Anemia is a blood disorder that happens when you don’t have enough red blood cells or your red blood cells don’t work as they should. Some types of anemia are inherited, but people may also acquire or develop the condition during their lifetimes. Anemia can affect your life in different ways. Some types of this condition have mild symptoms that ease with treatment. Other types are more serious, like some that people inherit that cause lifelong medical issues. Severe anemia can be life-threatening. This condition may also be a symptom of serious conditions like cancer.
Some major symptoms of anemia?
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Chest pain.
- Pulsatile tinnitus.
- Pallor (skin color that’s paler than usual).
- Headache.
- Heart palpitations.
- Frequent infections.
Main Causes of Anemia.
Many things can cause it. For example, iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. You can develop this type if you don’t get enough iron from the food you eat, or if you lose blood from an injury or illness.
Some types of anemia may be inherited but can also be acquired:
- Aplastic anemia: This anemia happens when stem cells in your bone marrow don’t make enough blood cells.
- Hemolytic anemia: In this anemia, your red blood cells break down or die faster than usual.
- Microcytic anemia: This anemia happens when your red blood cells don’t have enough hemoglobin so they’re smaller than usual. Microcytic anemia occurs with iron deficiency, thalassemia, and sideroblastic anemia. It also occurs in some people who have anemia of chronic disease.
- Sideroblastic anemia: Sideroblastic anemia results from abnormal iron use during red blood cell development.
How to protect yourself by anemia,
While some types of anemia are short-term and mild, others can last a lifetime. Regardless, there are several things you can do to help manage symptoms.
- Follow a healthy eating plan: Poor eating habits are the primary reason why people develop anemia. Ask your healthcare provider about iron-rich foods and other foods you should eat to meet your body’s nutritional needs.
- Take your supplements as directed.
- Drink up: Drink lots of water so you stay hydrated.
- Keep moving: Regular exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle. But be sure to check with your healthcare provider about ways to exercise safely.
- Protect against infection: Wash your hands often. Ask your provider about vaccinations that help prevent viral and bacterial infections.