What are the causes of Anemia?

Welcome to our exploration of a crucial health topic — “Causes of Anemia.” Anemia is a condition that affects millions worldwide, impacting energy levels and overall well-being. In this blog, we delve into the various factors that contribute to anemia, shedding light on its causes and implications for better understanding and proactive health management.

What are the causes of Anemia?

Anemia is caused by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen delivery in the body. Common causes include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, chronic diseases, blood loss, or bone marrow disorders. Symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Keep reading this article for more information about this.

What is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. It is commonly caused by iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency, blood loss, or chronic diseases. Symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Hemoglobin is the main protein in the red blood cells present in your blood. Its function is to take oxygen and transport it through the blood to your whole body. If you have anemia, your hemoglobin level will also be low. If it is low enough, your tissues or organs may not get enough oxygen and you may experience symptoms of anemia – such as fatigue or shortness of breath. The amount of hemoglobin should be between 12-16% in men and 11-14% in women.

Symptoms of Anemia in the body 

The symptoms of anemia are so common and mild that it is very difficult to diagnose anemia by recognizing them. Let us know the symptoms of anemia:-

• Dizziness, or feeling weak.
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
• Headache.
• Pain in your bones, chest, abdomen, and joints.
• Developmental problems in children and adolescents.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Skin turning yellow.
• Cold hands and feet.
• Fatigue or weakness.

Why It’s Important to Understand The Causes of Anaemia

Anemia isn’t a disease in itself, but rather a sign that something else is going on in your body. So it’s important to find out why you have anaemia.

• Effective treatment: Anaemia is like a warning light on your car’s dashboard – it tells you there’s a problem, but it doesn’t tell you what the problem is. It’s important to know the specific cause (such as iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency or a chronic disease) to choose the right treatment. Treating the anaemia alone without knowing the cause is like covering up the warning light – the problem is still there and will probably come back.
• Preventing recurrence: Finding out the cause is important to prevent future episodes of anaemia. For example, if it’s due to low iron, you may need to eat more iron-rich foods or take supplements. If it’s due to blood loss, it’s important to find and stop the source of the bleeding.
• Early detection of underlying conditions: Sometimes, anemia is a sign that points to a more serious health problem, such as a chronic disease, autoimmune disorder or even cancer. Investigating the cause of anemia can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, which can make a big difference in your long-term health.
• Individualized approach: Since there are so many different causes of anemia, the best treatment will vary from person to person. Understanding the cause helps your doctor create the right personalized treatment plan for you.
• Improved quality of life: Anemia can cause you to feel tired, weak and short of breath, which can really affect your daily life. By treating the underlying cause, you can address these symptoms and get your energy levels back, improving your overall well-being.

Common Causes of Lack of Blood (Anemia)

Let’s talk about what can cause anemia, sometimes called “blood loss.” It’s not really about a lack of blood volume, but about a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, the important protein that carries oxygen to those cells.

There can be many reasons for anemia in the body. webmd.com According to this, there can be more than 400 reasons for anemia, and to understand and treat them, they have been divided into three groups:-

1. Lack of blood due to anemia
2. Anemia is caused by decreased production of red blood cells or malfunctioning red blood cells
3. Anemia is caused by the destruction of red blood cells

Here are some of the most common causes:

• Iron deficiency: This is the most common cause. Iron is absolutely necessary for making hemoglobin. If you’re not getting enough iron in your diet, your body isn’t absorbing it properly, or you’re losing blood (even small amounts over time), you can have iron deficiency anemia.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Certain vitamins, especially B12 and folate (B9), are also necessary for red blood cell production and maturation. Deficiencies in these vitamins can cause anemia.
• Blood loss: Too much blood loss from injury, surgery, heavy menstrual periods, or internal bleeding (such as from ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems) can quickly deplete your red blood cell supply.
• Chronic diseases: Certain long-term health conditions, such as kidney disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, can interfere with your body’s ability to produce red blood cells or cause red blood cells to be destroyed prematurely.
• Bone marrow disorders: The bone marrow is where blood cells are made. If something goes wrong in the bone marrow, such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome or leukemia, it can disrupt red blood cell production and cause anemia.
• Genetic conditions: Some people inherit conditions, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, that affect the shape or production of their red blood cells, leading to anemia.
• Other factors: There are also other things that can contribute to anemia, including certain medications, infections and exposure to toxins.

It’s important to remember that anemia can sometimes have more than one cause.

Let’s use different words to explain this with more detail:-

1. Lack of blood due to anemia

There can be many reasons that can cause anemia in your body, including many diseases, medicines, or physical conditions. Due to this, the blood keeps coming out of your body for a very long time, and you may not even notice it. These reasons include:

• Certain diseases such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis (inflammation of your stomach), and cancer.
• Certain types of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can cause ulcers and gastritis.
• The timing of a woman’s period.
• Post-trauma or surgery.

2. Anemia caused by a decrease in the production of red blood cells or a defect in red blood cells

In this type of anemia, your body may not be able to make enough blood cells, or there may be something wrong with the red blood cells that are produced, causing them to not work as they should. One of the reasons for this can also be the lack of minerals and vitamins in your body. Reasons for this reason for having anemia:

• Bone marrow and stem cell problems (aplastic anemia) – Bone marrow and stem cell problems can prevent your body from producing enough red blood cells. Some stem cells develop into red blood cells in the marrow at the center of your bones. If there aren’t enough stem cells, if they don’t work properly, or if they are replaced by other cells, such as cancer cells, you can have anemia.
• Iron deficiency anemia – Iron deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of iron in your body. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin, the part of the hemoglobin red blood cell that carries oxygen to your organs. Iron deficiency can also cause anemia.
• Sickle cell anemia – Sickle cell anemia is a disorder in which your red blood cells, which are usually round in shape, become crescent-shaped because of a problem in your genes. The problem of anemia arises when the red blood cells of the crescent form break down early, due to which oxygen does not reach your organs. Crescent red blood cells can also become trapped in small blood vessels and cause pain.
• Vitamin deficiency anemia, especially B12 or folate – Vitamin deficiency anemia problems arise when you are not getting enough vitamin B12 and folate. You need these two vitamins to make red blood cells. Include foods in your diet that provide adequate amounts of vitamin B12 and folate.

Anemia caused by other chronic diseases usually occurs when your body does not produce enough hormones to make red blood cells due to chronic illness. Diseases that can cause this type of anemia include:

• kidney disease
• hypothyroidism
• old age
• Chronic diseases such as cancer, infection, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis

3. Anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells

When red blood cells are weakened due to autoimmune hemolytic disturbances in the body, they can burst during their function of carrying oxygen to the organs in the body, which is called hemolytic anemia. In this anemia, the body’s immune system starts attacking and destroying red blood cells. Sometimes, the causes of hemolytic anemia are unclear, but in most cases, diseases such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) can be the cause.

Who Is at Risk for Anemia?

Let’s find out who may be at a higher risk of developing anaemia. Anaemia, a condition in which you have a lower than normal number of red blood cells or haemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells), can affect anyone, but certain groups are more susceptible. Understanding these risk factors is important for prevention and early detection.

Dietary factors for Anemia:

• Iron deficiency: A major risk factor. Not getting enough iron-rich foods (such as red meat, leafy vegetables and beans) can lead to anaemia. This is particularly relevant for:
• Vegetarians and vegans: Plant-based diets may be low in easily absorbed iron, requiring careful meal planning and possibly supplementation.
• Individuals with poor dietary habits: Limited access to nutritious food or poor food choices may lead to inadequate iron intake.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Inadequate intake of vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) also increases the risk.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: Often seen in older adults (due to decreased absorption) and strict vegetarians who do not take supplements.
• Folate deficiency: Can be caused by poor diet, certain medications or problems with nutrient absorption.
• Decreased absorption: Conditions that affect nutrient absorption in the intestine (such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or bariatric surgery) can cause iron and vitamin deficiencies, increasing the risk of anemia.

Anemia:

• Menstruation: Women with heavy or prolonged menstrual periods have a very high risk of developing iron deficiency anemia due to blood loss.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding: Bleeding in the digestive tract (from ulcers, polyps, hemorrhoids or cancer) can be an important, sometimes hidden cause of anemia.
• Trauma or surgery: Too much blood loss from injury or surgical procedures can cause anemia.
• Frequent blood donation: Although donating blood is commendable, donating blood too often can deplete iron stores.

Chronic diseases:

• Kidney disease: The kidneys produce erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Kidney disease often disrupts EPO production, leading to anemia.
• Cancer: Cancer can cause anemia through a variety of mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and bone marrow involvement. Chemotherapy may also contribute.
• Chronic inflammatory diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune disorders can cause chronic inflammation, which can interfere with red blood cell production.
• Infections: Certain chronic infections can also cause anemia.

Genetic factors:

• Sickle cell anemia: A hereditary condition that causes red blood cells to be abnormally shaped, leading to their premature destruction and anemia.
• Thalassemia: A group of inherited blood disorders that affect hemoglobin production, resulting in anemia.

Other risk factors:

• Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases the need for iron to support the developing fetus. Pregnant women are routinely screened for anemia.
• Infancy and childhood: Infants and children need adequate iron for rapid growth. Iron deficiency can impede growth.
• Older adults: Older adults are at increased risk due to a combination of several factors, including poor diet, chronic diseases, and reduced absorption of nutrients.

In summary: It’s essential to be aware of these risk factors. While having a risk factor doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop anemia, it’s important to discuss any concerns with your doctor. They can assess your individual risk, recommend appropriate screenings, and help you take steps to maintain healthy blood iron levels.

Tests done to know the status of anemia

A complete blood count (CBC) test will check your red blood cells, hemoglobin, and other parts of your blood. Your doctor will ask about your family history and your medical history after the CBC. Some more tests can also be done.

• to count your white blood cells
• to check the size of your red blood cells
• to look for abnormal cells
• Reticulocyte count to check for immature red blood cells

Treatment of Anemia

Your treatment will depend on the type of anemia you have and its cause. There are many causes, so there are many treatments available.

• If you have hemolytic anemia, you may need medicine that stops your immune system from attacking red blood cells.
• If it is due to anemia, then you need to get treatment for the diseases that cause anemia.
• If you have iron deficiency anemia, you will probably need to take an iron supplement and change your diet.
• Sickle cell anemia treatment includes pain relievers, folic acid supplements, intermittent antibiotics, or oxygen therapy.
• If you have a deficiency of Vitamin B12 or Folate in your body, then you need to include such Ahara in your diet, which can be used to overcome their deficiency in your body.
• To overcome the problem of anemia caused by diseases, consult your doctor and take medicines to treat those diseases.

You can read this article in Hindi by clicking THIS LINK.

Reference:-

• https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360
• https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-symptoms
• https://hindi.webdunia.com/health-care/anemia-symptoms-and-treatment-118021700025_1.html