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• Anemia is a blood disorder, where there is a below normal concentration of red blood cells in the blood or the red blood cells don't have the proper amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is important for carrying the oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body so in cases where people have anemia the blood is not supplying enough oxygen for the bodies needs. This results in poor functioning of the [respiration|respiratory] system and fatigue.

  There are three main groups of anemia: blood loss, low counts of red blood cells and those with high rates of red blood cell count destruction. Blood loss from heavy menstruation, surgery, trauma, bleeding in the digestive or urinary tracts or cancer can cause anemia as well. Iron deficiency is the most common reason for anemia and affects about one in five women, half of all pregnant women and three percent of men in the United States.

• Fast Facts

  1. Also known as iron poor blood
  2. Certain forms hereditary
  3. Many types
  4. Treatment depends on cause
  5. 15 to 20 mgs of iron is lost during menstruation
  6. Most common in children and women of childbearing age
  7. Children and teens have a greater need for iron
  8. Aplastic anemia: disease in blood marrow
  9. Sickle cell anemia: blood cells become C shaped

• Types and Causes of Anemia

  Anemia can be caused by:

  1. Iron deficiency in the diet
  2. Blood loss, such as that caused by heavy menstruation, or internal disorders
  3. Lack of folic acid and/or vitamin B-12 = megaloblastic anemia. Pernicious anemia is caused by the lack of B-12 absorption by the body. Lack of B-12 in vegetarian diets can occur without B-12-supplemented foods. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/anemia.cfm http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics?page=2
  4. Rupture of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) due to various circumstances, such as exposure to toxic chemicals such as lead, benzene or medicines, and diseases such as sickle cell anemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and thalassemia.http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/anemia.html
  5. Poor or non-functioning bone marrow production of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Stem cells for the production may be non-existent or non-functioning (aplastic anemia). Occurs in young children and the aged. http://www.ayushveda.com/homeremedies/anemia.htm

• United States Statistics

  1. Most common blood disorder
  2. Affects 3.5 million Americans
  3. Occurs in all ages and races

• Disclaimer

  This page is not a substitute for medical advice. If you think you have Anemia, please consult your doctor.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Blood | Sickle Cell Anemia | Fanconi Anemia | Iron | Fatigue | Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | Chest Pain | Arrhythmia | Shortness of Breath | Folic Acid | Vitamin B-12

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