ANEMIA, FOLIC-ACID DEFICIENCY(Megaloblastic Anemia) |
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ANEMIA, FOLIC-ACID DEFICIENCY
(Megaloblastic Anemia)
DESCRIPTIONFolic-acid anemia is a deficiency in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. It affects the blood cells, which transport oxygen to all body parts. Folic-acid anemia affects both sexes, especially infants and adolescents.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Fatigue and weakness.
Red, sore tongue.
Paleness.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
CAUSES
Complication of pregnancy, when the body needs 8 times more folic acid than usual.
Inadequate intake or absorption of foods with a high folic acid content, such as meat, poultry, fish, cheese, milk, eggs, green vegetables, yeast, and mushrooms.
Alcoholism.
Overcooking foods, which destroys folic acid.
Deficiency of vitamin B-12 or vitamin C.
RISK FACTORS
Pregnancy.
Illness, such as tropical sprue, psoriasis, acne rosacea, eczema or dermatitis herpetiformis.
Fad diets or general poor nutrition, especially vitamin C deficiency.
Surgical removal of the stomach.
Smoking, which decreases vitamin C absorption. Vitamin C is necessary for folic-acid absorption.
Use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-convulsants, methotrexate, or triamterene.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEAdvice for your child or adolescent:
Don't drink alcohol.
Eat well. Include fresh vegetables, meat, and other animal proteins. Avoid fad diets. Don't overcook food.
Don't smoke. Smoking increases vitamin requirements.
Have regular medical checkups during pregnancy. Take prenatal vitamin supplements, if they are prescribed.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood studies.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Increased susceptibility to infection.
Congestive heart failure.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Usually curable in 3 weeks with an adequate folic-acid intake.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE
If your adolescent smokes, it is important to stop.
If your daughter takes oral contraceptives, she should consider using another form of contraception.
Your child's mouth should be kept scrupulously clean by using mild or diluted mouthwash and a soft toothbrush.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe:
Folic-acid supplements. Have the child continue taking them after symptoms improve.
Iron supplements to take orally.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet. The child should eat foods daily that are high in folic acid. The liver can store folic acid for a limited time only.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?When appetite has returned and alertness, strength, and feeling of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of anemia.
Symptoms don't improve in 2 weeks despite treatment.
Symptoms of infection (fever, chills, and muscle aches) occur during treatment.
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