What Causes Anemia?

Anemia is a sign that accompanies various conditions. Acute anemia usually results from a sudden loss of a large amount of blood, which may be due to trauma or serious disease. In most cases, however, chronic anemia occurs gradually as a result of:

• Failure of the body to produce an adequate amount of red blood cells (RBCs)
• RBCs breaking down or dying faster than the body replaces them
• A combination of these

Common Types Of Anemia

There are many types of anemia that are associated with different causes:

The most common type is iron deficiency anemia, which occurs when you do not have enough iron in the body. Iron is an important element the body needs to make hemoglobin. Low iron levels commonly occur in women because of blood loss associated with very heavy or prolonged periods as well as childbirth. Blood loss may also be a result of uterine fibroids, which usually bleed slowly. Other possible causes of bleeding include:

• Gastrointestinal ulcers, polyps, or cancer
• Infections
• Surgery
• Severe injury
• Regular use of medications that can irritate the stomach ( such as Aspirin and other pain relievers)

Low dietary intake of iron can also cause iron deficiency anemia. It is often associated with pregnancy, especially in women who have a poor diet.

On the other hand, some people lack iron in their blood because they have problems absorbing it from their diet. This may be caused by diseases like celiac disease and Crohn's disease, or by drugs that affect absorption of nutrients.

Another common type of anemia is vitamin deficiency anemia (megaloblastic anemia). Having low levels of folate or vitamin B12 are the most common causes.  Folate deficiency anemia may occur during pregnancy, when the body’s demand for folate is increased. This B vitamin is found in plant foods such as fruits, green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, as well as fortified cereals, breads, and pastas.  Vitamin B12 is essential for normal RBC and nervous system function. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia often occurs in people who have trouble absorbing nutrients from food because of intestinal problems or an autoimmune disorder. It may also occur in people who have a poor diet. Vitamin B12 –rich foods come from animals as well as fortified breakfast cereals.  Symptoms of vitamin B12-deficiency anemia include numbness in the legs and feet, memory loss, and problems walking and seeing.

It is worthwhile to mention that pregnant women are often found to be anemic, but this may be due to physiologic changes associated with the increase in blood volume and an increased need for iron. Pregnant women usually need approximately 50% more iron, especially in the last trimester. Her growing baby also takes a lot of iron from her and stores it during the first 6 months of life. Although these are normal changes in pregnancy, they may also experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue and weakness.

Treatment Of Anemia

The treatment of anemia depends on the underlying cause. However, the common goals of treatment are to increase your RBC count or to bring back your hemoglobin level to normal so that body gets enough oxygen.

See Also: Get Rid Of Anemia With Nutrition

Unless you have lost a significant amount of blood that warrants blood transfusion therapy, in most cases, dietary supplements and an improvement in dietary intake of iron and vitamins are the common treatments prescribed. Treatment of any underlying disease is also necessary to treat your anemia.