{"id":20675,"date":"2023-07-01T09:26:09","date_gmt":"2023-07-01T14:26:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20675"},"modified":"2023-08-31T10:04:39","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T15:04:39","slug":"understanding-anemia-a-comprehensive-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/understanding-anemia-a-comprehensive-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Anemia: A Comprehensive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Anemia<\/span><\/a> is a blood condition that causes general feelings of malaise. People with anemia feel weak and tired and may have difficulty breathing. They may also develop headaches or feel dizzy for no apparent reason.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anemia is caused by a lack of oxygen-producing red blood cells or the body\u2019s inability to use these cells. Long-term, the condition can cause respiratory or heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat. Anemia can also be a sign of more severe health problems, such as internal bleeding, kidney disease and cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that <\/span>2.8 million people have anemia<\/span><\/a> in the U.S. The disease caused 623,000 hospital visits in 2020, and it led to 5,987 deaths in 2021. Anemia can be a serious and complicated illness, but it is treatable in most cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

What causes anemia?<\/span><\/h2>\n

People develop anemia for different reasons. In some cases, acute conditions could be responsible for a red blood cell deficiency, while dietary choices, medication and habits could also play a role.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if the anemia develops due to chronic conditions or genetics, dietary and lifestyle choices can impact the severity of symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a closer look at the different causes of anemia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nutritional deficiencies<\/span><\/p>\n

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists <\/span>iron deficiencies as the most common nutritional cause<\/span><\/a> of anemia. People without enough iron-rich foods, such as red meat, fish and leafy greens may develop anemia. A lack of folate, B vitamins or vitamin A can also cause the condition. People with deficiencies may be able to use supplements to get the necessary nutrients to reverse the condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chronic diseases<\/span><\/p>\n

The American Society of Hematology suggests that people with certain <\/span>chronic diseases have a higher risk<\/span><\/a> of anemia. These illnesses include rheumatoid arthritis, other similar autoimmune diseases, kidney and liver disease, thyroid conditions and some cancers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blood loss<\/span><\/p>\n

Bleeding from a wound or internal injury can cause a loss of red blood cells. Anemia develops when the body can\u2019t replace the depleted cells fast enough. In some instances, doctors can provide a blood transfusion to reverse the damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Genetic disorders<\/span><\/p>\n

Some people inherit red blood cell deficiencies. For instance, for example, those with sickle cell anemia are unable to form normal hemoglobin proteins and people with thalassemia <\/span>do not produce enough hemoglobin<\/span><\/a>. These conditions are genetic and may be present regardless of dietary factors or acute injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medications<\/span><\/p>\n

Some medications can cause anemia. Studies have linked <\/span>medicines used to treat high blood pressure<\/span><\/a> with low hemoglobin production, and <\/span>several classes of medication<\/span><\/a> can cause hemolytic anemia. The culprits can include certain antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).<\/span><\/p>\n

Pregnancy<\/span><\/p>\n

Pregnant women produce a higher volume of blood. More iron and vitamins are needed to maintain the proper ratio of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Patients can make dietary changes to treat pregnancy-induced anemia. Anemia is not abnormal or cause for concern during pregnancy <\/span>unless red blood cell counts are extremely low<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chronic infections<\/span><\/p>\n

Anemia can develop in patients with <\/span>chronic infections<\/span><\/a>. Inflammation associated with these illnesses is the primary cause. The condition can develop because of bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections. Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can also lead to anemia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alcoholism<\/span><\/p>\n

People with alcoholism may suffer from <\/span>premature destruction of red blood cells<\/span><\/a>. They are also more prone to bacterial infections or other conditions causing anemia. Finally, in severe cases, alcoholism can lead to internal bleeding, and the body struggles to replace the lost hemoglobin.<\/span><\/p>\n

What types of anemia are there?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are eight types of anemia. It\u2019s important to understand the differences because the most effective treatment varies depending on the variety. Some patients may have a higher risk due to genetics. For instance, people of certain ethnicities have a greater chance of developing hereditary anemia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the different <\/span>anemia varieties<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Iron-deficiency anemia<\/span><\/p>\n

Some patients lack sufficient iron. Iron deficiency anemia can develop because of an imbalanced diet, blood loss, internal bleeding or kidney disease. Children and pregnant women have higher risk factors for developing this anemia variety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vitamin-deficiency anemia<\/span><\/p>\n

The body needs vitamins B9, also known as folate, and B12 for blood health. The body still produces red blood cells if it lacks these nutrients. However, the cells are abnormally large and contain low hemoglobin amounts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anemia of chronic disease<\/span><\/p>\n

Anemia of chronic disease<\/span><\/a> is due to inflammation caused by certain illnesses. The most common culprits are chronic kidney disease, autoimmune conditions like lupus, untreated or untreatable infections, or cancer. Even though the body has sufficient iron, the inflammation traps it in the tissue. It does not enter the bloodstream where it can create hemoglobin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aplastic anemia<\/span><\/p>\n

Aplastic anemia involves low red blood cell counts due to bone marrow damage. The marrow cannot produce enough red blood cells, leading to anemia. This condition is common in people with marrow-related illnesses, exposure to certain toxins, or cancer. Cancer treatments like radiation can also cause aplastic anemia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hemolytic anemia<\/span><\/p>\n

On average, red blood cells live for 120 days, and normally-functioning bodies will create replacement cells on that schedule. People with hemolytic anemia lose red blood cells before 120 days, and the lack of ready replacements creates a deficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients can acquire this anemia type from medications or illnesses, or they can inherit it at birth. Older adults, Black people, people of Asian descent and men are <\/span>more prone<\/span><\/a> to this type of anemia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sickle cell anemia<\/span><\/p>\n

Sickle cell anemia is an <\/span>inherited genetic disorder<\/span><\/a>. People with the condition have abnormal crescent or sickle-shaped red blood cells that block normal blood flow, causing cardiovascular issues and episodes of pain, known as pain crises.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anyone can inherit sickle cell anemia. However, <\/span>it\u2019s more common<\/span><\/a> in people of African, Hispanic, Asian, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern descent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thalassemia<\/span><\/p>\n

Thalassemia<\/span><\/a> is another form of inherited anemia. This disease stunts hemoglobin production, leading to chronic tiredness and weakness. Patients can define their risk factors by looking at their parents’ and grandparents’ medical histories.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pernicious anemia<\/span><\/p>\n

Pernicious anemia is an acquired condition with the same causes as other vitamin-deficient forms of anemia. While diet can cause this disease, it is also possible for people to develop pernicious anemia if they have conditions that prevent them from absorbing B vitamins.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of anemia?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Anemia produces <\/span>different symptoms<\/span><\/a>. In some cases, these may be mild, while others may be more severe and lead to further complications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n