Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Causes of Anemia

• Iron deficiency (most common cause) – due to poor diet, blood loss, or malabsorption

• Vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate) – leading to impaired red blood cell production

• Chronic diseases (e.g., kidney disease, cancer, inflammatory disorders)

• Genetic conditions (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia)

• Bone marrow disorders (e.g., aplastic anemia, leukemia)

• Hemolytic anemia (premature destruction of red blood cells)

• Blood loss (heavy menstruation, ulcers, trauma, surgery)

Symptoms of Anemia

• Fatigue and weakness

• Pale or yellowish skin

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Cold hands and feet

• Headaches

• Irregular heartbeat (tachycardia or palpitations)

• Chest pain (in severe cases)

• Brittle nails and hair loss (in chronic cases)

Treatments for Anemia

• Dietary changes (iron-rich foods like red meat, spinach; B12/folate sources like eggs, dairy, leafy greens)

• Iron supplements (for iron-deficiency anemia)

• Vitamin supplements (B12 injections or oral folate for deficiencies)

• Blood transfusions (in severe cases)

• Treating underlying conditions (e.g., managing chronic diseases, stopping bleeding)

• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) (for anemia due to kidney disease)

• Bone marrow transplant (for severe aplastic anemia or genetic disorders)

• Medications to suppress immune system (in autoimmune hemolytic anemia)

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