emotions can easily disrupt metabolic processes, including negatively affecting the level of hemoglobin, lowering it to a critical value.
Nutritional errors. Harm is manifested not only in insufficient intake of useful substances and elements into the body. If you abuse strong coffee, tea, chocolate products, cereals, you can also provoke a decrease in hemoglobin. The fact is that these products can inhibit the absorption of iron.
Low level of physical activity. It serves as a catalyst for slowing down the intensity of blood movement through the veins, arteries and capillaries. The brain receives signals that there is plenty of red blood cells in the body, so there is no need for their production. Less red blood cells are synthesized - the level of hemoglobin drops.

A low level of iron-containing protein is considered natural in donors who donate blood constantly. But the level of hemoglobin quickly normalizes if everything is in order in the body. Otherwise, the medical staff will no longer use the donor's services.

Symptoms of low hemoglobin

A decrease in hemoglobin below normal manifests itself as symptoms:

Subjective - they are evidenced by complaints of patients.
Objective, which can be measured quantitatively.

Subjective asthenic symptoms are as follows:

weakness in the whole body;
daytime sleepiness and insomnia at night;
the morning rise is heavy (to get up, you need to make an effort);
increased fatigue;
buzzing in the ears;
persistent headaches;
frequent dizziness, possible fainting and pre-fainting;
the menstrual cycle is disturbed;
a noticeable decrease in potency;
loss of interest in food up to disgust for it.

The presence of such symptoms indicates a lack of oxygen in the tissues and a violation of the pH level in the cells.

Separately, dystrophic subjective symptoms are distinguished, which are indirect signs of iron deficiency in the body:

Damage to the nail plates: they become thinner, exfoliate, break easily. Spots and fungal diseases may appear.
Change in hair: they almost stop growing, but fall out much more than before. The ends split, and the strands themselves become brittle and faded.
Taste and smell are impaired. There is a desire to use inedible substances: chalk, sand, tooth powder, sulfur from matches. You can easily eat raw foods - such as minced meat or cereals. The smells of acetone, naphthalene, nail polish do not bring discomfort, they become pleasant.
The skin becomes pale and dry.
Tingling in the feet.
Convulsions in the lower limbs.
Slight rise in temperature.

Such symptoms can also appear with a slight decrease in hemoglobin, if it has been going on for a long period of time.

Among the objective symptoms it should be noted:

tachycardia, in which the pulse significantly exceeds 90 beats per minute;
lowering blood pressure;
murmurs are heard in the heart.

In the early temporary stages of a decrease in hemoglobin, a person can only feel weakness, the appearance of which is explained by overwork or beriberi. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a blood test at least twice a year in order to stop the disease processes in time.

What is dangerous low hemoglobin: consequences

An insufficient supply of iron in the body causes anemia. Medical statistics record it in 90% of those patients whose hemoglobin is lowered. Iron deficiency anemia affects a third of the world's population, especially women and children.

Depending on the level of hemoglobin, anemia can manifest itself in several forms:

Light - the content of iron-containing protein in the blood is in the range from 90 to 120 g / l.
Medium - hemoglobin drops to 60 g / l.
Severe - the level of iron-containing protein falls below 60 g / l.

If we allow a decrease in hemoglobin to 50 g / l, then there is a threat of acidosis - a shift in the acid-base balance in the body towards an increase in acidity. This condition is very dangerous, because it leads to depression of the respiratory centers and cardiac activity.

Prolonged stay of hemoglobin below the lower limits of the norm can cause significant problems in the functioning of the immune system. And this means that even a common cold is difficult and the likelihood of complications is high. The body loses its ability to defend itself against harmful organisms and microbes, which poses a threat to health and even life.

Features of low hemoglobin in women and men

In adult women and men, low hemoglobin manifests itself with similar symptoms. But there are also some features.

Men note a decrease in potency. And with a decrease in hemoglobin to a certain level, temporary impotence is possible.

Female representatives almost always have a violation of the menstrual cycle. At first, there are delays, failures in time. Later, menstruation may stop completely.

One of the reasons for the decrease in hemoglobin is pseudo-blood loss. They are possible in the presence of uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts in the female genital organs. Neoplasms are periodically filled with blood, which resolves too slowly. In this case, hemoglobin is not able to perform its functions, since it is converted into another compound.

Decreased hemoglobin during pregnancy

For women in an interesting position, low hemoglobin is a frequent phenomenon.

At the same time, a significant deviation from the norm is a serious threat to the health of not only the expectant mother, but also the unborn baby.

Reduced hemoglobin is dangerous by the appearance of:

hypotension of the uterus (a sharp decrease in its tone and ability to contract);
hypoxia (lack of oxygen for the fetus);
improper location of the placenta;
delay or cessation of fetal development.

The baby may be born with:

low body weight;
underdevelopment;
disorders of the respiratory and nervous systems;
atrophy of muscles and individual organs;
deviations in the development of mental and physical, which will manifest themselves in a few months or years.

Given such threats, pregnant women are required to tirelessly monitor their health and visit doctors even at the slightest suspicion of pathology. Even at the planning stage of conception, a woman should take care of her diet in order to prevent the development of anemia.

Decreased hemoglobin in children

In babies, low hemoglobin can cause both pathologies and a lack of essential minerals and vitamins in food.

If the level of iron-containing protein drops to a critical level, a transfusion of donor blood is indispensable. For crumbs up to a year, this is necessary if hemoglobin approaches 85 g / l. In older children, the limit value is 70 g / l.

Very active babies may also have low hemoglobin levels.

How to bring hemoglobin back to normal with medical methods

Before trying to treat low hemoglobin, it is necessary to identify the cause of this condition and eliminate it.

Therapeutic measures are aimed not only at normalizing the level of iron-containing protein, the color index, but also at restoring the concentration of iron in the serum and blood depot - reservoir organs (such as the spleen, liver and skin).

In the presence of micro- and macrobleeding, the following can be shown:

removal of hemorrhoids;
correction of uterine bleeding;
surgical removal of uterine fibroids;
therapy of ulcers, enteritis and other diseases of the housing and communal services.

Pathogenetic methods for the treatment of low hemoglobin involve the appointment of iron preparations, vitamins of group B. They can be taken either orally or as injections. The established dose should provide a therapeutic effect and at the same time it cannot be excessive, so as not to cause the phenomenon of intolerance.

It is desirable to take injections in a hospital setting. This will prevent the consequences of a possible and common allergy to iron supplements.

In the presence of unresolved etiological factors - such as heavy menstruation, uterine bleeding, hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal ailments - anti-relapse therapy of chronic anemia is carried out. She has an individual character. Small doses of iron preparations are selected. They are taken either several times a year, or monthly for several days. The level of hemoglobin and indicators of iron metabolism are under the control of the doctor during these periods.

How to increase hemoglobin by adjusting the diet

In the complex of combating low hemoglobin, nutrition plays an important role. If the wrong diet is the main reason for the lack of iron-containing protein in the body, then this can be easily eliminated in a few weeks.

When iron deficiency is detected in the body, then it is necessary to include products containing it in the menu. Their list is not small. The most popular and available of them are:

liver;
red meat;
buckwheat;
black currant;
pomegranates and prunes;
peaches, plums and apples;
dried apricots and wild rose.

The menu also needs to be filled with seafood, nuts, potatoes baked with the peel, bran from wheat and oats. It is useful to use brewer's yeast, cocoa, cranberries and raspberries.

An effective mix of carrot and beet juices. It should be taken half a glass a day. It is important that freshly squeezed beetroot juice stand for at least an hour before mixing.

When compiling the menu, it must be taken into account that foods containing calcium slow down the absorption of iron. Therefore, they must be used separately.

Folic acid stores can be replenished by including in the diet:

cottage cheese and cheese;
citrus;
melons and watermelons;
green onions and peas;
kiwi and bananas;
turnip;
grapes and pomegranates.

A balanced and reasonable consumption of such products ensures the synthesis of folic acid by the intestinal microflora in sufficient quantities. And this means that hemoglobin will return to normal.

Those who have low levels should significantly limit their intake of coffee and tea. And alcohol and smoking should be completely abandoned.

Reduced hemoglobin does not allow not only to work normally, but simply to live. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the causes of this painful condition as soon as possible and, without delay, begin its therapy.

In order for the body to produce a sufficient amount of hemoglobin, it is necessary to eat a balanced diet, consume foods containing vitamin B12 and folic acid. An important factor is the normal absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract.

There should be no pathological changes in the hematopoietic system that provoke hemoglobin deviation from the norm.