Learn about the causes, types, and complications of anemia

What is anemia?

Anemia is a condition in which healthy red blood cells do not have enough oxygen to carry enough oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemia, also known as low hemoglobin, can make you tired and weak.

There are many forms of anemia, each with its own causes. Anemia can be temporary or long-term and can range from mild to severe. In most cases, anemia has more than one cause. See your doctor if you think you have anemia. It can be a harbinger of a serious illness.

Treatments for anemia, depending on the cause, range from taking nutritional supplements to performing medical procedures. You can prevent some types of anemia by following a healthy and varied diet.

What do red blood cells do?

Your body makes three types of blood cells: white blood cells to fight infections, platelets that help the blood clot, red blood cells to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs.

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Hemoglobin allows red blood cells to transport oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body and carry carbon dioxide from other parts of the body to the lungs for exhalation.

Most blood cells, including red blood cells, are produced regularly in bone marrow, a spongy substance found in the cavities of many large bones. To make hemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs iron, vitamin B12, folic acid and other nutrients from the foods you eat.

Causes of anemia

Anemia may be caused by a disease that was present at birth (congenital) or by a disease you acquired (acquired). Anemia occurs when you don't have enough red blood cells in your blood.

This can happen if:

• Your body does not produce enough red blood cells
• Bleeding causes red blood cells to be lost faster than they can be replaced.
• Your body destroys red blood cells

Different types of anemia have different causes:

Iron deficiency.

This most common type of anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the body. Bone marrow needs iron to produce hemoglobin. Without enough iron, your body cannot produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells.

Without iron supplements, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. It is also caused by blood loss, such as heavy menstrual bleeding. Ulcers in the stomach or small intestine. Cancer of the large intestine. and regular use of certain over-the-counter pain relievers, especially aspirin, which can cause inflammation of the stomach lining and lead to blood loss. It is important to identify the source of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of anemia.

Anemia caused by vitamin deficiency.

In addition to iron, your body needs folic acid and vitamin B12 to produce enough healthy red blood cells. A diet lacking in these and other essential nutrients can lead to decreased red blood cell production. Some people who get enough vitamin B12 cannot absorb it. This can lead to vitamin deficiency anemia, also known as pernicious anemia.

Inflammatory anemia. Certain diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, Crohn's disease, and other acute or chronic inflammatory diseases can interfere with red blood cell production.

Anemia caused by inflammation

This rare, life-threatening type of anemia occurs when your body doesn't produce enough red blood cells. Causes of anemia include infections, some medications, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Anemia associated with bone marrow diseases.

Various diseases, such as leukemia and myelofibrosis (fibrosis of the bone marrow), can cause anemia by affecting blood production in the bone marrow. The effects of these cancers and related disorders range from mild to life-threatening.

Hemolytic anemia.

This group of anemia develops when red blood cells are destroyed faster than bone marrow can replace them. Some blood disorders increase the destruction of red blood cells. You can inherit hemolytic anemia or develop it later.

Sickle cell anemia

Hemolytic anemia is a hereditary and sometimes serious disease. It is caused by a defective form of hemoglobin that causes red blood cells to take on an abnormal crescent (sickle) shape. These irregular blood cells die prematurely, resulting in a chronic deficiency of red blood cells.

Risk factors for anemia.

These factors increase the risk of anemia:

• A diet that lacks certain vitamins and minerals. A diet that is always low in iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid increases the risk of anemia.
• Gut disorders: This is an intestinal disorder that affects the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease, which puts you at risk of developing anemia.
• Menstruation. In general, postmenopausal women are more likely to develop iron deficiency anemia than men and postmenopausal women. Menstruation causes the loss of red blood cells.
• Pregnancy. Pregnancy and not taking vitamins containing folic acid and iron increase the risk of anemia.
• chronic diseases. If you have cancer, kidney failure, or another chronic disease, you may be at risk of developing anemia or chronic disease. These conditions can lead to a deficiency of red blood cells.
• Chronic slow blood loss from ulcers or another source in the body can deplete the body's iron stores, leading to iron deficiency anemia.
• Genetics. If your family has a history of hereditary anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, you may also be at increased risk of developing the disease.
• Other factors. A history of certain infections, blood disorders, and autoimmune disorders increases the risk of anemia. Alcoholism, exposure to toxic chemicals, and use of certain medications can affect red blood cell production and cause anemia.
• the age. People over the age of 65 are more likely to develop anemia.

Complications of anemia

If left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as:

• Extreme fatigue. Severe anemia can make you so tired that you cannot perform daily tasks.
• Pregnancy complications. Pregnant women with anemia caused by folic acid deficiency may be at greater risk of complications such as premature birth.
• Heart problems. Anemia can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). When you have anemia, your heart pumps more blood to make up for the lack of oxygen in your blood. This can lead to heart enlargement or heart failure.
• death. Some types of hereditary anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, can lead to life-threatening complications. Losing too much blood quickly results in severe, severe anemia and can be fatal. In older people, anemia is associated with an increased risk of death.

Ways to prevent anemia

Many types of anemia cannot be prevented. But you can prevent iron deficiency anemia and vitamin anemia by following a diet that contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including:

Iron. Iron-rich foods include beef and other meats, beans, lentils, iron-fortified grains, dark green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits.

Folic acid. This nutrient and its synthetic form of folic acid are found in fruits, fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables, peas, beans, peanuts, and fortified grain products such as bread, cereal, pasta, and rice.

Vitamin B12. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include fortified meats, dairy products, grains, and soy products.

Vitamin C. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits and juices, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, watermelon and strawberries. It also helps increase iron absorption.

If you're concerned about getting enough vitamins and minerals from food, ask your doctor if a multivitamin can help.

Conclusion: Anemia, its types and complications

In conclusion, anemia is a common condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body. There are various causes of anemia, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, and genetic disorders. Understanding the different types of anemia can help determine appropriate treatment and management strategies. Complications of anemia may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, organ damage. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have anemia.