Write a reply to this classmates discussion post, do not critique her writing just continue the discussion. only use the references provided and include intext citations where applicable.
Iron-deficiency anemia is a problem of low iron in the red blood cells and there is not enough iron stored up to replace the low levels. The small intestines regulate the absorption of iron. The main causes of iron-deficiency anemia are inadequate iron intake, chronic hemorrhage, malabsorption, high iron demands which occurs in infancy, adolescence, pregnancy and lactation (Braun & Anderson, 2017 p. 448). Iron-deficiency anemia usually starts off slowly which is usually asymptomatic. The manifestations that do occur when iron-deficiency anemia gets worse is pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness, breathlessness, palpations, headache, tachycardia, syncope, brittle hair and nails, mouth sores, pica which is when someone has the urge to eat ice or nonfood substances (Braun & Anderson, 2017 p. 448). When diagnosing iron-deficiency anemia, a history and physical exam which looks to see if people are vegetarian or people who have had lots of blood loss. There are laboratory tests that can be done to look for reduced serum hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (Braun and Anderson, 2017 p.448). When diagnosing iron-deficiency anemia there are a few factors that the health care provider has to keep in mind those include age, gender, pregnancy, and altitudes (Braun & Anderson, 2017 p.449). When it comes to treatments, it is focused on treating the cause. Treatment can include iron supplements, iron-rich diet which is taken with ascorbic acid which increases the absorption of the iron, if there is deficiency that is related to blood loss, then the treatment is to stop the source of the bleeding and give a blood transfusion if needed (Braun & Anderson, 2017 p.449).
Diverticular Disease affects the large intestines, it is a small sac or outpouching that forms on the wall of the colon. It typically happens on the ascending colon. There are different names for example if there is one sac it is called a diverticulum, and more than one is called diverticula which is then called diverticulitis (Braun & Anderson, 2017 p.485). If diverticulitis gets too bad it can cause herniation of the diverticulum which then can cause trauma and bleeding of the blood vessels that supply the intestinal walls with blood. Clinical manifestations that are associated with diverticular disease include abdominal pain usually in the left lower quadrant, fever, nausea, vomiting, and rectal bleeding (Braun & Anderson, 2017 p.486). When it comes to diagnosing diverticular disease an exam of the stool will be done to look for blood, anemia, and any active infections (Braun & Anderson, 2017 486). Other diagnostic tests that can be done are ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and CT scan as well as barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy (Braun & Anderson, 2017 p. 486). Treatment options for diverticular disease can be dietary which includes high fiber and low fats, no seeds, increase water intake, pharmacotherapy which includes laxatives and antispasmodic, or surgery which includes removing a portion of the large intestines or a colostomy which is an external opening of the large intestines. (Braun & Anderson, 2017 p.486).
Braun, C., & Anderson, C. (2017). Applied pathophysiology (3rd ed.). [CoursePoint]. https://thepoint.lww.com/Book/Show/993500#/about-this-product?groupby=learningactivity&ts=1631720455018
