Anemia

Anemia is the state in which the level of hemoglobin in the blood is below the reference range appropriate for that age and sex. Other factors including pregnancy and high altitude must be considered when considering the individual to be anemic..

Types

• Nutritional anemia: It is the most common cause of anemia. It can either due to deficiency of iron or vitamins. Iron is required for hemoglobin formation. Treatment includes iron supplementation. Vitamin deficiency may be due to shortage of Vitamin B12 or folate.
• Hemolytic anemia: RBCs are destroyed faster than replacement which occurs in diseases like thalassemia, sickle cell anemia.
• Anemia of chronic disease: It occurs due to chronic inflammation in diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, HIV-AIDS.
• Aplastic Anemia: It is due to body not producing enough RBCs. It occurs in certain infections and medications. Leukemia and othercancer like disorders may affect the bone marrow.
  

Symptoms

• It includes tiredness, light headaches, lack of energy, shortness of breath, pale skin, hair loss, brittle nails, problem with concentration and mouth ulcer.
• Full blood count can be done to know the number of RBCs. Blood smear will help to determine the size and shape of RBCs.
  

Treatment

• Treating the cause helps in improving the blood hemoglobin levels.