Anemia, or anemia, is a common medical condition that occurs when the body suffers from a deficiency in red blood cells or in the concentration of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body's cells. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells, and its deficiency reduces the blood's ability to transport oxygen, leading to a feeling of fatigue and other symptoms.
Causes of anemia
Anemia can arise from several reasons, the most prominent of which is a lack of certain nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, which help in the production of red blood cells. Chronic diseases are also a cause of this problem, such as kidney disease, cancer, and inflammatory bowel diseases, which impede the absorption of nutrients. Bleeding is also considered one of the direct causes of anemia, whether it is acute bleeding resulting from an injury or surgery, or chronic bleeding related to the digestive system or the menstrual cycle. Of course, we cannot ignore genetic causes such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, which are considered types of hereditary anemia.
Types of anemia
There are several types of anemia that differ according to the cause and treatment, the most prominent:
Anemia caused by iron deficiency necessary to produce hemoglobin, which is often treated by taking supplements and following an iron -rich diet.
Anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency and folic acid are essential vitamins for the formation of red blood cells.
Aplastic anemia, caused by the inability of the bone marrow to produce a sufficient amount of red blood cells.
Emple -anemia, which comes as a result of a genetic defect that defines the shape of red blood cells, which reduces its ability to transmit oxygen.
Tellasimia and caused by a genetic disorder that leads to insufficient production of hemoglobin.
Symptoms of anemia and its treatment
Symptoms of anemia vary according to its type and severity, and generally appear in the form of extreme fatigue, pale skin color due to lack of oxygenated blood flow, and difficulty breathing, especially after performing physical effort, even if simple. This is in addition to a constant feeling of dizziness and headache.
The means of treating this problem depend on its type and cause, and are as follows:
Iron and vitamin supplements that are used to compensate for iron or vitamin deficiency in anemia resulting from malnutrition.
Proper nutrition by eating foods rich in iron such as red meat, spinach, and legumes, in addition to vitamin B12 and folic acid.
Blood transfusion may be used in cases of severe or chronic anemia to replenish blood cells.
Treatment with medications that stimulate blood cell production, especially in anemia resulting from chronic diseases.
Bone marrow transplantation for genetic conditions such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.