MACROCYTIC ANAEMIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Macrocytic anemia refers to a medical condition characterized by the presence of abnormally large red blood cells (RBCs) in the bloodstream. Normal RBCs are small and round in shape; however, in macrocytic anemia, these cells appear larger than the usual size. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors such as nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.
One of the primary causes of macrocytic anemia is a deficiency in vitamin B12 and/or folate (also known as folic acid). Both of these vitamins play an important role in the production and maturation of red blood cells. Inadequate levels of vitamin B12 or folate can lead to impaired DNA synthesis and disruption in the normal process of RBC formation, resulting in the production of larger and immature cells. Other possible causes of macrocytic anemia include liver disease, alcohol abuse, hypothyroidism, myelodysplastic syndromes, and certain medications like methotrexate.
Common symptoms of macrocytic anemia include fatigue, weakness, paleness, shortness of breath, and an increased heart rate. Diagnosis usually involves a routine blood test known as a complete blood count (CBC) to measure the size of red blood cells and their hemoglobin content.
Treatment for macrocytic anemia depends on the underlying cause. In cases of vitamin deficiencies, supplementation or dietary adjustments may be recommended. Additionally, any underlying conditions or contributing factors should be addressed. Close monitoring of blood cell counts and regular follow-ups with a healthcare professional are necessary to track the progress of treatment and manage the condition effectively.
Common Misspellings for MACROCYTIC ANAEMIA
- nacrocytic anaemia
- kacrocytic anaemia
- jacrocytic anaemia
- mzcrocytic anaemia
- mscrocytic anaemia
- mwcrocytic anaemia
- mqcrocytic anaemia
- maxrocytic anaemia
- mavrocytic anaemia
- mafrocytic anaemia
- madrocytic anaemia
- maceocytic anaemia
- macdocytic anaemia
- macfocytic anaemia
- mactocytic anaemia
- mac5ocytic anaemia
- mac4ocytic anaemia
- macricytic anaemia
- macrkcytic anaemia
Etymology of MACROCYTIC ANAEMIA
The word "macrocytic" is derived from the Greek words "makros" meaning "large" and "kytos" meaning "cell". This term refers to the presence of larger-than-normal red blood cells in the bloodstream.
The word "anaemia" comes from the Greek word "anaimia", which is a combination of "an" meaning "without" and "haima" meaning "blood". Anaemia refers to a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a reduced ability of these cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
