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Health Line
15 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
Symptoms of Dying from Anemia
Key takeaways Anemia is a condition where you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. It can be temporary or chronic, and while often mild, it can become serious and life threatening. Symptoms of life threatening anemia may include: loss of consciousness, stroke, heart failure, respiratory failure, and kidney failure. Mild anemia may show no symptoms, but severe cases can manifest gradually or suddenly. Treating severe anemia takes more than just diet and lifestyle changes, although eating lots of iron-rich foods can help your body make more red blood cells. Treatment often involves addressing the underlying cause, with options like blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, and medications. Anemia is a condition where you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. Anemia can be temporary or long term (chronic). In many cases it's mild, but anemia can also be serious and life threatening. Doctors can help treat many types of anemia, though some chronic types may require continual monitoring and management. Untreated anemia can cause severe complications. Keep reading to learn about the types of anemia that can become life threatening and what the symptoms are. What are the symptoms of anemia? Symptoms of life threatening anemia may include: loss of consciousness stroke heart failure respiratory failure kidney failure Mild anemia may not cause any symptoms. But if your anemia is severe or life threatening, you may develop symptoms gradually or suddenly. Symptoms of anemia can include: fatigue cold hands and feet dizziness headache lightheadedness irregular heartbeat chest pain pale or yellowish skin shortness of breath weakness whooshing sound or pounding in your ears If you have severe anemia, these symptoms may be more pronounced. You may also have symptoms specific to the condition underlying anemia. These might include: dark urine unintentional weight loss numbness or tingling How does anemia become life threatening? Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. When you don't have enough red blood cells, your organs don't get enough oxygen and can't work properly. This can have severe consequences. Types of anemia that can potentially be life threatening include: Aplastic anemia Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow becomes damaged and the body stops producing new blood cells. It can be sudden or worsen over time. Common causes include: cancer treatment exposure to toxic chemicals pregnancy autoimmune disease viral infections It can also have no known cause, which is referred to as idiopathic aplastic anemia. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare, life threatening disease. It causes blood clots, destroys blood cells, and impairs bone marrow function. It's a genetic condition, with the median age of diagnosis in the 30s. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is related to aplastic anemia. It often starts as aplastic anemia or arises after treatment for the condition. Myelodysplastic syndromes Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of conditions that cause the blood-making cells in your bone marrow to become abnormal. Your bone marrow then doesn't make enough cells, and the cells it does make are generally defective. These cells die earlier and are more likely to be destroyed by your immune system. Myelodysplastic syndromes are considered a type of cancer. They may turn into acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer. Hemolytic anemia Hemolytic anemia is when your red blood cells are destroyed faster than your body can make them. It can be temporary or chronic. Hemolytic anemia can also be inherited, which means it's passed down through your genes. It can also be acquired. Potential causes of acquired hemolytic anemia include: infection certain medications, such as penicillin blood cancers autoimmune disorders an overactive spleen some tumors severe reaction to a blood transfusion Sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease is an inherited type of anemia. It causes your red blood cells to change shape. They become sickle-shaped, rigid, and sticky. This causes them to get stuck in small blood vessels, which blocks blood flow throughout your body, depriving tissue of oxygen. Sickle cell disease is more common in people with descent or origin from: Africa the Middle East the Mediterranean Central and South America South Asia Sickle cell disease causes very painful episodes, swelling, and frequent infections. Severe thalassemia Thalassemia is an inherited condition in which your body doesn't make enough hemoglobin. This is a protein that's a crucial part of red blood cells. Without enough hemoglobin, your red blood cells don't work properly and die more quickly than healthy cells. Thalassemia can be mild or severe. It becomes severe if you inherit two copies of the gene that causes it. Malarial anemia Malarial anemia is a main symptom of severe malaria. Many factors can contribute to its development, including: nutritional deficiencies bone marrow problems the malaria parasite entering red blood cells Fanconi anemia Fanconi anemia is a genetic condition that impairs bone marrow and causes you to have a lower-than-normal amount of all types of blood cells. It often causes physical differences, such as: malformed thumbs or forearms problems with bone structure changes in kidney shape or missing kidney gastrointestinal changes fertility issues vision and hearing problems Fanconi anemia can also cause an increased risk of leukemia as well as head, neck, skin, reproductive, and gastrointestinal cancers. What causes life threatening anemia? Anemia happens when your body doesn't make enough blood cells, your body destroys your red blood cells, or the red blood cells it does make are a different shape. For anemia to be life threatening, you typically have a low number of red blood cells. This can affect the ability to deliver oxygen to the different parts of your body. Functioning red blood cells may decrease over time until their low number becomes serious. But sometimes, you can lose red blood cells quickly. Some types of anemia can also cause severe complications that can be life threatening. Different causes of anemia include: Genetics Some conditions that cause anemia are inherited, which means they are passed down through one or both parents through your genes. These conditions include: sickle cell disease thalassemia some hemolytic anemias Fanconi anemia paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria Bleeding Severe bleeding can cause sudden anemia. For example, this might happen after a traumatic injury where you lose a lot of blood. Cancer Cancers of the blood, lymphatic system, and bone marrow can cause anemia. Examples include: aplastic anemia some hemolytic anemias myelodysplastic syndromes Diseases Acquired diseases, including malaria, can cause anemia. Other infections can cause aplastic anemia or hemolytic anemia. Autoimmune diseases are also a potential cause of anemia, as they may cause your body to attack red blood cells. How is anemia diagnosed? To diagnose anemia, a doctor will typically ask for your family and medical history. Then they may do a physical exam. After that, a healthcare professional typically draws blood for several tests. The most common include: complete blood count (CBC) to count the number of red blood cells and the amount of hemoglobin in your blood tests to look at the size and shape of your red blood cells Once a doctor diagnoses anemia, they may do more testing to see whether they can find the underlying cause of anemia. This may include: blood tests for iron and vitamin B deficiencies bone marrow test to see how well your body makes red blood cells check for internal bleeding scans to check for tumors What is the treatment for serious anemia? Treating severe anemia takes more than just diet and lifestyle changes, although eating lots of iron-rich foods can help your body make more red blood cells. Sometimes, treating anemia requires treating the underlying cause. Examples include: chemotherapy for myelodysplastic syndrome eculizumab (Soliris) for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, which keeps your body from destroying red blood cells immunosuppressants for some types of aplastic anemia and hemolytic anemias In all types of anemia, blood transfusions can help replace lost or defective red blood cells and reduce symptoms. However, it usually does not address the underlying cause. Some people may need multiple transfusions over time. A bone marrow transplant or a stem cell transplant may be an option if you can't make healthy red blood cells. In this procedure, cells from a donor's bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood are given through a vein, similar to a blood transfusion. This is the only cure for some types of anemia, such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. What is the outlook for people with serious anemia? Anemia, in general, causes 1.6 deaths per 100,000 people in the United States annually. It's usually treatable if caught quickly, although some types are chronic, which means they need continual treatment. The outlook for people with serious anemia can depend on the cause: Aplastic anemia In some cases, a bone marrow transplant can cure aplastic anemia. In others, medications can reduce symptoms but aren't a cure. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria Current treatments have increased the survival time for most people with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria to over 10 years from diagnosis. Factors such as age and other health conditions can affect a person's outlook. Myelodysplastic syndromes With treatment, people with low risk myelodysplastic syndromes typically live as long as people without them. You can talk with a doctor to learn about your specific prognostic score. Hemolytic anemias The outlook for people with hemolytic anemias depends on the underlying cause. Hemolytic anemia itself is rarely fatal, especially if treated early and properly, but the underlying conditions can be. Sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease decreases life expectancy. People with this condition typically live to 54 years old on average. However, newer treatments, including newer drugs, gene therapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplants, may improve the outlook of people with sickle cell disease. Severe thalassemia Severe thalassemia can cause death due to heart complications, but better treatments have improved the outlook for people who have it. Treatment involves regular blood transfusions and therapy to remove excess iron from your blood. Malarial anemia If diagnosed and treated quickly, malaria is usually curable. However, severe malaria, which is what causes anemia, is a medical emergency. The mortality rate for severe malaria varies widely, from 9.7% to 50%, depending on factors such as age, location, other presenting conditions, and overall health. Fanconi anemia
Health Line
15 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
Are Epidural Injections Covered by Medicare?
Medicare should cover epidural steroid injections to relieve spinal pain caused by certain conditions lasting at least 4 weeks despite other treatment. An epidural steroid injection is a noninvasive way that can help ease pain. A doctor injects steroids into the epidural space, which is the space around the spinal cord. These injections help reduce inflammation caused by various spinal problems. Read on about Medicare coverage for epidural steroid injections to relieve pain. When does Medicare cover epidural injections? Original Medicare is comprised of Part A and Part B. Part A may cover epidural steroid injections when you're hospitalized, while Part B may cover these as an outpatient procedure. If you're enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Part C), you should receive the same coverage. You should receive coverage if you're: diagnosed with certain conditions like disc herniation, acute shingles pain, or post-laminectomy syndrome experience pain that significantly affects your daily life are dealing with pain for over 4 weeks despite trying other treatments have had medical imaging, such as CT or ultrasound, showing a qualifying health issue causing the pain Medicare won't approve injections without a clear cause for the pain, or if you also have an infection, spinal compression, are at high risk for cancer, or have a suspected cancer diagnosis. To get coverage, make sure that the healthcare professional administering your injections is qualified to do so, accredited, and accepts Medicare. How do epidural steroid injections work? An epidural steroid injection is a nonsurgical way to relieve pain, especially lower back pain radiating to the lower body or neck pain extending to the arms. A doctor injects a steroid into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and pain. This treatment is useful for conditions like spinal stenosis, radiculitis, sciatica, and herniated discs. These injections may be cervical or lumbar. Cervical injections may be administered in two ways: Interlaminar, injecting between two vertebrae for broader coverage, or transforaminal, targeting a specific nerve root on the spine's side, often called a 'nerve block.' A single-level nerve block targets pain at a specific spinal level, while two-level or multilevel blocks address discomfort at multiple levels. The number of injections Medicare will cover for your treatment depends on the type you get. Some may be approved for up to two levels per region and bilaterally if necessary, while others could be approved for just one level. If the first injections give you at least 50% pain relief for 3 months or more, you might receive approval for more. How much do epidural injections cost through Medicare? The cost of epidural steroid injections can vary depending on whether you have insurance, the type of injection you need, and the number of injections required. For instance, a 2019 study evaluated medical costs for around 14,000 individuals with lumbar spinal fusion who received these injections and found that, on average, people spent about $1,060.67. If you're covered by Part B, you'll need to meet a $257 deductible in 2025 before your coverage kicks in. Afterward, Part B will cover 80% of your costs. There's also a monthly premium, starting at $185, which varies depending on your income. Under Part A, most people don't pay a premium, but you do need to meet a $1,676 deductible. After meeting this amount, Part A will cover all your hospital treatment costs for the first 60 days. Afterward, you'll start to share the daily cost each day until day 101, when you'll be responsible for the entire daily cost. If you're enrolled in a Part C plan, it is managed by a private insurer and comes with its own premium, deductible, and coinsurance. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reports that the average monthly premium for Part C plans is about $17 in 2025. Keep in mind, you'll still need to pay the Part B premium to stay enrolled in a Part C plan, though some Part C plans might cover this cost for you. Does Medicare cover epidurals during childbirth? Epidural anesthesia, which is often used during childbirth, is different from steroid epidurals for spinal pain. Generally, receiving epidural anesthesia for childbirth while being covered by Medicare is uncommon, as most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. But you might qualify earlier because of a disability. If you become pregnant, Medicare Part A should generally cover anesthesia that is medically necessary during your hospital stay for delivery. This may include epidural anesthesia. Takeaway An epidural steroid injection can help relieve pain and inflammation from spinal issues. If you're experiencing severe pain that persists for more than 4 weeks and your pain is caused by specific conditions, Medicare may cover this treatment. If you need the procedure in a hospital, Medicare Part A could cover it, while Part B could cover it when done as an outpatient procedure. If you have Medicare Advantage (Part C), you'll get similar coverage. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
Health Line
16 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
A Liver Ultrasound: What This Procedure Means
Your doctor may recommend a liver ultrasound to check for signs of liver disease, and knowing what to expect can help put you at ease. A liver ultrasound is one of a few tests your doctor can order if they want to check your liver. An ultrasound scan (also known as sonography) is a noninvasive procedure that captures live images of your organs using high-frequency sound waves. A liver ultrasound is an essential tool that helps doctors see your liver and its blood vessels in real time. It's a type of abdominal ultrasound. If your doctor has ordered a liver ultrasound, it might mean they want to confirm or rule out a liver condition. Keep reading to learn what conditions a liver ultrasound can detect, what to expect from the procedure, how accurate it is, how much you might need to pay for it, and other useful information. Why is an ultrasound needed to test for liver disease? Liver disease is a general term that refers to a group of conditions affecting your liver. These conditions may have different causes, but all of them can damage your liver and affect your general health. Some of the most common liver conditions are: hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver steatotic liver disease, formerly known as fatty liver disease, or a buildup of fat in the liver autoimmune liver disorders, which result from your immune system mistakenly attacking the cells in your liver liver cancer liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure, which involve scarring and damage from liver disease Doctors usually recommend liver ultrasounds for the following reasons: if you show symptoms of liver disease, such as jaundice or pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen (where the liver is located) if you have high liver enzymes on a blood test called the liver function test as a screening tool for liver conditions The purpose of a liver ultrasound is to visualize your liver and record its blood flow. This helps doctors confirm or rule out liver conditions. What should you see on an ultrasound for liver disease? Liver ultrasounds don't usually require special preparation, but your doctor may ask you not to eat or drink anything several hours before the procedure. During the scan, you'll lie still on a scanning table. An ultrasound technician will place a scanner in different spots around the upper right segment of your abdomen. The resulting images will show up on a computer screen in real time. After the ultrasound is done, a doctor will check the ultrasound images. They will look for the following signs of liver disease: liver inflammation, a sign of hepatitis a buildup of fat associated with steatotic liver disease masses or lesions, which can indicate liver cancer changes in the appearance of the liver, such as nodules, which can signify cirrhosis Is a liver ultrasound accurate? A liver ultrasound is a useful tool in identifying certain types of liver disease. It's often the first test your doctor will order if they suspect a liver condition. It's a quick, safe, painless, and relatively inexpensive test. In the past, doctors relied more heavily on liver biopsy to diagnose, stage, and grade liver disease. However, newer research indicates that new liver ultrasound technologies are able to accurately detect liver disease. What does an ultrasound cost for liver disease? On average, an abdominal liver scan can cost around $1,400. However, most health insurance providers cover this procedure. Liver ultrasound costs will vary based on: where you live whether you have medical insurance the type of ultrasound Frequently asked questions How do you diagnose fatty liver disease? A doctor can diagnose steatotic liver disease using a combination of the following tests: liver ultrasound X-ray, CT, or MRI scans of the abdomen transient elastography (also known as FibroScan), shear wave elastography, or acoustic radiation force impulse imaging, which assesses liver stiffness magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), which combines MRI with low frequency sound waves to create a visual map showing liver stiffness Can you get an ultrasound for alcohol liver disease? Long-term, excessive alcohol use can lead to a buildup of fat in the liver known as alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), or steatosis. Metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD), a form of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD), refers to liver damage due to alcohol use along with other risk factors, such as obesity or diabetes. It causes liver inflammation and scarring and can eventually lead to cirrhosis. Liver ultrasound is one of the tests used to diagnose fat in the liver. Other tests may include: a complete blood count (CBC) a liver function test CT or MRI scans a liver biopsy Is there an ultrasound for liver disease in dogs? Similar to humans, abdominal ultrasounds are commonly used in dogs and cats when a vet suspects a liver condition. Symptoms of liver disease in pets can be subtle but may include: appetite issues orange urine jaundice weight loss excessive drinking or excessive urinating light colored stool Can an abdominal ultrasound check for chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance? Certain types of liver disease can increase your risk of developing liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because of that, doctors recommend regular screening for HCC in people with cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C every 6 months.
Associated Press
16 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London Launches New Website to Enhance Patient Experience and Education
London, UK - June 27, 2025 - FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London is pleased to announce the launch of its newly designed website, designed to provide patients with a seamless, informative, and user-friendly experience. The new site reflects the clinic's commitment to delivering high-quality, surgeon-led hair transplant procedures while prioritising education and accessibility for both new and existing patients. The redesigned website ( ) features an intuitive layout, faster navigation, and comprehensive resources about hair restoration treatments, including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), one of the most advanced and minimally invasive hair transplant techniques available today. Prospective patients can now easily access detailed guides on the FUE procedure, explore before-and-after galleries, and book confidential consultations directly with leading UK-trained surgeons. The site also features a new blog section, offering expert insights into hair loss, recovery timelines, treatment costs, and the science behind successful transplants. 'Our goal was to create a digital experience that mirrors the quality of care we provide in-clinic,' said the Lead Surgeon at FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London. 'Many of our patients begin their journey online, so it was crucial to build a platform that's educational, trustworthy, and easy to navigate. We want people to feel empowered when making one of the most personal decisions about their appearance.' Visitors can explore real patient stories, understand pricing with no hidden fees, and get clear information about what to expect before, during, and after their procedure. The launch of the new website marks a key step in FUE Hair Transplant Clinic London's mission to make hair restoration more accessible, personalised, and results-driven for individuals experiencing hair loss. Media Contact Company Name: Press featured Contact Person: Maxwell Pierce Email: Send Email Country: United Kingdom Website: Source: Press Featured
Al Jazeera
18 hours ago
- Health
- Al Jazeera
The Last Lifeline
Doctors give everything to save lives during a violent gang war in one of the last remaining trauma hospitals in Haiti. The streets of Port-au-Prince have become a combat zone. Fighting between armed groups and beleaguered government forces has caused hospitals to shut down, overwhelming the ones that remain with mostly civilian casualties. Doctors at the Tabarre Hospital are caught in the crossfire and doing everything they can to save lives, including sacrificing their own comfort and safety. This is the story of the doctors and patients trying to survive in a country torn apart by violence.
