Anemia

Anemia happens when a person doesn’t have enough red blood cells. When you don’t have enough red blood cells, your blood can’t carry enough oxygen to your body. About 30% of the world’s populationis anemic. Most cases of anemia are mild and easily treated. However, severe or long-lasting anemia can damage the heart, brain, and other organs of the body. 

It may even cause death. This section reviews the role of blood in the body as well as the components of blood. Blood helps distribute the nutrients, oxygen, and hormonesthe body needs. It also carries toxins and waste materials to the liver and kidneys to be removed from the body. Blood is made of blood cells floating in plasma. Plasma is mostly made of water with chemicals in it. These chemicals include cholesterol, proteins, hormones, minerals, vitamins, and a type of sugar called glucose. There are three basic types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. 

The most common symptom of anemia is feeling tired or weak. Other symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath

Pale skin

Lightheadedness

Chest pain

Feeling the heart beat

The symptoms of anemia also include:

Headache

Ringing/humming in the ears

Increased sleepiness

Coldness in the hands and feet

can be caused by one or more of the following causes:

Blood loss

Lack of red blood cell production

High rates of blood cell destruction

Blood loss and iron deficiency are common causes of anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition that happens if you don't have enough iron in your body. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin. The body may not make enough red blood cells for many reasons. In some cases, a genetic condition inherited from the parents may be the reason. Examples of non-genetic or acquired conditions that can prevent your body from making enough red blood cells include poor nutrition, imbalances in hormones, some chronic diseases, and pregnancy. The following sections will look more closely at each of these. A diet that lacks iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12 can prevent your body from making enough red blood cells. Your body also needs small amounts of vitamin C, riboflavin, and copper to make red blood cells. Certain conditions can also make it hard for your body to absorb these nutrients. Anemia can also happen during pregnancy due to low levels of iron and folic acid. Also, during the first 6 months of pregnancy, plasma increases faster than the number of red blood cells.