Anemia

Anemia is a common condition that results from a lack of certain vitamins and minerals. Not
consuming a balanced diet can lead to a deficiency, or malnutrition.
Anemia happens when there is a decreased number of circulating red blood cells in the body. It
is the most common blood disorder in the general population. Symptoms can include headaches,
chest pains, and pale skin.
It currently affects more than 3 million Americans and an estimated 1.62 billion people, globally.
It often results when other diseases interfere with the body's ability to produce healthy red
blood cells or abnormally increase red blood cell breakdown or loss.
Anemia affects an estimated 24.8 percent of the world's population.
Pre-school children have the highest risk, with an estimated 47 percent developing anemia,
globally.

Causes
Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. This can happen if:
Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells
Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced
Your body destroys red blood cells
Causes of anemia
Different types of anemia and their causes include:
Iron deficiency anemia. This is the most common type of anemia worldwide. Iron deficiency
anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. Your bone marrow needs iron to make
hemoglobin. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood
cells.
Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. It is also
caused by blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding, an ulcer, cancer and regular use of
some over-the-counter pain relievers, especially aspirin.
Vitamin deficiency anemia. In addition to iron, your body needs folate and vitamin B-12 to
produce enough healthy red blood cells. A diet lacking in these and other key nutrients can
cause decreased red blood cell production.
Additionally, some people may consume enough B-12, but their bodies aren't able to process the
vitamin. This can lead to vitamin deficiency anemia, also known as pernicious anemia.
Anemia of chronic disease. Certain diseases — such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid
arthritis, kidney disease, Crohn's disease and other chronic inflammatory diseases — can
interfere with the production of red blood cells.
Aplastic anemia. This rare, life-threatening anemia occurs when your body doesn't produce
enough red blood cells. Causes of aplastic anemia include infections, certain medicines,
autoimmune diseases and exposure to toxic chemicals.
Anemias associated with bone marrow disease. A variety of diseases, such as leukemia and
myelofibrosis, can cause anemia by affecting blood production in your bone marrow. The effects
of these types of cancer and cancer-like disorders vary from mild to life-threatening.
Hemolytic anemias. This group of anemias develops when red blood cells are destroyed faster
than bone marrow can replace them. Certain blood diseases increase red blood cell destruction.
You can inherit a hemolytic anemia, or you can develop it later in life.
Sickle cell anemia. This inherited and sometimes serious condition is an inherited hemolytic
anemia. It's caused by a defective form of hemoglobin that forces red blood cells to assume an
abnormal crescent (sickle) shape. These irregular blood cells die prematurely, resulting in a
chronic shortage of red blood cells.
Other anemias. There are several other forms of anemia, such as thalassemia and malarial
anemia.

Diagnosis
To diagnose anemia, your doctor may ask you about your medical and family history, perform a
physical exam, and run the following tests:
Complete blood count (CBC). A CBC is used to count the number of blood cells in a sample of
your blood. For anemia your doctor will be interested in the levels of the red blood cells
contained in the blood (hematocrit) and the hemoglobin in your blood.
Normal adult hematocrit values vary from one medical practice to another but are generally
between 40 and 52 percent for men and 35 and 47 percent for women. Normal adult hemoglobin
values are generally 14 to 18 grams per deciliter for men and 12 to 16 grams per deciliter for
women.
A test to determine the size and shape of your red blood cells. Some of your red blood cells
may also be examined for unusual size, shape and color.

Treatment
There is a range of treatments for anemia. They all aim to increase the red blood cell count.
This, in turn, increases the amount of oxygen the blood carries.
Treatment will depend on the type and cause of anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia: Iron supplements (which are availble to buy online) or dietary changes.
If the condition is due to loss of blood, the bleeding must be found and stopped.
Vitamin deficiency anemias: Treatments include dietary supplements and B-12 shots.
Thalassemia: Treatment includes folic acid supplementation, removal of the spleen, and,
sometimes, blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants.
Anemia of chronic disease: This is anemia associated with a serious, chronic underlying
condition. There are no specific treatments, and the focus is on the underlying condition.
Aplastic anemia: The patient will receive blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants.
Sickle cell anemia: Treatment includes oxygen therapy, pain relief, and intravenous fluids. There
may also be antibiotics, folic acid supplements, and blood transfusions. A cancer drug known as
Droxia or Hydrea is also used.
Hemolytic anemias: Patients should avoid medication that may make it worse and they may
receive immunosuppressant drugs and treatment for infections. Plasmapheresis, or blood-
filtering, might be necessary in some cases.