Anemia

Anemia, a condition which affect over 3 million people in the United States, http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20030725Anemia.htm 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. http://bearspace.baylor.edu/Charles_Kemp/www/anemia.htm

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. www.umm.edu/blood/aneiron.htm

Anemia can increase the risk that older people develop more serious disorders, according to a 2003 study by the National Institute on Aging. When anemia occurs as a result of other disorders like cancer or kidney diseases, it can worsen the effects of the disease and increase it progress, making survival of the disorder less likely. Anemia is usually a treatable disorder that can help in patient prognosis. http://www.ajmc.com/supplement/managed-care/2010/A279_2010mar_Anemia/A279_2010mar_Smith

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

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

1. Iron deficiency anemia - usually corrected by supplements, except in the cases of internal bleeding.
2. Sickle cell anemia - there are pain-reducing treatments and other medications.
3. Vitamin deficiency anemia - supplements and changes in the diet.
4. Thalassemia - can be corrected by blood transfusions in severe cases, but changes in diet can normally help.
5. Aplastic anemia - blood transfusions, medications, transplantation of bone marrow.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/iron-deficiency-anemia/DS00323

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