Anemia, a common medical condition, occurs when the count of healthy red blood cells (RBC) in the body reduces. The function of red blood cells is transporting oxygen to different tissues and organs. A reduction of these cells indicates an insufficient supply of oxygen. This impairs the normal functioning of the organs.
There are over 400 forms of anemia; the common types include aplastic anemia, folic acid deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia, and sickle cell anemia. The Cleveland Clinic suggests approximately 3.4 million Americans are currently suffering from anemia, and women and individuals with chronic diseases are more prone to it.
Causes of Anemia
A hematologist measures anemia in terms of the hemoglobin present in the blood.
Anemia due to blood Loss
The most prevalent cause of iron-deficiency anemia is blood loss. In this condition, the body reacts by conserving more water within blood cells from the tissues outside the bloodstream. It results in the formation of diluted red blood cells. The blood loss may be acute or chronic. The common reasons behind this condition include cancer, stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis, childbirth, menstruation, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Anemia due to faulty or reduced red blood cell production
Sometimes, anemia occurs when the bone marrow produces fewer amounts of RBCs from the stem cells present in it. This condition results due to various medical issues affecting the bone marrow including leukemia where the bone marrow produces a huge number of abnormal white blood cells, thus disrupting the healthy development of RBCs.
Anemia due to the destruction of RBCs
The standard life span of a healthy RBC is 120 days in the human bloodstream. However, in some instances, they may get destroyed or removed from the circulation before this period. In the case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the body’s immune system mistakes the RBCs as foreign cells and engulfs them. Infections, side-effects of drugs, kidney or liver disease, hypertension, splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen), and injection of a snake or spider venom may also cause excessive hemolysis (breakdown of RBCs).
Malnutrition
Malnutrition or a diet with an insufficient quantity of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid may also lead to anemia. It is because iron is the main constituent of the hemoglobin protein present in the RBCs. Additionally, the bone marrow also requires vitamin B12 and folates for healthy RBC production. When the body has a reduced quantity of these nutrients, it cannot manufacture the standard range of RBCs.
Chronic Diseases
When an individual suffers from some chronic diseases like cancer, kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, AIDS, and rheumatoid arthritis, the RBC production becomes low and ultimately leads to anemia.
Hematologists may detect the occurrence of anemia by conducting the complete blood count test. The treatment of anemia involves consumption of iron or vitamin supplement, treatment of the underlying diseases, and blood transfusion in severe conditions.
