Anemia is a decline in the total amount of red blood cells (RBCs) or insufficient oxygen or hemoglobin in the blood. It is one of the most common disorders.

Statistics say that anemia is more common in females than in males. There are definite reasons, such as ignorance towards health, an unbalanced diet, malnutrition, menstrual cycle, and lastly pregnancy.

Key facts about anemia

• 24.8 percent of the world’s population suffers from anemia.
• Preschool kids have the maximum risk, with an estimated 47 percent, developing anemia throughout the world.
• Anemia is not restricted only to human beings but also to cats and dogs. Symptoms of anemia
• Feeling of exhaustion and a lack of energy and stamina.
• Pale skin
• Irregular heartbeat, which is generally fast
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Headaches

Common types of anemia

• iron deficiency anemia
  The most common type of anemia is iron deficiency anemia. As the name suggests, it is caused by a deficiency of iron, most often through blood loss. When the body loses blood, in some situations it reacts by pulling in water from tissues outside the bloodstream. This additional water dilutes the blood.

The reasons for rapid blood loss can include surgery, childbirth, trauma, accidental causes, or a ruptured blood vessel.

Causes of anemia due to loss of blood

• Gastrointestinal conditions, such as ulcers, cancer, or hemorrhoids
• Menstrual bleeding
• Anemia due to decreased or faulty red blood cell production

Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found in the center of bones which is essential for the creation of red blood cells. This bone marrow produces stem cells that develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Functioning of the bone marrow can be affected by some diseases like leukemia where too many abnormal white blood cells are produced and it disrupts RBC production.

The other common types of anemia include:

• Vitamin deficiency anemia
• Thalassemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Sickle cell anemia

Risk factors of anemia

• Advanced and severe kidney disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Other chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, infection
• Old age
• Destruction of red blood cells, typically before its due lifespan.
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where the body’s immune system misidentifies its own red blood cells as a foreign substance and attacks it.

Types of treatments for anemia

• Iron deficiency anemia
  Dietary changes or iron supplements can help fight the condition.
• Vitamin deficiency anemia
  It requires treatments which include dietary supplements and B-12 shots regularly.
• Thalassemia
  Treatment includes the consumption of folic acid supplementation.
• Aplastic anemia
  Here, the patient will receive blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants.

Conditions like anemia are fatal if left untreated. If one finds themselves experiencing any symptoms of anemia, it is best to consult a doctor at the earliest. Timely consultation can help the doctor chart out an effective treatment path.