Microcytosis

Microcytosis is a medical condition characterized by the presence of smaller than normal red blood cells in a patient's blood. It is often associated with conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, and other anemias.

Causes

Microcytosis is most commonly caused by iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which the body lacks enough iron to produce adequate red blood cells. Other causes include thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that affects the body's ability to produce normal hemoglobin, and some types of chronic disease.

Symptoms

The symptoms of microcytosis can vary depending on the underlying cause. In many cases, individuals with microcytosis may not exhibit any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat.

Diagnosis

Microcytosis is typically diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures the size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood. A diagnosis of microcytosis is made when the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of red blood cells is below the normal range.

Treatment

Treatment for microcytosis typically involves addressing the underlying cause. For example, if microcytosis is caused by iron deficiency anemia, treatment may involve iron supplements and dietary changes to increase iron intake. If the cause is thalassemia, treatment may involve blood transfusions, medications, and in some cases, bone marrow transplant.

See also

• Anemia
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Thalassemia
• Complete blood count

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