Anemia Health Article

Definition

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.

Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. It gives red blood cells their red color. People with anemia do not have enough hemoglobin.

See also:

• Anemia due to B12 deficiency
• Anemia due to folate deficiency
• Anemia due to iron deficiency
• Hemolytic anemia
• Hemolytic anemia due to G-6-PD deficiency
• Idiopathic aplastic anemia
• Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• Immune hemolytic anemia
• Megaloblastic anemia
• Pernicious anemia
• Secondary aplastic anemia
• Sickle cell anemia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause depends on the type of anemia. Possible causes include:

• Certain medications
• Diseases such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis
• Genes -- some forms of anemia can be inherited
• Kidney failure
• Blood loss (for example, from heavy menstrual periods)
• Poor diet
• Pregnancy
• Problems with bone marrow (where blood cells are made)
• Problems with the immune system that cause the destruction of blood cells
• Surgery to the stomach or intestines that reduces the absorption of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid

Symptoms

Possible symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness or light-headedness (especially when standing up or with exertion)
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Headaches
• Problems concentrating
• Shortness of breath (especially during exercise)

Some types of anemia may have other symptoms, such as:

• Constipation
• Problems thinking
• Tingling