Learn about Anemia treatment in Kenya and some of the best hospitals in Kenya that you should go for anaemia treatment.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a condition whereby your body lacks enough red blood cells. Red blood cells are known to transport oxygen all over the body. If the red blood cells are few, that means that oxygen will not be transported throughout the body efficiently.
Anemia in Kenya has been known to affect mostly children and women and especially pregnant women. This is why, nowadays every pregnant woman in Kenya is given iron supplements known as IFAS.
Children also are at high risk of contracting nutrient deficiency anemia. That is why the Kenyan Government under the nutrition and health department is working tirelessly to ensure that children are eating foods with enough nutrients.

Causes of anemia

We know that anemia is caused by a lack of enough red blood cells in the body. So what causes the reduction of these crucial cells in the body?

• Lack of the nutrients that the body uses to make red blood cells such as Folate, vitamin B12 and iron. Sometimes you may find that the body is not able to absorb these nutrients due to some diseases like gout.
• Another cause of lack of red blood cells is when the body is losing so much blood than it can replenish. Factors that add to the loss of blood include menstruating for long, some worm infestation like hookworm among many other blood loss causes.
• Some types of anemia are hereditary, so someone may inherit them from their family.

Symptoms of anemia

There are many signs and symptoms of  anemia and they may vary depending on the type of  anemia. Below are the most common symptoms;

1. Fatigue and weakness
2. Abnormal rapid heartbeat
3. Shortness of breaths
4. dizziness
5. Difficulty in concentrating
6. Insomnia

Anemia Diagnosis

A doctor will do Physical examination and laboratory tests you to confirm the exact type of anemia that you are suffering from and the causes. The diagnosis will include:

1. Haemogram: checking of your blood cells
2. Iron levels check
3. Ferritin levels check
4. Vitamin B 12 test: They help to make red blood cells
5. Stool test for any type of bleeding

Anemia treatment in Kenya

Treatment varies depending on the type of anemia you are suffering from. However, the most common type of treatment recommend for atleatst all types of anemia is eating  a balanced diet and foods high in Vitamin B 12 and iron supplements to help increase the red blood cells in the body.

Early prevention measures of anemia

Anemia may be dangerous to children and pregnant women. Pregnant mothers should be given iron and folic acid (IFAS). This is provided by the government of Kenya for free as one of the early to prevention measures of anemia.  A diet full of vitamins that make up the red blood cells such as Folate, vitamin B12 and Iron is also recommend.

Hospital to go for anemia treatment

For children and mothers in Nairobi, we recommend Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital as one of the best hospitals in Kenya for anemia treatment. It is located in Muthaiga Road or you can reach them through Phone on: 0730645000 or email on: info@gerties.org.
Takeaway: If you have just realized that you have Anemia, it is important to understand what caused it, how to treat it and have a diet plan for better management.