Types of Anemia

Anemia is considered the most common blood disorder. It is a condition where there are not enough red blood cells in the blood. This can be attributed to varied reasons like the body making less red blood cells than normal, the body losing more red blood cells than it can produce or even the body itself destroying the red blood cells for some reason.

These red blood cells contain hemoglobin which gives blood its deep red color and also transports oxygen throughout the body. In the absence of enough red blood cells, the tissues and organs do not get the required amount of oxygen. This manifests as excessive weakness and fatigue. Other common symptoms of anemia are pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, irregular heartbeats, etc.

Anemia can affect people of all ages – it can range for mild to severe and from temporary to long-term. In fact, there are different types of anemia depending on the cause. Such as:

Iron deficiency anemia – This is considered the most common nutritional disorder around the world. The body needs iron to produce red blood cells and low levels of iron will surely lead to anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can be attributed to poor diet, excessive blood loss, heavy menstruation, pregnancy, ulcers or even the body’s inability to absorb iron.

Pernicious anemia – Along with iron, the body also requires some vitamin B12 and folate to produce healthy red blood cells. Low intake of these vital vitamins due to unhealthy eating habits can lead to vitamin deficiency anemia. In case of an autoimmune condition wherein the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 from the food, it is termed as pernicious anemia.

Anemia of inflammation – Chronic medical conditions like cancer, HIV, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and other acute or inflammatory diseases (or their treatments) can prevent the body from using the stored iron to produce red blood cells.

Aplastic anemia – The red blood cells along with other blood cells are actually produced in the bone marrow which is the soft tissue in the center of the bones. When the bone marrow is unable to make the required quantity of blood cells due to damage, disease or other health treatments, it can lead to aplastic anemia. This is quite a rare but life-threatening form of anemia.

Hemolytic anemia – This is a condition where the body starts destroying healthy red blood cells before their lifespan of almost 4 months is complete and cannot make enough new ones to replace them.

Sickle cell anemia – This is a hereditary disorder wherein the body produces sickle shaped red blood cells which not only have a shorter lifespan but can also end up blocking the normal blood circulation.

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