What is Anemia?
Anemia, or in medical terms, anemia, is a condition where the amount of red blood cells (erythrocytes) or the protein called hemoglobin that allows oxygen to bind within these cells falls below normal. The body's tissues and organs require adequate oxygen to perform their functions. When anemia occurs, this oxygen-carrying capacity decreases, leading to complaints and symptoms in many systems.
Anemia is not a disease on its own but usually a sign of an underlying medical condition or deficiency.
Common Causes and Types of Anemia
Anemia primarily arises from three main mechanisms: insufficient red blood cell production, faster destruction of produced red blood cells, or blood loss. The most common types and causes of anemia are as follows:
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: It is the most common type of anemia worldwide. Iron mineral is essential for hemoglobin production. It occurs due to inadequate nutrition, increased iron needs during pregnancy, or chronic blood losses such as hidden bleeding from the gastrointestinal system (like ulcers) or excessive menstrual bleeding in women.
- Vitamin Deficiency Anemia: Healthy red blood cell production also requires B12 vitamin and folate (folic acid). Insufficient intake of these vitamins through diet or impaired absorption from the intestines (e.g., pernicious anemia) can lead to this type of anemia.
- Chronic Disease Anemia: Long-term inflammatory (infectious) diseases such as kidney failure, cancer, or rheumatoid arthritis can adversely affect red blood cell production in the body, causing anemia.
- Hemolytic Anemias: Conditions where red blood cells are broken down faster than the bone marrow can replace them. Some genetic disorders (like thalassemia/Mediterranean anemia) or autoimmune conditions can cause this type of anemia.
General Symptoms of Anemia
The symptoms of anemia vary depending on the underlying cause and severity. The most common symptoms include:
- Persistent weakness, fatigue, and low energy
- Noticeable pallor of the skin, lips, and nail beds
- Increased shortness of breath and palpitations during exertion
- Dizziness and visual disturbance
- Cold sensation in hands and feet
- Headache
- Difficulty concentrating
- Specifically for iron deficiency; brittle nails, hair loss, and soil-eating urge (pica)
Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
The diagnosis of anemia usually begins with a simple blood test called complete blood count (CBC). This test provides detailed information about hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, as well as the number, size, and shape of red blood cells.
The most important step after detecting anemia is to identify the underlying cause. Additional blood tests such as iron, B12 vitamin, and folate levels, and if necessary, advanced investigations like endoscopy may be requested. Treatment is entirely targeted at the condition causing the anemia. For example, if there is iron deficiency, iron supplements are administered, and the source of bleeding is investigated. If vitamin deficiency is present, the relevant vitamin is supplemented. Since anemia is a result of an underlying issue, it is crucial for the physician to accurately diagnose and treat the root cause for a permanent solution.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.