Overview
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to transport oxygen to its tissues. Hemoglobin, a protein present in red cells, transports oxygen from the lungs to all other organs in the body. Anemia can result in weariness, weakness, and shortness of breath.
There are several types of anemia. Each has its own cause. Anemia can be brief or long-term. It might vary from moderate to severe. Anemia can be an indicator of a serious disease.
Anemia treatment options may include taking supplements or undergoing medical treatments. A good diet may help avoid various kinds of anemia.
Symptoms
The symptoms of anemia vary according to the origin and severity of the condition. Anemia might be so mild that no symptoms appear at first. However, symptoms frequently appear and worsen as anemia progresses.
If the anemia is caused by another condition, the disease's symptoms may hide the anemia. Then, a test for another ailment may reveal the anemia. Certain kinds of anemia have symptoms that indicate the etiology.
Possible signs of anemia include:
- Tiredness.
- Weakness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pale or yellowish skin, which might be more obvious on white skin than on Black or brown skin.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Chest pain.
- Cold hands and feet.
- Headaches.
When to visit a doctor.
If you're exhausted or short of breath for no apparent reason, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Low levels of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen, are the primary indicator of anemia. When people donate blood, they may discover they have low hemoglobin levels. If you are advised that you cannot donate due to insufficient hemoglobin, schedule a medical visit.
Causes
Anemia occurs when the blood has insufficient hemoglobin or red blood cells.
This may happen if:
The body does not produce enough hemoglobin or red blood cells.
Bleeding causes the loss of red blood cells and hemoglobin at a quicker rate than can be replenished.
The body kills red blood cells and the hemoglobin within them.
What do red blood cells do
The body produces three kinds of blood cells. White blood cells combat infection, platelets aid in blood clotting, and red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body.
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red hue. Hemoglobin allows red blood cells to transport oxygen from the lungs to every region of the body. It also allows red blood cells to transport CO2 from other regions of the body to the lungs, where it may be expelled.
The spongy tissue inside many of the larger bones, known as bone marrow, produces red blood cells and hemoglobin. To produce them, the body need iron, vitamin B-12, folate, and other nutrients from meals.
Causes of Anemia
Different forms of anemia have distinct causes. They include:
- Iron deficiency anemia. The most prevalent kind of anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the body. Iron is required by bone marrow for the production of hemoglobin. Without adequate iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells.
If pregnant women do not take iron supplements, they risk developing this kind of anemia. Blood loss might potentially be the reason. Blood loss can be caused by severe menstrual bleeding, an ulcer, cancer, or the constant use of certain pain medicines, particularly aspirin.
- Vitamin deficiency anemia. Aside from iron, the body need folate and vitamin B-12 to produce enough healthy red blood cells. A diet deficient in these and other essential nutrients might cause the body to making enough red blood cells.
Also, some people can't absorb vitamin B-12. This can lead to vitamin deficiency anemia, also called pernicious anemia.
- Inflammational anemia. Diseases that produce chronic inflammation can prevent the body from producing sufficient red blood cells. Examples include cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, renal illness, and Crohn's disease.
- Anaplastic anemia. This uncommon, life-threatening anemia develops when the body fails to produce enough new blood cells. Aplastic anemia can be caused by infections, certain medications, autoimmune illnesses, or exposure to harmful substances.
- Anemia is associated to bone marrow disease. Leukemia and myelofibrosis are two diseases that might impair bone marrow's ability to produce blood. These disorders can have a wide variety of consequences, from minor to fatal.
- Hemolytic anemias. This type of anemias occurs when red blood cells are lost quicker than bone marrow can replenish them. Certain blood illnesses enhance the rate at which red blood cells are damaged. Some types of hemolytic anemia can be passed through families, which is called inherited.
- Sickle-cell anemia. This hereditary and potentially dangerous illness is a kind of hemolytic anemia. An unique hemoglobin drives red blood cells to form an odd crescent shape known as a sickle. These irregular blood cells die prematurely. This results in a persistent scarcity of red blood cells.
Risk Factors
These variables can raise the risk of anemia.
- A diet low in specific vitamins and minerals. Anemia is more likely if you don't consume enough iron, vitamin B-12, and folate.
- Small intestinal problems. Having a disease that affects how the small intestine absorbs nutrition raises the risk of anemia. Examples include Crohn's disease and celiac disease.
- Menstrual phases. In general, having heavy periods increases the risk of anemia. Having periods results in the loss of red blood cells.
- Pregnancy. Pregnant women who do not take a multivitamin containing folic acid and iron are at a higher risk of anemia.
- Chronic conditions are those that exist on an ongoing basis. Cancer, renal failure, diabetes, or any chronic illness all raise the risk of anemia from chronic diseases. These disorders can result in a low red blood cell count.
- Slow, persistent blood loss from an ulcer or another source in the body can deplete the body's iron reserves, resulting in iron deficiency anemia.
- Family history. Having a family member with an inherited anemia, which is one that is handed down through generations, might raise the chance of developing inherited anemias like sickle cell anemia.
- Other considerations. A history of certain infections, blood illnesses, or autoimmune problems raises the chance of anemia. Drinking too much alcohol, being around harmful chemicals, and taking some medications might impair the production of red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Age. People over age 65 are at increased risk of anemia.
Complications
If left untreated, anemia can lead to a variety of health issues, including:
- Extreme fatigue. Severe anemia might make it tough to do daily duties.
- Pregnancy problems. Pregnant women who have folate deficiency anemia may be more prone to experience difficulties, such as early delivery.
- Heart issues. Anemia can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat, known as arrhythmia. Anemia causes the heart to pump extra blood to compensate for low blood oxygen levels. This may result in an enlarged heart or cardiac failure.
- Death. Some hereditary anemias, such as sickle cell anemia, can cause life-threatening consequences. Losing a lot of blood fast creates severe anemia, which can be deadly.
Prevention
Many kinds of anemia cannot be avoided. However, consuming a nutritious diet may help avoid iron and vitamin deficiency anemias. A healthy diet contains:
- Iron. Iron-rich foods include cattle and other meats, legumes, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, and dried fruit.
- Folate. Fruits and fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables, green peas, kidney beans, peanuts, and enriched grain products such as bread, cereal, pasta, and rice contain this vitamin, as does its synthetic version, folic acid.
- Vitamin B12. Vitamin B-12-rich foods include beef, dairy products, fortified cereals, and soy products.
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits and juices, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, melons, and strawberries. These also assist the body absorb iron.
If you are concerned about receiving enough vitamins and minerals from meals, consult your doctor about taking a multivitamin.