Anemia

Anemia occurs when the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Its causes can vary, and understanding these can help decide when to seek professional care or when home remedies might suffice.

Etiologic and Contributing Factors of Anemia

1. Nutritional Deficiencies
   • Iron deficiency: Often caused by blood loss (e.g., menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding) or insufficient dietary intake.
   • Vitamin B12 or Folate deficiency: Linked to poor diet, malabsorption (e.g., pernicious anemia, celiac disease), or alcohol use.
2. Chronic Diseases
   • Chronic kidney disease, cancer, or autoimmune conditions can impair red blood cell production.
3. Blood Loss
   • Acute blood loss (injury, surgery) or chronic blood loss (heavy menstruation, ulcers, gastrointestinal conditions).
4. Genetic Disorders
   • Sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or hereditary spherocytosis.
5. Bone Marrow Disorders
   • Aplastic anemia or other diseases that affect red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
6. Infections
   • Parasitic infections (e.g., malaria, hookworms), or chronic infections (e.g., HIV, tuberculosis).

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath that worsens.
• Pale or yellowish skin, dizziness, or chest pain.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Unexplained bleeding, bruising, or heavy periods.
• Symptoms of chronic conditions (e.g., kidney issues, autoimmune diseases).
• Symptoms associated with infections or significant weight loss.

A blood test (complete blood count, or CBC) and diagnostic evaluation are critical to identify the underlying cause.