Ruben Onsu Undergoes Blood Transfusion Because Hemoglobin Drops Drastically, Know The Causes In General

Illustration of the causes and symptoms of low hemoglobin (Unsplash/Fauzan My)

YOGYAKARTA – According to Sarwendah's explanation, Ruben Onsu underwent a blood transfusion until he used up 8 bags of blood, yesterday, Monday, June 27, on The Onsu Family's YouTube channel. When Ruben Onsu visited the hospital, Sarwendah told him that his husband had to undergo a series of observations. On the first day of admission to the hospital, Ruben had 5 bags of transfusions. Sarwendah added, they still need more blood donors.

Sarwendah said that Ruben was anemic because his hemoglobin level had dropped drastically. The exact cause is not known, so it can't be concluded what disease Ruben Onsu is experiencing. She and her husband, who are still lying in the hospital bed, are still waiting for the results of observations to determine the cause.

Illustration of Sarwendah and Ruben Onsu (Source: YouTube screenshot of The Onsu Family)

In general, anemia occurs when a person has less than normal red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin which is an iron-rich protein. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to be transported to the lungs which is then distributed to tissues in the body. When red blood cells are insufficient or not functioning properly, the body will lack oxygen to carry out its mechanisms.

Quoting Medical News Today, Tuesday, June 28, in the United States, anemia is experienced when the hemoglobin is less than 13.5 g/dL in men or less than 12 g/dL in women. In general, iron deficiency anemia is a lack of iron in the body so that there is not enough hemoglobin in the body. This type of anemia is usually caused by blood loss. But it could also be due to poor iron absorption, which a person usually experiences after gastric bypass surgery.

Other factors that cause anemia or decreased hemoglobin in red blood cells include the following.

Illustration of red blood cells (iStockphoto)

1. Pregnancy

In pregnant women and in labor, more iron is needed. But when experiencing a deficiency or deficiency, the mother can be affected by anemia. This is why pregnant women need to maintain nutritional intake so as not to risk the womb and body.

2. Lack of nutrition

Called vitamin deficiency anemia, it is caused by a lack of nutrients such as vitamin B12 or folic acid. This anemia changes the shape of the red blood cells, making them ineffective in producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body.

3. Aplastic anemia

The cause of aplastic anemia is a disorder in which the blood-forming stem cells in the marrow are attacked by the immune system. The effect of this body's defense is, reduced production of red blood cells.

4. Hemolytic anemia

Hemolytic anemia occurs due to genetic inheritance. This disorder causes red blood cells to be broken down in the bloodstream or in the spleen.

5. Sickle cell anemia

Just like the type of hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia is also inherited based on genetic history. Occurs when the abnormal, sickle-shaped protein hemoglobin stops flowing through small blood vessels.

In addition to the six causes above, other medical conditions also cause anemia. Such as kidney disease and chemotherapy for cancer that causes the body's ability to produce red blood cells. Research also shows that people who do strenuous exercise are also at greater risk of damage to red blood cells in the bloodstream.

Common symptoms experienced when hemoglobin levels are low, include feeling weak, short of breath, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, ear twitching, headache, cold hands and feet, pale or yellow skin, and chest pain.

While waiting for the results of the doctor's observation, Sarwendah asked for prayers so that Ruben Onsu would soon improve his health. He also asked, hopefully launched to get the treatment needed.