Anemia: Symptoms, Types & Preventataive Measures

Anemia is typically a medical condition where there is a deficiency in the quality(number) or quantity(shape and characteristics) of red blood cells which are responsible for the supply of hemoglobin(a protein that transfers oxygen from the lungs to the parts of the body). A person diagnosed with anemia usually lacks the supply of oxygen-rich blood which can lead to many complications in the body.

SYMPTOMS:
Some of the symptoms of anemia include:

1. Dizziness or lightheadedness: You feel that you are about to faint
2. Fast or irregular heartbeat: You have palpitations or abnormal heart rhythms.
3. Chest pain: You feel discomfort or your chest hurts.
4. Migraine: You have frequent/severe headaches
5. Sore or inflamed tongue: Your tongue hurts or is swollen.
6. Pale and dry skin: Your skin looks pale or yellowish, is dried out/burnished, or easily bruises.
7. RLS: Restless Legs Syndrome.
8. Shortness of breath: Not being able to breathe properly
9. Cold hands & Feet
10. Bone, joint & belly Pain
11. Problems with poor growth slow development or failure to grow in children & Teens
12. Brittle or spoon-shaped nails
13. Cravings for strange things such as ice etc.
14. Loss of appetite in young children

TYPES

There are several types of anemia, with each having a concrete cause and a set list of consequences. let us now know about the different types of anemia and what effect they can have on us:

1. Iron Deficiency Which Leads To Anemia
   Iron deficiency anemia is the most common kind of anemia. The which is a condition occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to create hemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells that holds oxygen. Due to the lack of enough iron, the tissues and organs of the human system do not get sufficient oxygen, which causes fatigue, weakness, and several other health problems.
2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia
   Anemia due to a deficiency of vitamin B12 means that there is a lack of a vital requirement in the production of red blood cells. When not in a sufficient amount, vitamin B12 will not allow the red blood cells to develop normally. They are lower in quantities because of their irregular formation, (oval instead of round and flat) making them die off quickly and thus failing to deliver sufficient oxygen to the body’s tissues.
3. Aplastic Anemia
   Aplastic anemia is a rare and serious blood condition where the bone marrow is not able to produce enough new blood cells. The severity of this type of anemia may range from moderate to very severe. Unlike other forms of anemia, aplastic anemia implies the inability of bone marrow to produce not only red blood cells but other blood cells like white blood cells and also platelets. This may be a life-threatening condition and sadly there are no known methods of preventing this.
4. Hemolytic Anemia
   Hemolytic anemia is a disorder wherein the red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, by a process called hemolysis. It may sometimes result from inheritable factors or can be acquired. Inherited hemolytic anemia is hereditary and is due to genetic factors. Acquired hemolytic anemia mostly develops later in life and is often due to infections, drugs, or an attack on red blood cells by one’s immune system. In both cases though, it can lead to a shortage of red blood cells within the body, and therefore there is a limitation in the delivery of adequate oxygen to parts of the body.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

To prevent getting diagnosed with anemia, one can take the following measures:

• Eating a diet that is rich in iron, folate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, and other essential nutrients
• Eating a diet with a variety of foods
• Taking supplements regularly if prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider.

Conclusion

It is important to understand the various types of anemia so that their symptoms are known and their manifestation is sought for proper treatment. Each type of anemia has its unique causes and implications for health, which require diagnosis by a doctor for intervention. The inability of the body to perform at its best in such conditions as iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, bone marrow failure, or rapid destruction of red blood cells forms a considerable impact through anemia. It is important to see a healthcare provider in case one is suffering from anemia to establish the diagnosis and management.