It is caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin in your blood, which causes anemia. A person with anemia may experience fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath due to a lack of oxygen in the body. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, and it can affect anyone at any age.
Causes of anemia
It is possible to develop anemia due to various factors that affect the production, loss, or destruction of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Some of the most common causes of anemia are:
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If you do not get enough iron from your diet or if you lose iron due to bleeding, you may develop iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type of anemia in the world.
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Vitamin B12 and folate are vitamins necessary to make red blood cells. You may develop vitamin-deficiency anemia if your diet does not contain enough of these vitamins or if your body is unable to absorb them. Nerve function can also be affected by this type of anemia.
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Trauma, surgery, menstrual periods, ulcers, cancer, or other factors can lead to blood loss. If you lose a lot of blood in a short period of time or over a long period of time, you may develop anemia.
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Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow, which is soft tissue inside your bones. Some diseases or conditions can affect the bone marrow, reducing its ability to produce red blood cells. These include leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anemia, and some infections.
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Blood cells are prematurely destroyed by hemolytic anemia, a group of disorders. Among the causes are inherited defects in the red blood cells (such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia), autoimmune reactions (such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia), infections (such as malaria), toxins (such as snake venom), or drugs (such as penicillin).
Symptoms of anemia
Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience:
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Fatigue
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Weakness
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Pale or yellowish skin
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Cold hands and feet
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Chest pain
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Irregular heartbeat
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Shortness of breath
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Headache
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Difficulty concentrating
Specific symptoms may also accompany some types of anemia, depending on the underlying cause. Sickle cell anemia, for example, may cause severe pain in the joints, bones, chest, or abdomen; vitamin-deficiency anemia may cause numbness or tingling in the hands and feet; and hemolytic anemia may cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) or dark urine.
Diagnosis of anemia
You will be asked about your medical history, your symptoms, and your lifestyle to diagnose anemia. They will also perform a physical examination and order some blood tests to measure your hemoglobin level and other parameters related to your red blood cells. The following blood tests are commonly used to diagnose anemia:
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Complete blood count (CBC)
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Peripheral blood smear
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Reticulocyte count
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Iron studies
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Vitamin B12 and folate levels
As a result of these tests, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause of your anemia. These may include:
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Stool test
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Bone marrow biopsy
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Genetic tests
Treatment of anemia
Anemia is treated by increasing hemoglobin levels, correcting the underlying cause, and preventing complications. Common treatments include:
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A pill or liquid containing iron is taken by mouth to treat iron-deficiency anemia. You may need to take them for several months until your iron stores are replenished. There are risks associated with iron supplements, such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.
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Vitamin supplements are pills or injections that contain vitamin B12 or folate, used to treat vitamin-deficiency anemia. If you have a problem absorbing these vitamins, you may have to take them for life.
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The procedure involves receiving blood from a donor through a vein in your arm. Blood transfusions can be used to treat severe or life-threatening anemia that causes symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or shock. They provide immediate relief, but do not address the underlying causes of anemia.
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As an injection under the skin or into a vein, erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It treats anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, cancer, or certain drugs.
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A bone marrow transplant involves replacing your diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from a donor. It is used to treat certain types of anemia caused by bone marrow disorders (such as aplastic anemia or leukemia) or genetic defects (such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia). There are serious risks and complications associated with bone marrow transplants, but they can cure some types of anemia.
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This procedure involves removing the bleeding source or removing the spleen. In addition to treating anemia caused by excessive blood loss (such as from trauma, ulcers, or cancer), it can also treat hemolytic anemia (such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia). Aside from side effects and complications, surgery can stop bleeding or reduce red blood cell destruction.
Prevention of anemia
A healthy diet and lifestyle can prevent some types of anemia. These preventive measures include:
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Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dark green leafy vegetables.
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The best sources of vitamin B12 and folate are dairy products, eggs, meat, fish, poultry, fortified cereals, breads, and grains.
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Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from plants, so eat citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and strawberries.
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Take iron supplements at least two hours before or after consuming foods and drinks that might interfere with iron absorption, such as tea, coffee, calcium supplements, antacids, and dairy products.
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Drinking alcohol and smoking can damage your red blood cells and increase your bleeding risk.
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Make sure you get regular checkups and screenings for conditions that can cause anemia, such as infections, inflammation, cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders.
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Make sure you tell your doctor about all medications you take (including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies) that can cause anemia or interact with your supplements.
Your health and well-being can be affected by anemia, a common condition. It is important to understand its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options to manage your condition. Anemia is not a disease in itself, but a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. You should consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about anemia.
