Blood is an important factor of human life, carrying essential elements like oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body including the brain. Red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets constitute the main elements in blood. Hemoglobin is a pigment in the red blood cells that helps carry oxygen to the organs. Anemia indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood, which is related to the low level of hemoglobin or the low number of red blood cells. Loss of oxygen leads to brain hypoxia even if the blood flow continues. This causes anxiety, confusion, and restlessness.

Different types of anemia and their causes

Anemia can occur due to two primary reasons: A) reduced production of red blood cells and B) increased destruction of red blood cells. Mentioned below are the types of anemia that occur due to these 2 causes:

Anemia caused due to reduced production of red blood cells:

• Pernicious anemia: This type of anemia is caused by an issue in the stomach or in the gastric parietal cells. This is caused by the auto-immunity system, which affects the absorption capacity leading to a deficiency of Vitamin B12.
• Anemia due to kidney disease: Here, a problem is created due to non-production or low production of the hormone erythropoietin, which helps the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.
• Anemia due to chronic disease:  This occurs due to prolonged medical conditions such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis. The actual reason behind the problem is unknown; however, a negative impact to the bone marrow is noted in such cases.
• Anemia due to malnutrition:  This type of anemia is related to the deficiency of folic acid, iron, protein, and vitamin B12. Vitamins, iron, and minerals are essential components of red blood cells to produce hemoglobin. Deficiency in any one of these components leads to anemia.

Anemia caused due to destruction of red blood cells

• Sickle cell disease: This is a rare occurrence linked to abnormal hemoglobin molecules produced due to inheritance from both parents carrying similar genes. A normal red blood cell is circular-shaped, while the blood cells of the affected persons are sickle-shaped or crescent moons. Irregularity in the shape of the blood cells affects the blood flow, thereby affecting the oxygen carried to the organs of the body. No remedy is available; however, treatment to help pain relief is provided.
• Thalassemia:  This is a blood disorder that’s inherited. Hemoglobin in the red blood cells is affected when a person suffers from thalassemia. A person affected with the disease experiences fatigue due to anemia. Though treatment might not be required in most cases. If the symptoms are severe, a blood transfusion might be required frequently.
• G6PD deficiency: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme in the blood that controls several biochemical reactions in the body. Lack of this enzyme results in red blood cells breaking down before their life span. The destruction of the red blood cells prematurely is known as hemolysis and thus can lead to hemolytic anemia.

Symptoms of anemia

Symptoms that are common include fatigue and a lack of energy. Additionally, a person might experience the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Palpitation of the heart

Remedies

Anemia is not a disease, but a symptom to an underlying one. Treating the actual disease will resolve the symptoms of anemia; however, there are other remedies that are advised under the supervision of the doctor, such as:

• Lifestyle changes
• Dietary supplements as per the deficiency
• Prescribed drugs

In some cases, patients may have to undergo blood transfusion for thalassemia, and oxygen therapy for sickle cell anemia.