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Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Description
Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When red blood cell count is low, the body cannot get enough oxygen, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
There are many different types of anemia, each with its own cause. Some of the most common types of anemia include:
- Iron-deficiency anemia, which is caused by a lack of iron in the diet
- Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, which is caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in the diet
- Folate-deficiency anemia, which is caused by a lack of folate (a B vitamin) in the diet
- Aplastic anemia, which is caused by a problem with the bone marrow
- Sickle cell anemia, which is a genetic disorder that causes the red blood cells to form a sickle shape
Associated Diseases
Anemia can be a symptom of many different underlying medical conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Thyroid disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Blood loss
Did you Know ?
According to the World Health Organization, anemia affects approximately 1.62 billion people worldwide. This makes anemia one of the most common health conditions in the world.
Diagnosis
Anemia is diagnosed with a blood test. The blood test will measure the levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood. A low hemoglobin level or a low red blood cell count indicates anemia.
Treatment
The treatment for anemia depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, anemia can be treated by simply taking supplements or changing the diet. In other cases, more intensive treatment may be necessary.
