Risk Factors And Treatment Of Anemia Coursework Example

RISK FACTORS AND TREATMENT OF ANEMIA
Name:
Institution:
Tutor:
Discuss the defect of gastric secretion of intrinsic factor that leads to anemia
The stomach is responsible for the production of intrinsic factor, through the parietal cells. It also plays the role of absorption of vitamin B12, used in the cellular breakdown. Production of the red blood cells happens at this process as well as the usual working of the nervous system. Reduced or inadequate production of intrinsic factor results from the autoimmune demolition of the parietal cells that is responsible for creation of intrinsic factor (anemia, 2018). Also, to some extent, Gastrectomy can lead to low production of IF. This leads to the occurrence of Pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease, where the autoantibodies absorption against the IF occurs. The effect leads to a shortage in the IF, inadequate absorption of B12 and consequently leads to megaloblastic anemia. In general, there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells since the intestines fail to absorb vitamin B12.
The types of anemia it can cause:
Pernicious anemia
Megaloblastic anemia
Risk factors leading to the development of this anemia
Research shows that anemia is most prevalent with people originating from Northern Europe or some from Africa compared to people of other descents. Also, older people stand a higher risk of getting this disease due to lack of the acidity element in the stomach as well as the IF factor which hinders absorption of vitamin B12 (“Pernicious Anemia | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), 2018 ).

The reason for this is mainly because with age comes decreasing ability to make abdominal acid. Additionally, the other category that is more likely to contract this disease are:
People sharing descent with family members suffering this condition
History of removal of the stomach/small intestines through surgery
Consume medication that hinders proper absorption of vitamin B12
Vegetarians
Treatment options
The common type of treatment is an increased intake of vitamin B12 through various options. One of them is the injection of the vitamin once every month or in severe cases, more than once. Another option is the intake of Vitamin B12 supplements through the mouth or the nose.
References
anemia, P. (2018). Pernicious anemia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 19 March 2018, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000569.htm
Pernicious Anemia | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). (2018). Nhlbi.nih.gov. Retrieved 19 March 2018, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pernicious-anemia