Anemia

The Role of Red Blood Cells

• Red blood cells:
• Transport oxygen from the lungs to the body.
• Transport carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs.
• Most blood cells, including red blood cells, are produced in the bone marrow.
• To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, the body needs:
• Iron.
• Vitamin B-12.
• Folic acid and other nutrients from foods.

Reasons for Anemia

• Anemia may be congenital (present at birth) or result from an acquired condition.
• Types of anemia vary based on their causes.

Causes of Anemia

• When the body does not produce enough red blood cells.
• When bleeding causes red blood cells to be lost faster than the body can replace them.
• When the body destroys red blood cells.

Types of Anemia

• Thalassemia:
• A genetic blood disorder with lower levels of hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells.
• Aplastic Anemia:
• Caused by infections, medication use, autoimmune diseases, or exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Sickle Cell Anemia:
• Genetic, involving abnormally shaped red blood cells.
• Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:
• Due to insufficient vitamin B-12, affecting red blood cell production.
• Iron Deficiency Anemia:
• The most common type, caused by iron deficiency.
• Anemia of Inflammation:
• Associated with chronic diseases like cancer, HIV, or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Anemia Related to Bone Marrow Diseases:
• Caused by conditions like leukemia or myelofibrosis.
• Hemolytic Anemia:
• Occurs when the body destroys red blood cells too quickly.

Symptoms

• Fatigue and weakness.
• Pale or yellow skin.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Cold hands and feet.
• Chest pain.
• Dizziness.
• Headaches.

Diagnosis

• Complete Blood Count (CBC):
• Measures red blood cell levels, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.
• Examination of Red Blood Cells:
• To check for abnormalities in size, shape, or color.

Risk Factors

• Low intake of iron, vitamin B-12, folate, or copper.
• Intestinal disorders leading to poor absorption.
• Pregnancy.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Chronic diseases like cancer, kidney disease, or Crohn's disease.

Complications

• Extreme fatigue.
• Pregnancy complications (e.g., premature birth).
• Heart-related issues (e.g., enlarged heart or heart failure).
• Severe inherited types, like sickle cell anemia, may lead to life-threatening conditions.

Treatment

• Iron Deficiency Anemia:
• Iron supplements and dietary changes. Intravenous iron in severe cases.
• Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:
• Supplements and increased dietary intake. Vitamin B-12 injections if absorption is poor.
• Aplastic Anemia:
• Blood transfusions.
• Bone Marrow Disease Anemia:
• Medications, chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplants.
• Hemolytic Anemia:
• Avoiding certain drugs and treating infections.
• Sickle Cell Anemia:
• Pain management, oxygen therapy, and blood transfusions.
• Thalassemia:
• Blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, medications, or bone marrow transplants.

Prevention

• Iron: Leafy greens, lentils, legumes, beef, dried fruits, iron-enriched cereals.
• Vitamin B-12: Meat, dairy, grains, soybeans.
• Folate: Pasta, bread, green peas.
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli.