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Anemia

by Alivia Nyhan

Anemia is a condition in which a person has a shortage of red blood cells. As a result, the body does not get enough oxygen. Anemia is the most common blood disorder. It is a common condition, especially among women of childbearing age. Anemia can result from many different causes. The causes are not fully understood.

Are there different kinds of anemia?

Anemia is a blood disorder that, if not treated, can leave a person weak, tired, and short of breath. People can be anemic for many reasons, but the most common is a lack of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12. A blood test can determine if a person has anemia.

How common is anemia?

According to the American Heart Association, about 40 million Americans are affected by anemia.2 Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. A lack of red blood cells can cause fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Anemia is caused by iron deficiency, a condition in which the body does not have enough iron to produce red blood cells. The good news is that most cases of anemia can be corrected.

Who is most likely to develop anemia?

The human body requires iron to make red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. When a person does not receive enough iron, he or she can develop anemia, a disorder in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Anemia is common among people who are iron deficient but can also be caused by certain medications, genetic disorders, and cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of anemia?

Anemia is a loss of red blood cells or red blood cells that are of abnormal size. These cells deliver oxygen to the organs and tissues. When the hemoglobin level is low, the red blood cells lose their ability to provide oxygen to the organs. When this happens, the body begins to experience fatigue, weakness, rapid pulse, pale skin, and fast breathing.

How does anemia affect the body?

Anemia is a condition that develops when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to all of your body’s tissues and organs. A lack of enough red blood cells leads to symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, headache, dizziness, and in more serious cases, fainting.

Types of Anemia

Sickle Cell Anemia: Sickle Cell Anemia is a disease where the red blood cells are crescent or “sickle” shaped. These cells don’t last as long as the normal-shaped cells and get stuck in small blood vessels.

Hemolytic anemia: Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which the body’s red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. This can be due to a variety of causes, including inherited conditions, autoimmune diseases, and infections.

Macrocytic anemia: Macrocytic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by large red blood cells. It can be caused by a number of different conditions, including vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, and certain types of cancer.

Megaloblastic anemia: Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia in which the red blood cells are larger than normal. This type of anemia can be caused by a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12.

Microcytic anemia: Microcytic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by small red blood cells. The small red blood cells are unable to carry enough oxygen to the body’s tissues. This can cause fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

Pernicious anemia: Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that occurs when the body is unable to properly absorb vitamin B12. This can lead to a number of problems, including fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Iron deficiency anemia: Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia that occurs when your body does not have enough iron. Iron is a mineral needed for the production of hemoglobin, a substance in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

Low red blood cells: Low red blood cells can cause anemia. Anemia can make you feel tired and weak. You may also have trouble breathing and a fast heartbeat. If you have anemia, you may need to take iron supplements.

What to eat to fight anemia?

There are many foods that can help fight anemia, including leafy green vegetables, legumes, iron-rich foods, and vitamin C-rich foods. Leafy greens such as spinach and Swiss chard are excellent sources of iron, folic acid, and other nutrients that help fight anemia. Recipes to fight anemia often include iron-rich foods such as spinach, beans, and red meat. Vitamin-C-rich foods like oranges and tomatoes can also help the body absorb iron.

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