Anemia: Different Types and Causes
Anemia is the result of a low number of red blood cells and inadequate hemoglobin. Lack of either of these two leads to the insufficient flow of oxygen to the organs in the body. This results in fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and headache. This blood condition accounts for 6% of the total population, commonly including old people with chronic conditions or long-term illnesses, young children, and women (blood loss from periods and pregnancy). Certain types of anemia are passed down through genes. Find out the varied types and causes of anemia below. Iron deficiency anemia In this most common type of anemia, the blood lacks the adequate amount of iron needed by the body. This further reduces the production of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all tissues in the body. The causes of this condition include a low iron diet, conditions that affect the ability to absorb iron, blood loss, frequent blood donations, kidney failure, medication, and health conditions that cause inflammation. Aplastic anemia The body does not produce sufficient blood cells, causing a deficiency in all blood cell types- red and white blood cells and platelets in this rare type of anemia. This disease is caused due to damaged stem cells in the bone marrow, which commonly occurs when the immune system attacks the stem cells.