Types of Anemia
People with anemia oftentimes feel tired constantly and may be too weak and dispirited to function on the job or oat home. Anemia can affect quality of life as the lack of vitality can make both work and play a drudgery.
There are different type of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle cell anemia, anemia caused b disease conditions.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not get enough iron to produce hemoglobin, which is a substance in the red blood cells that is necessary to carry oxygen to the tissues. Iron deficiency anemia can usually be corrected with nutrition and/or an iron supplement.
Pernicious Anemia is a decrease in red blood cells and results from the inability to absorb Vitamin B12 properly. Vitamin B12 is essential for the development of red blood cells.
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition, meaning that it is passed down through generations. Sickle cell anemia is most common is people of African and Mediterranean descent.
Anemia can be caused by certain diseases or conditions, such as infections and inflammatory diseases. Conditions that can cause anemia include AIDS, cancer, chronic bacterial endocarditis, chronic kidney disease, Crohn's disease, hepatitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, osteomyelitis, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
Megalblastic Anemia is a blood disorder where the red blood cells are larger than normal. Megaloblastic anemia can be caused by a deficiency of folic acid or Vitamin B12. It can also be caused by alcohol abuse., leukemia, myelofibrosis and myeloodysplastic syndrome. Certain drugs including chemotherapy drugs which affects the DNA, can cause this type of anemia.
Hemolytic anemia is related to the bone marrow and occurs when the bone marrow is not able to increase production of the red blood cells when they are destroyed d prematurely.
Anemia is a condition that should be diagnosed by a physician, as it can be a symptom of another disease. A doctor may prescribe iron supplements or a nutrition plan.
Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical condition, please consult a physician for proper diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Resources
NIH Medline
Mayo Clinic website
Naitonal Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Related Articles
How to Prevent Iron Deficiency
Recognizing Anemia in Children
Signs of Anemia in Women
Vitamin B12: Essential for Good Health
Many Older Americans Not Getting Enough Nutrition
Published by Christine Bude Nyholm
With over 5 million pages views Christine is one of the top 100 AC Contributors and Won Best of AC for Winter Travel Guides in 2008 and Best of Alternative Health in 2009. Christine's article Shop Around for... View profile
- The 5 Most Common Types of AnemiaThis article will provide you with an overview of the five most common types of anemia.
- What Are the Most Common Types of Anemia?Their symptoms range from mild fatigue to a shutdown of the bloodmaking process. Here are the most common types of anemia, including their diagnosis, symptoms and treatment.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia in MenIron deficiency anemia in men is not as common as it is in women or children, but can still cause major health problems for men.
- Childhood Obesity and Iron Deficiency Anemia Linked to Prolonged Bottle FeedingAccording to a medical survey done in 2003, prolonged and/or excessive use of a baby bottle may increase a young child's risk of developing iron deficiency anemia or becoming obese, both of which are growing health co...
- My Experience with Iron Deficiency AnemiaThis articles discusses my experience with iron deficiency anemia. It also lists provides other important information about this disorder.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Preventing Iron Deficiency Anemia with a Well Balanced Diet and Foods Rich in Iron
- What is Sickle Cell Anemia?
- Treating Sickle Cell Anemia
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Understanding Types of Anemia
- Common Types of Anemia and Treatments for Each Type