Technically, anemia is a symptom of other disorders, not a disease in itself. There are actually over 400 anemia types but most of those are rare.
Anemia types are identified through using two approaches, these are etiology and morphology. In etiology or pathophysiology, red blood cells and hemoglobin are depleted. In morphology, characteristic changes of red blood cells are studied.
Macrocytic-normochromic anemia type causes large and abnormally shaped red blood cells. Microcytic-hypochromic anemia, on the other hand, produces abnormally small red blood cells. Normocytic-normochromic anemia is characterized by destruction or depletion of red blood cells.
Iron deficiency anemia is an anemia type that causes depletion in the production of hemoglobin, a protein which helps red blood cells in carrying oxygen from the lungs to the different parts of the body. This is most commonly experienced by pregnant women because the need for iron becomes greater during pregnancy. It is also found during pregnancy that the plasma, or fluid part of the blood, increases more rapidly than hemoglobin, therefore diluting the blood. Another common cause for this anemia type is insufficient iron from poor diet and nutrition.
Sickle cell anemia or sickle cell disease is an anemia type which is hereditary and is characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells. They are shaped like crescents or sickles and are more easily broken down than normal red blood cells. This in turn, results in the shortage of red blood cells and anemia symptoms will follow.
Pernicious anemia is a vitamin deficiency anemia in which the body is not able to absorb sufficient amounts of vitamins, particularly B12, which is needed in producing red blood cells.
Folic acid deficiency anemia type is similar to pernicious anemia only folic acid is the nutrient not absorbed. It is necessary for healthy blood and lack of it may lead to birth defects during pregnancy. Older adults, as well as heavy drinkers, are at risk of having this anemia type. Legumes and leafy, dark green vegetables are the best sources for folate.
Thalassemia anemia type is also inherited. It happens when genes are damaged or mutated. Hemoglobin production relies on genes, therefore if they are mutated or damaged, hemoglobin will not be produced properly.
Aplastic anemia type is one of the rare types of anemia which occur when both red and white blood cells are lacking. It mostly occurs after treatments including radiation or chemotherapy.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia type is caused by lack of B12 in the blood. It is only found in meat products, therefore vegetarians are the most common victims of this anemia type.