These can be due to multiple factors, e.g. nutrient deficiencies, chronic diseases or genetic conditions. It is important to diagnose why blood levels are low in order to determine the correct treatment and restore health. Hereโs everything you need to know about recognizing and diagnosing low blood levels. Consulting a weight loss and wellness center is important to check weight and blood levels.
Recognize the Symptoms
The initial step in identifying decreased blood levels is understanding the common symptoms, including:
Extreme tiredness and weakness
Pale or yellowish skin.
Breathlessness, particularly during exercise.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Cold hands and feet.
Abnormal heart rhythm or chest pain.
Although these symptoms can indicate anemia, they can also reflect other health conditions, so a proper diagnosis is key.
Seek Guidance From a Health Care Provider
If you reason that youโre low on blood, get a doctorโs appointment. Expect to be asked for details about:
The symptoms you have and how long youโve had them.
Your dietary habits.
Any chronic health problems or family history of anemia.
Recent illness, surgery or use of medication.
Get a Physical Exam
During your consultation, your doctor will perform a physical exam to check:
Pale skins and jaundiced appearances.
Enlarged spleen or liver.
Heart rate and respiratory activity.
These observations can provide clues about how bad and whatโs causing your condition.
Perform Blood Tests
Blood tests are the basis for diagnosing low anemia panel. The four most common tests are:
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
Counts hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cells.
Provides information on the severity and type of the anemia (e.g., iron-deficiency, vitamin-deficiency, or chronic disease-related).
Peripheral Blood Smear:
Look at the shape, size and number of blood cells under a microscope.
Detects abnormalities such as sickle-shaped cells or nucleated red blood cells
Iron Studies:
This includes serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).
Iron studies detect iron deficiency or overload.
Vitamin B12 and Folate Tests:
Causes anemia due to deficiencies in vitamins that are vital for red blood cell formation.
Reticulocyte Count:
Counts of young red blood cells, indicating how well the bone marrow is producing them
Identify Underlying Causes
If early tests suggest low blood levels, further investigation is needed to determine the cause. These include:
Chronic Disease Screening: Kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer can all cause anemia.
Genetic Testing: Deciphers inherited diseases like thalassemia or sickle cell disease.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: Rarely done, rather to evaluate if it is bone marrow related and to rule against such disease as leukemia or aplastic anemia.
Stool & Urine Tests: Find occult blood loss in the GI tract or urinary system.
Monitor and Follow Up
Once a diagnosis has been made, regular follow-ups are important for the following:
Checking blood levels and symptoms.
Evaluate the efficacy of treatments like dietary changes, supplements, or medicines.
As new information is discovered, update your treatment plan.
Final Thoughts
Diagnosis of low blood levels is primarily by recognition of clinical symptoms with medical consultation and laboratory testing. Addressing the underlying cause of anemia can start to help to return energy and quality of life. If you have ongoing symptoms, donโt hesitate to seek professional medical help. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, low blood levels can be managed effectively.
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