What should I do if I have anemia?

In general, anemia may be caused by factors such as dietary iron deficiency, increased demand during pregnancy, iron-deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, and chronic blood loss anemia. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through dietary adjustments, medication, or other methods under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dietary Iron Deficiency: Insufficient intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat and animal liver in daily diet leads to lack of raw materials for blood production, resulting in anemia, commonly seen in picky eaters. Adjust the diet by consuming high-iron foods like pork liver or duck blood 2–3 times per week, along with vitamin C-rich fruits such as oranges and kiwis to enhance iron absorption.

2. Increased Demand During Pregnancy: Pregnant women require additional nutrients for fetal development, leading to higher demands for iron and folic acid. If not supplemented timely, anemia can easily develop. Follow medical advice during pregnancy to take iron supplements, consume more lean meats, spinach, broccoli, and other nutritious foods, undergo regular prenatal checkups including blood tests, and adjust nutritional supplementation based on test results.

3. Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Depletion of the body’s iron stores reduces hemoglobin synthesis, causing anemia accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and pale complexion. Patients should follow medical instructions to take iron supplements such as ferrous succinate tablets, ferrous sulfate sustained-release tablets, or ferrous fumarate granules.

4. Megaloblastic Anemia: Impaired maturation of red blood cells due to deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid, commonly seen in vegetarians or individuals with poor gastrointestinal absorption, often accompanied by numbness in hands and feet, reduced appetite, and other symptoms. Patients should take vitamin B12 tablets, folic acid tablets, methylcobalamin tablets, or similar supplements as directed by a physician.

5. Chronic Blood Loss Anemia: Long-term minor bleeding from conditions such as gastric ulcers or heavy menstrual bleeding causes excessive iron loss, leading to anemia. This type progresses slowly and is often overlooked. Treatment should first focus on managing the underlying disease. For example, patients with gastric ulcers may take omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or aluminum magnesium carbonate chewable tablets as prescribed.

Maintain a regular lifestyle in daily life, avoid excessive fatigue, and engage moderately in light exercises such as walking or yoga to strengthen physical health. Regularly recheck complete blood count (CBC) to monitor improvements in anemia, and adjust treatment and dietary plans according to recovery status, gradually enhancing bodily functions.