Anemia

Anemia is a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin (the protein which carries oxygen through the blood). Some less serious forms of anemia are very common, easily treated and have minor symptoms while other forms of anemia are rare and/or fatal.

Types of Anemia

The most common form of anemia is iron deficiency anemia. Iron is needed to build hemoglobin and most of the body's iron is stored in hemoglobin. Iron deficiency anemia is usually caused by blood loss. The blood loss associated with menstruation or pregnancy often results in this type of anemia. This also may be caused by a general lack of iron in the diet. Iron supplements may be taken to counter-act the loss of iron or iron rich foods may be ingested. This condition is usually temporary; lasting only as long as menstruation or until an iron-rich meal is ingested.

Hemolytic anemia is a genetic blood disorder but can also be the result of infections or drug use which damages the red blood cells.

Cobalamin deficiency anemia, or vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia can be caused by a lack of vitamin B-12 in the diet (common with vegetarians) or by the body's inability to absorb the vitamin. Some gastrointestinal illnesses and medications can prevent the body from absorbing the vitamin, resulting in cobalamin deficiency anemia. A lack of vitamin B-12 can result in nerve damage, depression and memory problems.

Folic acid deficiency anemia is the body's inability to absorb folic acid, or a lack of folic acid in the system due to a folic acid-poor diet. This disorder does not result in permanent nerve damage but can cause depression. It is common in those who are malnourished due to drug addiction, pregnant women and people taking certain types of hormonal medications.

Sickle Cell Anemia is an inherited disease which notably affects only black people. The hemoglobin structure in patients afflicted with this anemia is abnormal, as are the red blood cells. As the hemoglobin and red blood cells pass through the blood vessels they are damaged as a result of their odd shape.

Aplastic anemia is a rare anemic condition in which the bone marrow of the patient is unable to produce blood cells. This is a very serious condition. Low levels of blood cells can result in severe bleeding, infection and death. This condition must be treated with frequent blood transfusions and high doses of antibiotics. The treatments in themselves provide a number of increased health risks for the patient.

Fanconi anemia is a genetic disorder which leads to aplastic anemia. There are currently eleven known types of fanconi anemia. If detected early on a successful bone marrow transplant may prevent the onset of aplastic anemia in Fanconi anemia patients. Patients with Fanconi anemia are likely to develop Leukemia and other disorders and usually have a short life span.

Identification and Treatment

Early signs of mild anemia are fatigue, depression and a general paleness. More severe cases of anemia may even be accompanied by acute pain. A measure of iron in the blood can be made almost instantaneously. The treatment for anemia differs with each case, but most cases of anemia can be treated simply with a vitamin rich diet or supplements.