Anemia is a disorder that occurs when your blood produces fewer healthy red blood cells than usual.
Anemia occurs when your body does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. A shortage of oxygen can cause fatigue or weakness.
Shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches and an irregular heartbeat are all possible symptoms.
Anemia is diagnosed by low hemoglobin or hematocrit level in a routine blood test.
Hemoglobin is the primary protein found in red blood cells. It transports and distributes oxygen throughout your body.
Your hemoglobin level will be low if you have anemia. If it falls below a certain level, your tissues or organs may not receive adequate oxygen.
There are types of anemia that can be inherited through your genes, and some of these forms can be present in newborns.
The blood loss that occurs during menstruation and the increased need for blood supply that occurs during pregnancy both put a woman at increased risk of developing anemia.
Because older people are more likely to have kidney disease or other chronic medical disorders, they are also more likely to have an increased risk of anemia.
There are a lot of types of anemia which include iron deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia, and Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia and more.
Mild anemia is a common and treatable illness that can affect anyone at any time. It can happen quickly or gradually and might be caused by your diet, medications, or another medical condition.
Anemia can also be chronic, which means it lasts a long period and may never totally disappear. Some types of anemia are passed down through families.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common kind of anemia. Some types, such as the mild anemia that occurs during pregnancy, are not a big problem.
However, some varieties of anemia can indicate a more serious underlying medical issue.
Anemia can sometimes be an indication of a more severe condition, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, infection-related inflammation, kidney disease, cancer, or autoimmune diseases.
Anemia will be diagnosed by your doctor based on your medical history, physical exam, and test findings.
Treatments for anemia vary depending on the kind and severity of the condition. Some types of mild to moderate anemia may require iron supplements, vitamins, or medications that stimulate your body’s production of red blood cells.
Your doctor may also recommend healthy eating adjustments to help prevent anemia in the future.
