Red blood cells are disc-shaped blood cells that carry oxygen to the organs and tissues of your body. Anemia happens when the number of healthy red blood cells in your body is too low. Every part of your body needs a sufficient supply of oxygen to function effectively. Many of the symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and shortness of breath, are caused by decreased oxygen delivery to your body’s vital organs and tissues. Red blood cells contain an iron-rich protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in your lungs, allowing red blood cells to carry and deliver it throughout your body. Anemia is measured according to the amount of hemoglobin in your blood

Anemia can be caused by blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, and increased red blood cell breakdown. Causes of bleeding include trauma and gastrointestinal bleeding. Causes of decreased production include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, thalassemia and a number of bone marrow tumors.  Causes of increased breakdown include genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia, infections such as malaria, and certain autoimmune diseases. Anemia can also be classified based on the size of the red blood cells and amount of hemoglobin in each cell. If the cells are small, it is called microcytic anemia; if they are large, it is called macrocytic anemia; and if they are normal sized, it is called normocytic anemia. The diagnosis of anemia in men is based on a hemoglobin of less than 130 to 140 g/L (13 to 14 g/dL); in women, it is less than 120 to 130 g/L (12 to 13 g/dL).

Anemia can have other affects on your body in addition to feeling tired or cold. Other signs that you might be lacking in iron include having brittle or spoon-shaped nails and possible hair loss. You might find that your sense of taste has changed, or you might experience ringing in your ears. Different types of anemia may lead to other serious problems. People with sickle cell anemia often have heart and lung complications. If you have anemia that is not treated, it could lead to an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), an enlarged heart or heart failure. You are also at greater risk of getting infections and becoming depressed. You might have heard that iron deficiency is linked to chewing ice, which does happen. Chewing ice is a sign of pica, a condition that includes eating things that are not really food, like chalk or dirt. So pica is also a sign of iron deficiency. It is often seen in children with anemia.

There is a range of treatmentsTrusted Source for anemia. Each aims to increase a person’s RBC count, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. The required treatment depends on the type of anemia a person has. Treatments for common forms of anemia include the following:

Iron-deficiency anemia: Iron supplements and dietary changes can help, and a doctor will identify and address the cause of any excessive bleeding if present.

Vitamin deficiency anemia: Treatments can include dietary supplements and vitamin B12 injections.

Thalassemia: Treatments includeTrusted Source folic acid supplements, iron chelation, and, for some people, blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants.

Anemia due to chronic disease: The doctor will focus on managing the underlying condition.

Aplastic anemia: Treatment for aplastic anemia involves blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants.

    Sickle cell anemia: Doctors treat this with oxygen therapy, pain relief medication, and intravenous fluids. They may also prescribe antibiotics, folic acid supplements, blood transfusions, and a cancer drug called hydroxyureaTrusted Source.

    Hemolytic anemia: The treatment plan may include immunosuppressant drugs, treatments for infections, and plasmapheresis, which filters the blood.

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Media contact:

Adrena Cindrella

Managing Editor

Journal of Hematology & Thromboembolic Diseases

Mail ID: haematology@emedicalhub.org