Anaemia

Question 1

Define the term Anaemia

Answer 1

Anaemia is a condition caused by a lack of haemoglobin in the red blood cells due to a shortage of iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin B9

Question 2

Where are red blood cells made

Answer 2

Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow and they contain haemoglobin

Question 3

Describe the severity of Anaemia

Answer 3

There are short and long term variations of anaemia as well as mild to severe cases

Question 4

Is Anaemia fatal

Answer 4

Long term Anaemia is fatal as it causes damage to the heart, brain and other important organs

Question 5

What Anaemia symptoms result in physical pain

Answer 5

1. Leg cramps
2. Headache
3. Chest pain

Question 6

What are visible symptoms of Anaemia

Answer 6

1. Cold hands
2. Yellowish skin

Question 7

What are symptoms of Anemia that the suffer will feel but others cant see

Answer 7

1. Fatigue
2. Insomnia
3. Dizziness
4. Irregular heartbeats

Question 8

Main causes of Anaemia

Answer 8

1. Blood loss
2. Severe menstrual bleeding
3. Internal bleeding
4. Surgery
5. Ulcers
6. Cancer

Question 9

Causes of Anemia relating to the insufficient production of red blood cells

Answer 9

1. Poor iron absorption due to medication or diarrhea
2. HIV/AIDS due to medication or infections
3. Iron deficiency
4. Poor diet
5. Young children due to rapid growth and poor iron in the diet
6. Pregnancy due to low iron and folic acid

Question 10

Vitamins and minerals needed for a balanced diet to prevent Anemia

Answer 10

Folic Acid (B9), Copper, Cobalamin (B12), Iron, Ascorbic Acid (C), B6, Niacin (B3)

Question 11

Why are vegetarians at risk for Anaemia

Answer 11

Their diet is naturally low in Cobalamin

Question 12

What are three ways of preventing and managing Anaemia

Answer 12

1. Iron supplements
2. Medical procedures
3. Including a variety of vitamins and minerals in the diet

Question 13

List foods that help to prevent and manage Anaemia

Answer 13

1. Red meats
2. Organ meats (liver and kidney)
3. Poultry
4. Citrus and fruit juices (Folic acid and Vit C)
5. Dried fruit
6. Bananas
7. Iron enriched cereals
8. Beans, lentils and legumes
9. Dark green leafy vegetables

Question 14

Which drinks hinder iron absorption

Answer 14

1. Tea
2. Coffee
3. Fizzy drinks

Question 15

Compare and contrast haem iron and non-haem iron

Answer 15

Haem iron is found in meat, fish and poultry. Non-haem iron is found in plants. Haem iron is easier to digest

Question 16

What are the benefits to treating Anaemia

Answer 16

1. Increase energy and activity levels
2. Improve quality of life and life expectancy

Question 17

In severe cases what is needed to treat Anaemia

Answer 17

A blood transfusion

Question 18

Why do babies with a low birth weight need to be monitored for Anaemia

Answer 18

Babies need iron as they grow very rapidly, if they have low iron levels their body can’t sustain growth and they develop anaemia

Question 19

What do pregnant women lack after giving birth that put them at risk for anaemia

Answer 19

1. Iron
2. Folic acid

Question 20

Why are teenage girls at risk for anaemia

Answer 20

They lose blood and iron every month when they menstruate