Anemia, spelled also as anaemia, is caused by lack of blood or red blood cells. It may also be caused by lack of hemoglobin, the protein in the blood that bears oxygen. The hemoglobin’s disability to bind oxygen may also cause anemia.
Hemoglobin carries oxygen to different parts of the body in order for them to function and function properly. If the anemia is caused by hemoglobin deficiency, it is also likely that some types of anemia can also cause clinical diseases in different organs.
The two approaches to anemia are kinetic and morphologic. The first involves evaluating the production, destruction and loss of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin. The second is low cost but rather incomprehensive. Knowing how production goes will help clinicians identify cases especially when there are multiple causes of anemia.
Three main classes of anemia are caused by excessive blood loss, excessive blood cell destruction or deficient red blood cell production.
The first is similar to hemorrhaging or in lay man’s terms, bleeding. It is either internal or external, through natural openings or through a break in the skin. A healthy person can take from 10 to 15% of total blood volume without medical concerns.
The next is due to hemolysis, the rupture of red blood cells or erythrocytes leading to the release of the contents into the fluid surrounding it.
The third is caused by ineffective hematopoiesis. This is known as the process of making blood cells. Healthy people make 1011 to 1012 new blood cells every day. People with ineffective hematopoiesis however, produce less than this.
There are other kinds of anemia caused by diet related deficiencies. One of these is Iron Deficiency Anemia. It is the most common form of anemia which often affects pregnant women. This is because during pregnancy, there is more need for iron and it is not always met.
Folate Deficiency Anemia is caused by lack of folate or folic acid. It is a type of Vitamin B that is essential in the formation of healthy blood cells. It is commonly found in pregnant women and heavy drinkers.
There is also Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia. Meat products can only be found in meat products; therefore this type of anemia commonly affects vegetarians. Some however, lack only the intrinsic factor necessary for vitamin B12 absorption, not necessarily vitamin b12 itself.
Anemia can be confirmed by blood tests. It is dangerous to self-diagnose therefore doctors must be consulted. Supplements may lead to toxicity so they must be taken only if they were suggested or prescribed by doctors.