Many potential patients ask themselves the question: is it possible to have surgery with low hemoglobin levels?

Any operation, regardless of the level of complexity, is an intervention in the natural state of the body. Ultimately aimed at bringing benefit, sometimes even saving life, the operation causes significant stress to all organs and systems. The level of hemoglobin in the patient’s blood plays a significant influence on the speedy recovery after surgery.

Hemoglobin level and surgery: what is the relationship?

As you know, hemoglobin is a protein containing iron, which ensures the ability to transport oxygen dissolved in blood plasma to all tissues of the body. This is a vital element, the level of which determines the health and sometimes the life of the postoperative patient.

During surgery, the body experiences a serious external impact, some of its factors directly affect the number of red blood cells, as a result of which the hemoglobin level decreases. Let's look at the main reasons why hemoglobin in the body may drop after surgery.

1.Blood loss. The loss of a certain amount of blood naturally reduces many blood parameters, including hemoglobin. Any bleeding leads to a sharp decrease in the number of red blood cells: this is called anemia. hemorrhagic.

During surgery, blood loss, although acute, is nevertheless expected and even predictable. You can take into account the risks of developing anemia in the period after surgery due to blood loss. In cases of interventions that involve serious blood loss or its risk during the operation itself (damage to blood vessels, slipping of clamps and other force majeure circumstances), doctors are ready to support the body with immediate blood plasma transfusion.

2. General anesthesia. Everyone knows that. In addition to the benefit of relief from pain, general anesthesia, to one degree or another, adversely affects various systems of the body. Under the influence of anesthesia, many of its functions change. These changes depend not only on the type of anesthesia and the drug itself, but also on the functional state of the patient, his age, and the characteristics of pathologies, including those accompanying the cause of surgery.

All components of anesthesia directly affect the circulatory system:

depressant effect on the heart muscle;
artificially lowering blood pressure;
changes in blood composition;
disturbance of blood microcirculation.

Therefore, many types of anesthesia directly affect the oxygen transport capacity of red blood cells. However, the role of anesthesia in these changes is difficult to isolate from the body’s general stress response.

3.Operations on certain organs. With surgical intervention in the work of certain systems, for example, the stomach, small and large intestines, absorption processes are disrupted, including iron, and the synthesis of folic acid and the absorption of vitamin B12 are reduced. In almost half of the cases, after such operations, patients develop iron deficiency or B12 deficiency anemia, which requires, in addition to dietary nutrition, treatment with iron supplements, and in severe cases, blood transfusions.

Anemia in a patient before surgery

The hemoglobin level before surgery is a very important factor influencing the patient's recovery and the possibility of postoperative complications. Therefore, before any surgical intervention, an examination is prescribed, including a general blood test, which, in particular, answers the question of hemoglobin concentration.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! According to modern research, anemia in a preoperative history increases the chances of an unfavorable outcome by more than 40%! The minimum acceptable relatively safe hemoglobin concentration for future surgical patients is 100 g/l, that is, the hematocrit (the ratio of blood cells to the total blood volume) must be at least 30%.

If an emergency operation is necessary, on which the patient’s life depends, then in the event of a critical decrease in hemoglobin levels, a blood transfusion is indicated.

Performing surgery with low hemoglobin is very dangerous: iron deficiency anemia, as well as a lack of vitamin B12, carry serious risks during operations. In case of elective surgery, if preoperative examination reveals anemia, it is recommended to undergo treatment and recovery before surgery, sometimes up to several weeks. The consequences of surgery with low hemoglobin can be very serious, including the death of the patient in the postoperative period.

In high-risk anemic patients (with a preoperative hematocrit of 28% or less), low hemoglobin levels in combination with surgical stress cause increased wear and tear on the heart muscle. This factor ranks third among the causes of death within 30 days after surgery.

Any type of anemia should be corrected if possible before going on the operating table. But the most dangerous thing for surgical intervention is sickle cell anemia: a hereditary disease in which a significant number of red blood cells have an irregular (sickle) shape, as a result of which the structure of hemoglobin is disrupted.

This disease can only be treated symptomatically; unfortunately, it is lifelong. It is possible to increase the hemoglobin level in such patients only through blood transfusion, which is done in several stages before and after surgery, if it is necessary for vital signs.

Treatment of postoperative anemia

Restoring an acceptable hematocrit in the patient’s blood after surgery follows the same principles as the treatment of anemia identified in the anamnesis:

taking iron supplements, additionally prescribing vitamin C;
several courses of vitamin B12 injections and enzymes to maintain absorption function;
folic acid and products containing it;
in case of severe blood loss - transfusion (an extreme measure associated with additional risks, therefore it is carried out only for health reasons);
a diet rich in proteins, but with some restriction of fats (meat, offal, fish, eggs, dairy products, vegetables and fruits, greens).

Correction of anemia after surgery is carried out under strict medical supervision. Treatment with drugs is prescribed exclusively by a doctor, depending on the type and degree of anemia. The patient can independently establish a therapeutic diet and adhere to it in the postoperative period.

Unfortunately, low hemoglobin after surgery is quite common, so it is necessary to promptly identify and adequately correct anemia. It is better that anemia does not become an additional risk factor during surgery. This is why it is so important to monitor hemoglobin levels throughout life.

Information carefully collected from the example of Jehovah's Witnesses who underwent surgical treatment shows that concomitant diseases and what is expected during surgery determine the risk of postoperative complications, including fatal ones. The hemoglobin level can only serve as a rough indicator of the adequacy of oxygenation, since oxygen supply depends on a number of other factors, such as cardiac output, pulmonary gas exchange, circulating blood volume, blood viscosity and the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. The question of the optimal hemoglobin level for surgical patients has received serious consideration. A group of experts from the National Institute of Health recommends that a hemoglobin concentration of 100 g/L be considered safe.

Anemia screening before surgery

Preoperative evaluation for anemia begins with a thorough history and physical examination. Individual or family history of anemia, bleeding, ethnicity, medications, alcohol use, exposure to toxins, recent illnesses, or related symptoms of illnesses should be considered. Look for jaundice, changes in the skin and mucous membranes, adenopathy, organ enlargement, neurological abnormalities, and occult blood loss in the feces or urination.

Laboratory tests include a reticulocyte count (a low number indicates inadequate hematopoiesis in the bone marrow, while a high number [indicative of excessive loss of red blood cells] suggests bleeding or hemolysis). If a low reticulocyte count is detected, to determine the nature of anemia (micro-, normo- or macrocytic), the average volume of red blood cells should be determined and a peripheral blood smear should be performed. Microcytic anemia almost always occurs due to iron deficiency or thalassemia. Macrocytic anemia is often caused by liver disease, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, or primary bone marrow dysfunction. Normocytic anemia is usually associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, infection, neoplasms, uremia, acute blood loss, or bone marrow suppression due to drugs or radiation exposure. It is advisable to postpone elective intervention until completion of the examination and treatment of concomitant pathology in order to avoid complications associated with blood transfusion.

Treatment of anemia before surgery

In cases of reversible anemia, recovery may take several weeks, so blood transfusions may be the only option for emergency surgery. Patients with uncorrectable anemia may also require blood transfusion if urgent surgical treatment is necessary. Situations in which blood transfusion is indicated and which do not require other indications for this procedure are designated as absolute indications. Until the 1980s, surgical patients were considered optimally prepared if their hemoglobin level and hematocrit remained above 100 g/L and 30%, respectively. Animal studies have indicated that oxygen delivery is best achieved at a hematocrit of 30%, and oxygen transport rates and patient survival are greatest at a hematocrit of 30-40%. The danger of HIV infection through blood transfusion has forced us to reconsider the indications for blood transfusion. It was also found that in most situations, transfusion was not sufficiently justified. In addition, the risk of contracting hepatitis during blood transfusion can reach 10%, since in most cases the disease occurs without clinical manifestations. In 90% of cases, hepatitis C is associated with blood transfusion.

In high-risk patients, anemia (hematocrit less than 28%) may lead to the development of myocardial ischemia due to surgery. The results of the National VA Surgical Risk Study revealed that anemia is a statistically significant predictor of mortality and complications in the postoperative period within 30 days after surgery and ranks third in importance after albumin and class according to ASA. When considering transfusion, the patient's individual risk factors and the type of surgery being performed should be taken into account. Blood transfusion should be performed at least 24 hours before the planned operation, which allows normalizing the level of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. Sickle cell disease is associated with significant surgical mortality. Before surgery, such patients are recommended to undergo exchange transfusion until the proportion of hemoglobin S decreases below 30%, and preoperative oxygenation. When managing such patients, the development of acidosis, dehydration, hypothermia and infection should be avoided so as not to provoke a hemolytic crisis.

An increased risk of surgery-related hemorrhagic complications is common in patients with polycythemia vera. Before elective surgical treatment, such patients are recommended to undergo periodic phlebotomy for several months and take myelosuppressive drugs to maintain the hematocrit below 52%. For patients with leukemia and a platelet count of less than 50,000, platelet transfusions may help correct the deficiency immediately before surgery. If surgery is planned for patients with granulocytopenia (usually due to leukemia), then it should be prescribed for prophylactic purposes.

The article was prepared and edited by: surgeon

A normal hemoglobin level plays an important role during surgery, as well as for recovery after it.

Hemoglobin and its functioning in the blood

Blood contains cells of various shapes and colors. Red cells are oval in shape with a depressed middle and are called red blood cells. This is necessary to transport oxygen molecules to the body's cells and carbon dioxide to the lungs.

Inside red blood cells there is a substance that consists of the protein part of globin and the red pigment heme, which contains iron. The interaction of iron with oxygen, which it binds in the lungs for further transportation, gives the blood its red color.

Insufficient hemoglobin in the blood causes:

decreased blood pressure;
tachycardia with subsequent development of cardiomyopathy;
drowsiness, weakness;
anemia;
change in taste;
deterioration in appearance;
liver enlargement;
swelling of the lower extremities.

Low hemoglobin does not perform the respiratory function of the body and causes oxygen starvation of cells with the subsequent development of pathological abnormalities. In tissues, metabolic processes are disrupted with the appearance of the above symptoms.

Low hemoglobin and surgery

During surgery, it is necessary that the blood test readings are as close to normal as possible. Due to the severe impact on the body, its rapid recovery is important, which is possible with the healthy function of its systems and organs.

In the postoperative period, hemoglobin levels decrease due to various unfavorable factors:

The loss of blood that occurs during surgery reduces its volume and the quantitative composition of cells in it. The level of red blood cells and hemoglobin also drops. This entails the development of hemorrhagic anemia. Carrying out anesthesia, which can adversely affect various organs and systems of the body. Anesthesia, despite its analgesic function, can cause harm to the patient if its dosage is incorrect, or if the individual characteristics of the patient have not been taken into account. There are some types of anesthesia that affect respiratory function and oxygen transport in the blood.
Performing abdominal operations on various organs. If this surgical intervention is performed in the gastrointestinal tract, then the process of absorption of various substances changes for the worse. Iron, vitamin B12, folic acid are responsible for hematopoiesis. They do not enter the body in sufficient quantities, which leads to the development of deficiency anemic conditions.

Reduced hemoglobin before surgery

Knowing about the problems that can arise during and after surgical interventions, you can understand the reason for the ban on surgery with low hemoglobin.

The postoperative recovery period is also of particular importance. It depends on the state of hemoglobin, therefore, before the start of surgical treatment, a series of examinations are prescribed, which take into account the state of the blood, urine, as well as the functioning of all organs and systems.

Observation of patients during the recovery period gives every reason to assert that the development of an anemic state after surgery increases by half the likelihood of developing serious complications and an unfavorable outcome. Therefore, doctors take into account the ratio of red blood cells to total blood volume - this figure should be at least 30%. This proportion of formed units of blood in its liquid part is called hematocrit.

Hemoglobin concentrations below 100 g/l are a contraindication for surgery. A reduced blood protein level of up to 100 g/l is manifested by mild anemia. Such indicators allow only urgent surgery.

When anesthesia is administered, the anesthesiologist takes into account the development of some life-threatening conditions with reduced hemoglobin:

a sharp drop in blood pressure;
deterioration in the activity of the heart muscle;
deterioration of blood microcirculation;
change in blood picture.

If there are no emergency indications for surgical intervention, then first of all it is necessary to find out the origin of the reduced hemoglobin level and neutralize it (followed by treatment of anemia).

If hemolytic anemia forms in the body, then its exacerbation begins in the postoperative period. Therefore, if bleeding develops during surgery, there is a possibility that the body will not be able to cope with the load due to the initially low level of hemoglobin in it.

Operation prohibited

Why can't you have surgery if you have low hemoglobin? Before surgery, it is necessary to cure any of the existing types of anemia. However, not all types of this blood disorder respond well to treatment.

When a patient develops hereditary sickle cell anemia, in which the shape of red blood cells and the structure of hemoglobin in them changes, the case is considered a serious and extremely dangerous condition for surgery. In this case, only blood transfusion before and after surgery, taking into account vital signs, may increase hemoglobin levels in the blood. Such anemia is treated symptomatically throughout the patient’s subsequent life.

When carrying out urgent surgical intervention, the following factors must be taken into account:

available emergency indications;
risk of blood loss;
performing surgical treatment of anemia.

In other cases, you first need to increase the hemoglobin level, and only then can anesthesia and surgery be performed. If urgent surgery is required to save a person, and the hemoglobin is below the required unit, then the patient needs to undergo a blood transfusion.

Blood transfusion is the only way to normalize a person’s health. This procedure can also be called an operation, since there is an intervention in an internal human organ - the blood. Transplantation of one's own or someone else's blood is carried out in a hospital setting under the close supervision of medical personnel. Transfusion can cause undesirable consequences that are difficult to predict. They can be very serious, even fatal.

If the body develops deficiency anemia with a lack of iron or vitamin B12, then there is a possibility of developing serious complications during surgical intervention. If planned surgical treatment is planned, then it is necessary to restore blood counts closer to normal. This may take a long time.

It is important to know that patients with a hematocrit level less than 28% before surgery have a high risk of death within 30 days after surgery due to increased wear and tear on the heart muscle.

Treatment of anemic conditions after surgery

The principles of correction of low hemoglobin levels in the postoperative period are not much different from the treatment of other anemic conditions:

Nutrition with sufficient protein, vitamins and minerals, which are aimed at repaying the deficiency of the missing substances for normal hematopoiesis in the body.
Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections.
Vitamin C, folic acid and digestive enzymes to improve nutrient absorption function.
Symptomatic treatment of internal organs.
Blood transfusion for life-long indications.

Therapy for each patient is strictly individual. Therapeutic nutrition must be followed for a long period, and sometimes for life.

In order for hemoglobin to be within normal limits, it must be regularly monitored. Periodic donation of blood for analysis will help to detect anemia in a timely manner and treat it in a timely manner.

Causes of low hemoglobin levels in the blood - signs and consequences, treatment with drugs and diet

If blood tests reveal low hemoglobin in women, children, or the elderly, it needs to be corrected. This indicator indicates the iron content in blood cells. With a decrease in hemoglobin, a person feels unwell, it is difficult for him to do simple work, shortness of breath begins, and the skin becomes pale. After consulting a doctor, you need to undergo a course of treatment to prevent serious disorders and complications.

What is hemoglobin

In medicine, hemoglobin is a compound of iron and a complex protein found in red blood cells - erythrocytes. The function of the substance is to saturate organs and tissues with oxygen. The compound captures oxygen from the lungs, oxidizes it and transfers it to structures. A low level of hemoglobin is dangerous because the body begins to lack oxygen, and this affects poor functionality.

Reduced hemoglobin

For the production of red blood cells to occur, it is necessary to consume iron-containing food and ensure its normal absorption in the small intestine. Food products must contain B vitamins and folic acid. The normal level of hemoglobin in the blood is g/l for men, g/l for women, and g/l for pregnant women. The difference is due to the high concentration of androgens in men and the more active use of iron during pregnancy.

Decreased characteristics indicate iron deficiency anemia (in 90% of cases), which affects approximately a third of the world's population; women, children, and the elderly are more often affected. Up to 18 years of age, normal hemoglobin levels vary depending on age, but do not depend on gender. Approximate indicators of hemoglobin synthesis:

Hemoglobin level, g/l

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Symptoms

Signs of low hemoglobin at first appear asthenic symptoms: weakness, rapid fatigue, drowsiness, often dizziness, pain, heart rate increases or slows down, blood pressure drops, fainting is possible. If the reason for the decrease in hemoglobin concentration is a lack of iron, the skin becomes dry, cracks appear in the corners of the mouth, nails break, and hair falls out. Problems with the sense of smell and taste disturbance may occur.

Causes of low hemoglobin

In most cases, the causes of low hemoglobin in women and men are the presence of one of the diseases:

chronic iron deficiency anemia, folic acid deficiency;
blood loss;
thinning of the gastric mucosa;
chronic disease with atrophic gastritis, enteritis;
intestinal inflammation, dysbiosis;
previous operations;
autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, glomerulonephritis);
hepatitis, gastroenterocolitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, kidney inflammation;
blood cancer (leukemia), gastrointestinal tract;
regular blood donation;
vegetarianism without taking B vitamins.

In women

Symptoms of low hemoglobin in women appear with obvious or hidden blood loss. The first include heavy, prolonged menstruation, hemorrhoids, wounds, injuries, and operations. The latter include diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids. Infections, hereditary and autoimmune diseases lead to a short life of red blood cells and signs of low concentration.

During pregnancy, the growing fetus draws iron from the mother's body. If two or more fetuses are carried, the likelihood of vitamin deficiency increases significantly. The norm during pregnancy is considered to be 110 g/l, mild anemia - at, moderate - at 70-90, severe - less than 70 g/l. The dangers of iron deficiency are hypoxia, gestosis (late toxicosis), termination of pregnancy, the birth of a low-weight baby, and postpartum death.

In children

Why hemoglobin drops in children depends on an unbalanced diet that is poor in the vitamins and minerals necessary for a child’s body. Hidden bleeding, congenital diseases, and malignant blood pathologies can lead to iron deficiency anemia. The level of iron in the blood can be affected by a constant lack of hemoglobin in the mother during pregnancy; the lack of vitamins is passed on to the child.

After surgery

During surgery, the body experiences a serious external impact that can affect the number of red blood cells. The reasons for the deficiency and their low level after surgery are:

Blood loss is hemorrhagic anemia due to the loss of a large amount of blood. Recovery occurs through plasma transfusion.
General anesthesia - under anesthesia, body functions change, stress occurs, heart function is inhibited, and the temperature may drop. It is artificially required to lower the pressure, which leads to a change in the composition and microcirculation of the blood.
Surgeries on the stomach, large, and small intestines lead to slower absorption of iron and disruption of folic acid synthesis.
Anemia before surgery – unfavorable outcome increases by 40%. If the hemoglobin concentration is less than 100 g/l (very low), interventions are prohibited.

Consequences

In addition to unpleasant symptoms, a low concentration of red blood cells leads to a decrease in immune function, which increases the risk of complications even with a simple cold. In pregnant women, low hemoglobin leads to uterine hypotension, abnormal placement of the placenta, hypoxia, developmental delay or fetal death. A newborn may be of low weight, underdeveloped, have disorders of the respiratory and nervous system, in the future he will grow with mental and physical retardation, his muscles and organs will develop incorrectly and atrophy.

Also, don’t forget to thank your doctors.

gynecologist1 23:00

gynecologist1 00:36

gynecologist2 13:22

gynecologist9 09:34

gynecologist8 11:43

The description is as follows: the liver has clear contours, smooth, slightly enlarged; the gallbladder and pancreas are fine; the spleen is normal, the splenic and portal veins are dilated to 10 and 16.5 mm; adrenal glands are normal; adrenal glands are normal; there is no free fluid in the pelvis; the uterus is increased in volume to 107*100*102mm due to formations up to 66mm in D with the inclusion of calcifications; the left ovary is enlarged to 66*30mm in the form of a cord along the ovarian vein with the inclusion of calcifications; two parietal cysts up to 14 and 16 mm in D; the bladder is compressed; signs of enlargement of single retroperitoneal paraortic lymph nodes up to 19*11mm on the left. And conclusion: CT signs of multiple uterine fibroids, the formation of the left ovary, signs of lymphodenapotia in the retroperitoneal space cannot be excluded. Hepatomegaly, signs of portal hypertension.

Please tell me exactly what mom has? Because the doctors don’t say anything specifically, they just shrug their shoulders. Need urgent treatment. You need to know what mom has specifically and what to hope for. Thank you!

Low hemoglobin: what to do?

Low hemoglobin or anemia is a condition in which the content of adequate red cells (erythrocytes) in the blood decreases. Why does the level of hemoglobin decrease, what is the threat of a decrease in this protein? And what to do if you have low hemoglobin?

What is hemoglobin?

Human blood is made up of plasma and cells: erythrocytes (red blood cells) and leukocytes (white blood cells). Red blood cells carry oxygen, without which cells cannot exist, and white blood cells protect the body from harmful microorganisms.

Red blood cells contain iron-containing protein - hemoglobin. Its structure contains an iron ion, which, when combined with oxygen, makes our blood red. Moving through the circulatory system through the lungs, iron combines with oxygen and delivers it to all parts of the body. Following in the opposite direction, hemoglobin takes carbon dioxide from the cells and carries it through the veins to the lungs.

Associated diseases:

What is a normal hemoglobin level?

Hemoglobin levels are slightly different for men and women.

What are the dangers of low hemoglobin levels?

If hemoglobin levels are low, tissues and organs begin to suffer from a lack of oxygen. This condition is called anemia or iron deficiency anemia. Signs of anemia are easy to recognize:

Why does hemoglobin decrease?

The reason for the decrease in hemoglobin is most often dysfunctional uterine bleeding due to hormonal changes in the body, blood loss during childbirth and surgery.
Poor diet and stress can also cause iron deficiency anemia. In particular, people who constantly resort to diets to lose weight are at risk.
Iron deficiency anemia can also develop due to a disruption in the absorption of iron in the intestine. A similar condition occurs with chronic entritis (inflammation of the colon), as well as after intestinal surgery, during which part of the intestine is removed.
Low hemoglobin levels can be a congenital condition and are often seen in older people.

How to restore hemoglobin levels?

“In order to increase hemoglobin, introduce low-fat meat products into your diet. Consume as many freshly squeezed juices as possible, especially pomegranate juice. Increase your time in the fresh air,” says general practitioner Alexander Maksimenko.

The following will also help replenish iron reserves in the body:

In order for the body to easily accept protein, it must be combined with carbohydrates contained in vegetables and fruits. Add more parsley and dill to salads. Drink less tea and coffee. They contain substances that flush iron from the body. This diet will help replenish iron deficiency and increase hemoglobin.

However, if low hemoglobin persists for a long time, this means that the disease has formed, then diet alone is not enough. In this case, iron deficiency is compensated with the help of medications.

Associated symptoms:

Drug treatment

Today, there are many iron supplements that restore hemoglobin levels. However, when taking tablets, unpleasant side effects from the gastrointestinal tract are possible, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Therefore, injections are often prescribed to treat iron deficiency anemia.

When treating, it is very important to follow the dosage, since an excess amount of iron in the body can cause another unpleasant disease - hemosiderosis. This is why taking iron supplements on your own is not recommended.

Remember that it is not so difficult to develop anemia, but increasing hemoglobin is much more difficult.

Why low hemoglobin is dangerous and how to raise it

Doctors told how to quickly increase hemoglobin levels.

Hemoglobin is part of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body and remove carbon dioxide. Blood is red because of the combination of hemoglobin and oxygen.

If there is not enough hemoglobin in the blood, then the body does not receive enough oxygen. The nutrition and proper functioning of all cells in the body are disrupted.

Problems with hemoglobin may be caused by prolonged bleeding, poor nutrition, or lack of vitamins B12 and B6.

Hemoglobin levels are checked with a simple blood test. Normal hemoglobin levels for adult men are 135 to 160 g/L, and 120 to 140 g/L for adult women. A decrease in hemoglobin is normal for women who are pregnant or have heavy menstrual bleeding. When hemoglobin is low due to an abnormality or disease, it is called anemia.

Anemia is especially dangerous for children: problems with immunity and proper physical and mental development. It is possible to develop such a serious disease as sickle cell anemia. Therefore, it is especially important to monitor hemoglobin levels for pregnant and lactating women.

Symptoms of anemia may include paleness, dry and brittle hair and nails, increased fatigue, rapid heartbeat and breathing problems.

Anemia can be caused by severe bleeding, for example, during surgery or a gunshot wound. Anemia can also be caused by certain cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. Anemia can be a side effect of chemotherapy. Anemia can also be caused by a deficiency of nutrients, iron, folic acid (vitamin B 12) and vitamin B 6.

In order to increase hemoglobin, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle: spend more time in the fresh air, exercise, sleep at least six hours a day and eat right.

The most common cause of anemia is a deficiency of iron, an important mineral for the bone marrow to produce hemoglobin.

In cases of severe anemia, the doctor may prescribe special iron supplements. They are not very well absorbed by the body, so it is better to take them with food. Iron, which is found in natural foods, is absorbed much better.

There are two types of iron: heme and non-heme. Heme iron is absorbed much better by the body. While non-heme iron is almost not absorbed by the body - only citric acid and vitamin C can help. Oxidized non-heme iron significantly increases the level of its absorption. For proper nutrition, you need to eat iron-containing foods every day, combining them with each other and foods rich in vitamin C.

beans (soybeans, beans, lentils and chickpeas),

Along with a group of foods containing non-heme iron, you need to eat foods rich in vitamin C. These foods will help the iron be absorbed by the body:

fresh sweet and hot peppers,

In addition to foods that help the absorption of iron, there are foods that prevent iron from being absorbed by the body.

To increase hemoglobin levels, you need to exclude from the diet or take separately from iron-containing foods:

fiber-rich foods.

calcium supplements, soda.

Decoctions will help raise hemoglobin levels:

curly sorrel root,

These herbs can be infused and added to salads, soups and side dishes. They are great for increasing hemoglobin levels naturally.

Black molasses and liquid chlorophyll (E140) will also help raise iron levels in the blood.

In addition to iron and vitamin C, to raise hemoglobin levels, doctors recommend taking vitamin B 12, which is found in:

Home recipes for raising hemoglobin

Mix one teaspoon of coriander with a teaspoon of honey. Use as a salad dressing, or use as a marinade and sauce for meat or chicken.

Soak black sesame seeds in warm water for half an hour. Crush them and pass through a sieve or filter. Mix a glass of milk, jaggery or maple syrup and add the resulting sesame paste. Drink daily for at least two weeks.

Soak seven almonds overnight in warm water. Grind them into a paste. Add a little honey for sweetness. This paste can be used on toast or whole grain crackers.

It is important to remember that before you dramatically change your diet and lifestyle in general, you need to consult with your doctor.

Symptoms of elevated hemoglobin

bowel dysfunction,

vision problems,

fatigue, and other symptoms similar to low hemoglobin levels.

To monitor hemoglobin levels, after changing your lifestyle, you need to conduct a repeat blood test in a month.

Hemoglobin and its functions in the human body

Hemoglobin is a complex protein that consists of the simple globin protein and the iron-containing heme group. Hemoglobin is contained in red blood cells (erythrocytes) and carries out the function of delivering oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, and then carbon dioxide to the lungs. Iron, from which heme is formed, enters the body with animal proteins.

Normally, the blood of men contains more hemoglobin than the blood of women (g/l vs.). A special feature of hemoglobin is that its ability to add carbon dioxide is many times stronger than its ability to add oxygen. It is this property that makes carbon monoxide especially dangerous: even at a low concentration in the air, most of the hemoglobin in the blood binds not with oxygen, but with carbon monoxide, forming a compound that is not capable of attaching oxygen.

What are the dangers of low hemoglobin in the blood?

If the amount of hemoglobin becomes below normal, then organs and tissues begin to suffer from a lack of oxygen. The tissues that most need oxygen are affected first - these are the tissue of the brain and kidneys.

A decrease in hemoglobin below normal is called iron deficiency anemia. The reason for this condition usually lies in regular blood loss (for example, with a peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum with frequent minor bleeding, stomach cancer, menstrual irregularities, and so on). Previously, the cause of such anemia was numerous wounds with heavy bleeding.

Since the iron in heme is formed from animal protein, a lack of it (for example, in a vegetarian diet) can also cause iron deficiency anemia. Finally, the cause of anemia can be a violation of the absorption of iron in the intestine (for example, after operations to remove part of the stomach or intestines) or a violation of the formation of a protein that is part of hemoglobin (in case of hereditary diseases).

Signs of iron deficiency anemia are weakness, malaise, decreased ability to work and brain function (deterioration of memory, thinking abilities), dry skin, hair loss, split nails, and frequent fainting.

How to increase hemoglobin - lessons of folk wisdom

Since ancient times, iron deficiency anemia has been treated with rust, which was collected from rusty iron surfaces. These “tricks” were known especially well by the warriors, who always had special rusty swords for these purposes. Women suffered no less than men: numerous births were usually accompanied by bleeding, and girls often suffered from menstrual irregularities accompanied by bleeding. Water with rust helped in this case too.

Only in the 19th century were doctors able to explain the reason why rust helped treat anemia: it was found that iron is part of the blood and its deficiency is the cause of this disease.

Proper nutrition for low hemoglobin

Previously, it was believed that iron in any form helps to increase hemoglobin. Thus, it was customary to treat iron deficiency with the help of foods rich in iron, such as apples and buckwheat. But later, it was found that iron contained in plant products is absorbed in the human body in small quantities. And to build hemoglobin, the body needs animal proteins, which include iron, which is perfectly absorbed by the body.

Therefore, in order to increase hemoglobin, a person must eat food rich in meat (including liver, kidneys), fish (including fish caviar), dairy products, and eggs.

But these foods alone can disrupt the digestion process, so the diet must necessarily contain complex carbohydrates from vegetables and grains (porridge from whole grains).

But if hemoglobin is very low for quite a long time (that is, the disease has already formed), then diet alone may not be enough to restore it; drug treatment is also required.

Drug treatment for low hemoglobin

Today, many iron preparations are produced that can be well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and serve as a source of hemoglobin restoration. The peculiarity of medications containing iron and intended for oral administration is that they irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Therefore, in some cases, iron supplements are administered by injection. But this is dangerous, since an overdose of iron can cause another equally unpleasant disease - hemosiderosis. That is why it is not recommended to take iron supplements on your own. In order to make the correct prescription, the doctor must first establish and eliminate the cause of the disease, and then carry out drug treatment.

Is it possible to have surgery with low hemoglobin?

Hello, I would like to consult, I was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, but I have low hemoglobin (98), is it possible to have surgery?

Question asked 7 years ago

Doctors' answers

Hello! Not recommended. Since the operation is not an emergency, but a planned one, we must try to bring the body back to normal. During urgent operations, naturally, no one looks at such things, but during planned operations, the better the condition of the body, the better the recovery.

Read about methods for raising hemoglobin here - http://moisoveti.ru/2010/11/kak-podnyat-gemoglobin-bez-myasa/

Eat meat, liver, liver pate, plus everything else that is written in the article. I think in about a month everything will be back to normal. However, you need to check why your hemoglobin is low? The cause may be gynecological problems, heavy periods, stomach problems (ulcers, erosive gastritis), hemorrhoids, etc. Raise hemoglobin and at the same time find out what caused the decrease. I wish you good health!

Read about methods for raising hemoglobin here - http://moisoveti.ru/2010/11/kak-podnyat-gemoglobin-bez-myasa/

What to do if adhesions form?

Hello. My daughter had an operation for funnel-shaped sternum 4 years ago. After 6 months, the ligature began to suppurate. The discharge was from the right nipple. After 3 months of unsuccessful conservative treatment, she had the ligature removed. The discharge stopped, but the nipple retracted inward due to prolonged discharge. Now she is 8 years old. Mammologist and endocrinologists do not see pathology. That is, there are adhesions that hold the nipple. Tell me what treatment needs to be done and what kind of specialist doctor does this? Thank you

Cutting pain with omphalitis

Hello. Tell me what to do. I was diagnosed with omphalitis (I am 29 years old). I’ve been undergoing treatment for 3 days and started to experience cutting pain in the navel area, the doctor just bandages it and doesn’t answer the question about the pain. With any change in body position the pain is terrible. Should it be like this? Maybe you should just be patient, or go to the emergency room since it’s the weekend and there’s no way to see your doctor again.

Is it possible to go outside, to crowded places?

A week ago I had surgery. A cyst on my ovary burst and they burned it for me. The operation was performed through punctures. All the fluid was removed through the catheter. After 3 days I was discharged. I registered with a gynecologist and prescribed treatment. I was given a sick leave for 10 days, I’m sitting at home for the second day, I want some fresh air. My husband is going to the salon to get his hair cut, he invites me with him, but I’m afraid of freezing. And in general, I don’t know if it’s possible to be in crowded places, my immunity has weakened. What advice do you have for me?

Gynecologist - online consultations

Is it worth having surgery if you have insufficient hemoglobin?

No. Gynecologist 11/29/2016

Hello, two months ago, for hospitalization in gynecology for surgical removal (curettage) of endometrial hyperplasia, which was identified by ultrasound, I took a blood test from a vein. The analysis showed a very low hemoglobin of 79, I was prescribed pills to raise hemoglobin, which I took for a month. Then I donated blood again, but from a finger, the hemoglobin became 83, that is, in a month it rose quite slightly, taking into account the fact that the blood was donated from a finger. Then they prescribed IM ferrum lek, which I did for 2 weeks, I had my finger pricked again, now hemoglobin is 104, but it’s still not enough to reach the normal level, besides, as the therapist said, the body is not yet saturated with iron. Blood parameters are: hgb 104, hct 0.344, mcv 73, mch 22.2, mchc 303, rdw 19.8, plt 282, mpv 11.1, pct 0.314, pdw 15.0, wbc 7.5, lym% 20.8, mon% 4.6, gra% 74.6 , lym # 1.50, mon# 0.30, gra# 5.70, anisocytosis++, poikilocytosis, hypochromia. However, the therapist does not see any contraindications to surgery. The gynecologist is also not against the operation now. I have doubts about insufficient hemoglobin, which will further fall during the operation. Should I postpone surgery until my hemoglobin level rises to normal or should I have surgery if my hemoglobin level is insufficient? If you postpone curettage for 1-2 months, will hyperplasia progress to oncology during this time or until the condition worsens and emergency hospitalization? According to the results of an ultrasound three months ago, M-ECHO on the 23rd day of menstruation was 14 mm; on a repeat ultrasound on the 6th day of menstruation, the endometrium was 7.5 mm thick, heterogeneous, increased echogenicity, avascular, the basal layer was clear, smooth, echogenicity and structure did not correspond to the day menstrual cycle, in conclusion, ultrasound signs of endometrial hyperplasia. Among the concomitant diseases, I have type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism, pyelonephritis without exacerbation, thyroiditis, hypotension. Blood loss is presumably due to endometrial hyperplasia, menstruation is heavy, and there is no bleeding between menstruation. Since August of this year, spotting began between menstruation, the gynecologist recommended Norkolut, which I took for 10 days. The spotting between periods has stopped, but since August my periods have become heavier and longer by 2 days than before. At the moment, there is tolerable but constant pain in the lower abdomen, which has been present for 4 months, and general weakness. In addition, I had constipation for several months, followed a diet for 2 months, took Maxilac, Niaspam, Forlax, which were prescribed by the therapist, the constipation went away, but the stomach at the intestinal level sometimes hurts if I eat ordinary non-dietary food.

Hello, Daria. Performing an operation with low hemoglobin is an unjustified risk, and even in the presence of a lot of concomitant diseases that have one common cause - disorders of the neuroendocrine system.

QUESTION FOR CLARIFICATION 11/29/2016 Daria, St. Petersburg

I understand that curettage is a risk for me, since there is insufficient hemoglobin, at the same time, gynecologists indicate that bleeding can only be stopped by curettage, some say that this is a minor procedure. The local physician sees no contraindications for curettage with hemoglobin 104, the leading gynecologist is also not against the procedure. I'm confused. If you postpone curettage for another 1-2 months, won’t it be even worse for me, and won’t the hemoglobin “gained” by ferrum lek injections drop during this period? Before the injections, I took oral medications to raise hemoglobin, but it practically did not increase then; it increased by 20 units in 2 weeks only with the injections, which I continue to do now. But the injections also have side effects, every day my blood pressure drops to 80/60, and if I switch to pills, my hemoglobin may drop again.

Hello, hemoglobin will definitely fall, since endometrial hyperplasia is maintained, there is a vicious circle of low hemoglobin as a result of hyperplasia, it must be treated. The hemoglobin will not be higher; it is possible to go for curettage with such hemoglobin

QUESTION FOR CLARIFICATION 11/30/2016 Daria, St. Petersburg

Tell me, in my case, with hemoglobin 104 and concomitant diseases, type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism, pyelonephritis without exacerbation, thyroiditis, hypotension, is red blood cell transfusion indicated before curettage?

Hello, thanks for the question, there are no indications for transfusion of red blood cells. Since you have mild anemia, upon completion, curettage, control of a general blood test, and then everything according to the situation.

Hemoglobin in the intestines

Iron is an important element of human metabolism that takes part in hematopoiesis. Despite the fact that its absorption occurs precisely in the intestines, the intestines and hemoglobin are rarely connected, which is why difficulties often arise in diagnosing the cause of anemia.

Iron malabsorption

Low hemoglobin, as a result of impaired absorption of iron in the intestines, is a fairly common problem. To understand its etiology, you need to know how exactly this element is absorbed, and what the relationship is between the intestines and hemoglobin levels.

The amount of ferum absorbed into the blood significantly exceeds the body's needs. Iron is delivered into the blood by enterocytes, so the rate of the process depends on the production of apoferritin by these cells. This substance captures the ferum molecule, binding it, preventing it from being released into the blood.

If the hemoglobin level is normal or above normal, apofferitin is produced by enterocytes in large quantities. Over time, these cells “fall off” from the intestinal walls, removing iron from the body naturally. If the level of hemoglobin decreases, the enterocytes practically do not produce a “trap” for iron and the blood is saturated with the necessary element.

If for some reason these processes fail, a person develops iron deficiency anemia. Malabsorption can result from many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Causes of intestinal absorption failure

The problem of impaired absorption in the intestine can arise due to the following diseases:

The cause of poor absorption of iron in the intestines may be a recent surgical intervention.

Dysbacteriosis

Dysbacteriosis is a condition of the intestine when its non-pathological microflora is susceptible to qualitative or quantitative changes, and is accompanied by various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Intestinal flora constantly maintains the normal course of metabolic processes in the body; bacteria participate in biochemical and metabolic processes. They are an important part of the immune defense mechanisms. Microflora is formed by the natural physiological needs of the body, therefore a change in the number and types of microorganisms signals a malfunction.

Dysbacteriosis can be provoked by systemic pathologies, HIV infection and other diseases, which cause a persistent deterioration of human immunity when the body is unable to maintain the stability of the flora. Dysbacteriosis can occur after a course of antibiotic treatment. Usually the intestines recover on their own after therapy, but sometimes you need to take pharmaceuticals to help speed up this process.

Problems with digesting certain foods due to enzyme deficiency are also a common cause of pathology, for example, lactose intolerance, grain intolerance, etc.

Enteritis

Inflammation of the small intestine (enteritis) is characterized by impaired functionality of the organ, which is caused by changes in the structure of the mucous membranes. An extraintestinal symptom of enteritis is malabsorption syndrome - a condition in which many elements that enter the intestine are unable to be absorbed into it.

If the pathology exists for a long time, hypovitaminosis or a lack of some microelements develops, for example, iron deficiency anemia occurs.

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory process in the deep tissues of the entire gastrointestinal tract, which begins in the ileum and spreads to the entire intestine. Differential diagnosis often does not distinguish between the initial stages of Crohn's disease and appendicitis, which is why the disease is diagnosed during surgery on the appendix.

Crohn's disease involves impaired absorption of vitamins and minerals, which, with prolonged development of the disease, causes anemia, which is manifested by low hemoglobin.

Violation of peristalsis

Food is transported by the intestines through muscle and hormonal interactions. Food is divided into absorbable substances and waste products, which improves the flow of nutrients into the blood. When the motility of an organ is disrupted, discomfort and various complications arise. Increased peristalsis causes excessive fecal excretion, which is why beneficial substances, including iron, do not have time to be absorbed, which causes water and electrolyte imbalance, hypovitaminosis and anemia.

Bowel cancer

Every patient who suffers from iron deficiency anemia after 40 years is susceptible to oncology of the digestive organs. Very often, low hemoglobin is the only manifestation of colon cancer. In addition, lymph nodes may be enlarged. Therefore, if an oncological formation is suspected, first of all, doctors do a general blood test to identify anemia, if diagnosed, an urgent consultation with a gastroenterologist is necessary. In men closer to 50 years of age, a low level of hemoglobin may indicate a malignant neoplasm in the rectum.

Other reasons

Often the hemoglobin level drops with obvious or hidden bleeding, for example, with hemorrhoids, injuries, operations. Autoimmune diseases and infectious lesions can cause the problem. Hemoglobin levels may be lower than normal with peptic ulcers or gastritis.

In addition to pathological causes of low hemoglobin levels, there are others that are associated with poor unbalanced nutrition.

Increased hemoglobin as a consequence of intestinal obstruction

Intestinal obstruction is characterized by a narrowing of the intestinal passage, as a result of which the transportation of food is disrupted. Most often, complete blockage of the lumen does not occur, which can be treated with pharmaceuticals. Sometimes surgical treatment is necessary, for example, if tumors or lymph nodes in the intestine are enlarged and treatment does not help.

With intestinal obstruction, circulatory impairment occurs, which can provoke acute vascular insufficiency. A blood test shows erythrocytosis, high hemoglobin levels, changes in white blood cell levels, etc.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnostic procedures begin with a general blood test, which will show the level of red blood cells, hemoglobin in the blood and iron levels. Doctors determine the nature of the anemia, after which other diagnostic procedures are carried out to identify the source of the problem. A specialist can perform ultrasound, retromanoscopy, radiography and other studies of the intestines if there is a suspicion that this organ is the source of anemia.

Treatment of anemia includes taking pharmaceutical drugs aimed at raising iron levels in the blood, dietary nutrition and treatment of the underlying disease.

How to increase hemoglobin after surgery?

After surgery on the intestines, doctors recommend

take a course of iron-containing vitamins (for example, “Totem”), sometimes injections are necessary;
spend a lot of time outdoors;
introduce foods high in iron into your diet (apples, pomegranates, buckwheat, liver).

Pavilion nutrition

You can increase hemoglobin with nutrition. There are many iron-containing foods; they are rich in other beneficial substances, so they should be included in the menu every day. The most useful meat in terms of increasing hemoglobin is beef, especially liver. However, chicken liver is also rich in iron.

Medication

There are many medications to increase hemoglobin. They can be administered orally, intravenously or intramuscularly. Most often, iron supplements are prescribed, which you can take on your own. The tablets contain divalent iron, which is quickly absorbed in the body.

If the acidity of the stomach is low, ascorbic acid is prescribed in parallel. The most popular drugs: “Totema”, “Ferretab”, “Sorbifer Durules”, “Darbepoetin”, etc.

Folk remedies

Traditional therapy is rich in recipes that have a beneficial effect on intestinal function. Useful:

Reduced hemoglobin in adults: causes and consequences

Hemoglobin is a complex chemical compound of protein with the element iron, which is present in red blood cells. The function of hemoglobin in the human body is one of the most important - it is involved in the delivery of oxygen molecules to all tissues and organs of the body.

Oxygen is an indispensable element for ensuring the life of a living being; it takes part in the receipt and exchange of energy and the conduct of reduction reactions. The action of hemoglobin is based on the capture of oxygen in the lungs, further oxidation and transfer of it to all structures of the body.

When hemoglobin is reduced, this means the onset of oxygen depletion of all cells of the body and weakening of the immune system. To prevent hemoglobin in the blood from falling below normal, you need to know what to do if there is a lack of iron in the body. Let's figure out in what cases the level of hemoglobin in the blood decreases, what its norms are in different people, and what ways to increase the deficiency of this substance at home.

Hemoglobin norm

A person’s well-being and health depend on the level of hemoglobin in the blood. If hemoglobin levels are below normal, then we are talking about anemia, which is considered a rather formidable and dangerous disease.

The level of hemoglobin in the blood depends on the gender of the person:

In children, the hemoglobin content is normal, as in adults: before birth, HbA begins to be synthesized, which by the year of life practically replaces the fetal hemoglobin that served the child during intrauterine development.
In women from 115 to 145 g/l (during pregnancy from 110 g/l);
In men, from 130 to 160 g/l.

According to the amount of decrease in hemoglobin, iron deficiency anemia comes in several degrees:

mild (hemoglobin content from 110 g/l to 90 g/l);
medium (hemoglobin content from 90 g/l to 70 g/l);
severe (hemoglobin content less than 70 g/l).

Latent anemia (hidden) also occurs. It is characterized by the normal presence of hemoglobin in red blood cells against the background of a decrease in serum iron. At the same time, the symptoms of its decrease appear quite clearly. This condition is often typical for women during pregnancy.

Symptoms of low hemoglobin

In addition to a blood test, which immediately reveals a lack of this important protein in the body, there are a number of symptoms: based on them, you can independently assume a low level of hemoglobin in the blood.

In men and women these are the following signs:

general weakness of the body, drowsiness;
pale skin, sometimes it even seems “transparent”;
bluish lips;
the skin becomes dry and begins to peel;
in particularly advanced cases, nails begin to break and hair falls out;
For children, the main sign of hemoglobin deficiency is frequent illness.

Once you recognize the symptoms of low hemoglobin in adults, you can successfully bring it back to normal without the help of doctors. But first, you need to know the reasons that reduce the content of this important element in the blood.

Causes of low hemoglobin

Why is hemoglobin low in adults, what does this mean? The body can lose hemoglobin for various reasons. This happens most quickly with blood loss - both obvious and hidden. Obvious bleeding occurs with heavy and prolonged menstruation in women (more than five days), hemorrhoids, various wounds, injuries or operations.

Poor nutrition with insufficient amounts of animal proteins, vitamins and microelements leads to iron deficiency anemia. Low hemoglobin often occurs in people who promote vegetarianism or who have been on a diet for a long time. In childhood, anemia develops due to unbalanced or insufficient nutrition.

Hidden bleeding is possible with some gastrointestinal diseases, pathologies of the female reproductive system (ovarian cyst, uterine fibroids, etc.). Autoimmune diseases, infections or hereditary diseases can lead to a decrease in hemoglobin and a short life of red blood cells.

Consequences

In adults, a decrease in hemoglobin concentration leads to the body not receiving the required amount of oxygen. The general condition of the patients is disturbed and the above-described complaints appear.

The consequence of this may be a decrease in immunity and, as a result, an increase in the incidence of infectious diseases.
In most cases, a person becomes quickly fatigued and constantly weak.
Anemia can cause deformation in human epithelial tissues - the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract and the upper protective layers of the skin.
Anemia often causes nervous system disorders: irritability, causeless mood swings, and reduced concentration.

In addition, with anemia, there may be such manifestations as cracked lips, severe muscle weakness, hair loss, brittle nails and an addiction to special odors that other people find unpleasant.

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy

Low hemoglobin during pregnancy is a common occurrence for expectant mothers. A significant deviation from the norm can negatively affect the health of both mother and baby. This is fraught with the following complications:

hypotension of the uterus (decreased contractility of its muscles);
hypoxia (oxygen starvation of the fetus);
delay or even cessation of fetal growth and development;
low birth weight;
disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory and nervous systems.

In addition, many doctors are confident that low hemoglobin in a woman during childbirth can negatively affect the child’s health in the future. Such children do poorly at school, often get sick, and suffer from various pathologies of internal organs. Therefore, if during pregnancy it is below normal, treatment under the supervision of a doctor is extremely necessary.

How to increase hemoglobin?

What to do? In order to increase hemoglobin in the blood, you need to know the reason for its drop, just in case. You can consume foods that increase hemoglobin (iron, B vitamins) as much as you like, but if they are not properly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, then you may not achieve success.

The main pathogenetic method of therapy is taking iron-containing drugs (Heferol, Ferroplex, Ferlatum and others). As a rule, oral forms are prescribed, but in severe cases the drugs are recommended to be administered parenterally. Treatment of patients prone to intestinal dysfunction involves the parallel administration of enzyme and coating drugs.

If the prescribed medications are well tolerated, they are used in maximum doses, followed by maintenance therapy with a reduction in dosage over several months. At the same time, be sure to monitor the level of iron in red blood cells and blood serum. If necessary, vitamin B12, B9 and ascorbic acid are also prescribed. In severe cases, they resort to transfusion of whole blood or red blood cells.

Iron supplements for low hemoglobin in adults

Drugs to increase hemoglobin are prescribed only by a doctor and, of course, under his strict supervision. This is due to the presence of side effects after taking medications, including: nausea, stomach irritability, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting.

The following drugs increase hemoglobin in the blood are very common and popular:

The course of treatment lasts from two weeks to three months. In this case, visible results occur after approximately 2-3 weeks of taking the medicine. If the composition does not contain ascorbic acid, then it is necessary to additionally take vitamin C up to 0.3 g per day.

If low hemoglobin is detected and treated with tablets, it is forbidden to simultaneously drink products containing calcium, since they are antagonists. Therefore, you should not drink iron with milk, green milk or coffee.

Diet

Products that promote nutritional therapy for low hemoglobin include:

Varieties of red meat - rabbit, beef.
White meat chicken.
Beef tongue, beef liver.
Egg yolks.
Seafood, fish.
Legumes.
Buckwheat and other cereals.
Carrots, beets, dark green vegetables.
Walnuts.
Pomegranate, apples and berries are high in vitamin C.

In no case should you take such a diet with low hemoglobin too literally and switch to proteins alone - it is difficult for the body to assimilate all this. Be sure to garnish the meat with vegetables and herbs, and eat coarse porridge for breakfast. As a supplement to your diet to increase hemoglobin, you can recommend drinking juices - grape, pomegranate, carrot, beetroot, apple.

At the same time, to improve the absorption of iron, you should minimize the consumption of dairy products, fatty foods, flour products, green tea and coffee.

Daria, St. Petersburg

ANSWERED: 11/29/2016

Clarification question

QUESTION FOR CLARIFICATION 29.11.2016 Daria, St. Petersburg

ANSWERED: 11/30/2016 Valeeva Elvira Raisovna Moscow 0.0 doctor oncologist gynecologist

Clarification question

QUESTION FOR CLARIFICATION 30.11.2016 Daria, St. Petersburg

ANSWERED: 11/30/2016 Valeeva Elvira Raisovna Moscow 0.0 doctor oncologist gynecologist

Clarification question

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How do indicators change during the development of cancer?

The main function of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, is the delivery of oxygen from the lungs to other organs and tissues of the body, transportation for the removal of carbon dioxide. A decrease in hemoglobin levels is diagnosed in more than half of patients with the development of a cancerous tumor. This condition is called anemia, in simple terms - anemia.

Hemoglobin levels in a healthy person are within 140 units in men, 120 in women. Fluctuations of several units above or below the norm do not affect your well-being.

In people susceptible to cancer, its content begins to drop significantly and remains consistently low, especially with the development of cancer in the final stages. This condition is accompanied by weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, the patient experiences dizziness, pale skin, and increased heart rate. When the indicator drops, a decrease in immunity, a depressed state or increased nervousness is observed.

As cancer develops, the amount of iron decreases, making it more difficult to cope with the disease.

Why does hemoglobin in the blood drop during oncology?

The reasons for the decreased hemoglobin level during the development of oncology are several factors. It is important to establish the reason for the drop in this indicator in each specific case. This is necessary to improve the patient’s condition and prevent further deterioration of his health.

The reason for the decrease in hemoglobin in cancer is associated with bleeding, often of a chronic nature. Oncology is accompanied by such a process in many cases; its occurrence is provoked due to the progression of the disease, and often occurs as a side effect of treatment. Other common reasons contributing to the decline in the indicator have been identified:

disturbances in the functioning of the stomach and intestines, which cause poor absorption of iron;
metastasis of the bone marrow makes it impossible to synthesize hemoglobin, which is formed in this organ in a healthy person;
the inability to eat a full meal that meets the need for iron due to frequent vomiting;
the use of treatment methods (chemotherapy, radiation therapy), the side effect of which is a decrease in hematopoiesis and changes in the bone marrow;
persistent intoxication of the patient’s body due to the fact that the cancerous tumor grows, develops, and then disintegrates in the last stages of the disease.

Why does hemoglobin drop in cancer patients? The answer to this question depends on several factors. If hemoglobin continues to decrease, its level remains this way for a long time, it is necessary to determine the cause.

Treatment is prescribed by the doctor individually in each specific case; he takes into account the stage of the disease, the shape and location of the tumor, and other factors.

Useful foods for oncology that help maintain hemoglobin levels

Why is it necessary to increase hemoglobin?

A decrease in hemoglobin can worsen health and cause a decrease in life expectancy. The reasons for a decrease in hemoglobin in oncology can be of a different nature, which must be determined for further therapy, and other important indicators of the patient’s condition must be taken into account.

A person with cancer, depending on the type of disease and its stage, experiences severe physical pain, weakness, and is in an unfavorable psycho-emotional state. If the patient experiences a decrease in hemoglobin, his overall health indicators worsen. Increased fatigue, loss of strength are consistently observed, the incentive to fight the disease disappears, and vitality decreases. The cancerous tumor begins to progress and grow. This is due to low oxygen levels, for which hemoglobin is “responsible”.

Diagnosing low hemoglobin using a blood test

Ways to increase hemoglobin in oncology

There are two ways to increase hemoglobin in a cancer patient - medication and the use of a special diet that includes the consumption of a set of foods high in iron. How to increase hemoglobin in oncology, which method to choose, is decided by the doctor. Treatment is prescribed after studying the disease - the location of the cancer, the degree of development, the presence of other diseases that can negatively affect hemoglobin levels.

Medical procedures are used to increase hemoglobin:

introduction of hemoglobin into the blood by transfusion of red blood cells;
using injections or taking oral medications containing iron;
stimulation of the bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin by introducing erythropoietin.

At the first stage of cancer development, it is possible to increase the hemoglobin level through the diet recommended for this category of patients. Later stages of cancer require a combination of an iron-rich diet and medications. Foods will not help with some types of cancer. For example: the level of hemoglobin in cancer of the esophagus, stomach or intestines is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to change with the help of a special diet due to physiological changes in the patient’s body that interfere with the normal process of assimilation and processing of food.

Hemoglobin level and chemotherapy

To treat oncological diseases, aggressive treatment methods are often used - chemotherapy, radiation therapy. At the beginning of their use, patients develop mild anemia, which then develops in a more complex, sometimes chronic form. Many patients who have undergone such procedures and are waiting for them to begin, the question arises: in what case and in what way can hemoglobin be increased after chemotherapy for cancer patients?

Tracking medical statistics suggests that patients whose hemoglobin levels were normal before chemotherapy received more effective results from chemotherapy than those suffering from anemia.

Therefore, increased hemoglobin during the development of oncology is a good prerequisite for the patient’s recovery; with a high level, the chances of recovery increase.

Only a doctor can advise on how to increase hemoglobin in the blood after chemotherapy. Preparations containing iron and other procedures during this period are dangerous due to the side effects they have on the patient’s body, causing cancer in some cases, they should be taken with caution.

Chemotherapy inhibits all vital processes of the body, which is reflected in the level of hemoglobin

In most cases, cancer patients undergo chemotherapy. Indicators of reduced hemoglobin are the basis for the use of treatment methods:

administration of iron-containing drugs intravenously;
using blood transfusion - this method helps to quickly increase hemoglobin levels;
a method of restoring the oxygen transport function of blood by transfusion of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin decreases during chemotherapy along with other blood changes. In order to avoid dangerous complications, it is necessary to normalize its composition and bring the indicators into line with the norm. It is possible to achieve such goals with the help of iron-containing medications, which take a long time to take. Using a diet based on buckwheat, fish, liver, beef, red vegetables and fruits will improve your blood counts.

High hemoglobin after chemotherapy in a cancer patient indicates restoration of hematopoietic functions in the bone marrow; its increase during treatment indicates a favorable prognosis for recovery.

How to improve blood test results for an oncology patient before surgery?

Surgery in the treatment of oncology is performed in most cases. This method requires a lot of preparation and close attention, therapeutic treatment after implementation. The patient loses a significant amount of blood, the deficiency is restored with the help of plasma transfusion, which “dilutes” the blood, it contains less than the normal amount of red blood cells and hemoglobin. How to increase hemoglobin in oncology before surgery and prevent it from decreasing after surgery, what to take for this?

Often, cancer patients require surgical treatment urgently; it is not possible to postpone it. A blood transfusion procedure will help to quickly increase hemoglobin.

Long-term use is necessary when treating with iron supplements. Prescribing folic acid, vitamin B12 injections, and taking vitamin complexes have a positive effect on the patient’s body before and after surgery; they should be taken in accordance with the recommendations of the attending physician. Prescribed medications may have side effects; regular monitoring of treatment results is required. Stop taking medications immediately if dangerous effects occur.

Eating foods high in iron is a necessary condition that must be met before surgery and during the recovery period after surgery. Such food raises hemoglobin and increases the vitality of the person being operated on.

Top Iron Fortified Foods

Treatments at home

After the treatment procedures necessary to combat oncology in a hospital setting, the patient must continue treatment independently under constant supervision of specialists. How to increase hemoglobin at home? Traditional medicine, proper nutrition, and lifestyle changes can be ways to increase hemoglobin levels.

Our ancestors made effective medicinal products. The recipes use ingredients that raise hemoglobin and conditionally normalize blood composition: oats, barley, walnut kernels, rose hips, flax seeds. Cranberry and lingonberry fruit drinks are popular “among the people” - they are a good preventive remedy for anemia.

The food composition requires buckwheat, liver, dairy products, meat and fish, and natural honey. Vegetable juices from carrots, beets, apple, pomegranate juice - with their help the process of hematopoiesis increases. The drop in indicators is associated with the consumption of fatty foods and coffee - you should definitely avoid these products.

Increased iron levels will be observed with an active lifestyle. Walking in the fresh air, especially in a park or forest with coniferous trees, will saturate the blood with oxygen and improve your well-being. Use physical activity with caution, even if it requires little effort.