What is Anemia?

There are many different types of anemia, we will be focusing most on Iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is when blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. (Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues.) Iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without sufficient iron, your body can't produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin)

 

Types of Anemia:

• Iron Deficiency Anemia:

  • Caused by insufficient iron in the body.

• Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:

  • Due to a lack of vitamins like B12 or folate.

• Aplastic Anemia:

  • A rare condition where the body doesn't produce enough red blood cells.

• Hemolytic Anemia:

  • Caused by the premature destruction of red blood cells.

• Sickle Cell Anemia:

  • A genetic disorder that causes abnormal hemoglobin, leading to distorted red blood cells.

• Thalassemia:

  • A genetic condition resulting in reduced hemoglobin production.

 

Symptoms of Anemia:

• General Symptoms:

  • Tiredness

  • Weakness

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Headaches

• Physical Symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Pale or yellowish skin

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Brittle nails

  • Inflammation or soreness of the tongue

• Severe Symptoms:

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Chest pain

 

When to see a doctor:

• If you have symptoms of anemia, contact a healthcare professional immediately. The main symptoms include immense tiredness, being short of breath, an irregular heartbeat, weakness, and pale skin/gums. 

​

Causes of Anemia

• Nutritional Deficiencies:

  • Lack of iron, vitamin B12, or folate.

• Chronic Diseases:

  • Conditions like kidney disease or cancer.

• Genetic Disorders:

  • Conditions such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia.

• Blood Loss:

  • Heavy menstrual periods, injuries, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

• Bone Marrow Disorders:

  • Conditions that affect blood cell production.

 

 

 

Risk Factors

• Dietary Factors:

  • Poor diet lacking essential nutrients.

• Chronic Conditions:

  • Chronic kidney disease, cancer, or autoimmune disorders.

• Family History:

  • Genetic predisposition to certain types of anemia.

• Age and Gender:

  • Women of childbearing age are at higher risk due to menstruation.

 

 

Future Repercussions

• Cognitive Impact:

  • Potential for decreased cognitive function and memory issues.

• Heart Problems:

  • Increased risk of heart-related issues due to overworking the heart to supply oxygen.

• Fatigue and Quality of Life:

  • Chronic fatigue can lead to decreased quality of life and limitations in daily activities.

• Pregnancy Complications:

  • Increased risk of complications during pregnancy for both mother and baby.

• Increased Infections:

  • Weakened immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

 

 

Prevention and Diagnosis

• Preventive Measures:

  • Encourage a balanced diet rich in iron (iron supplements), vitamin B12, and folate.

  • Promote awareness of the importance of prenatal vitamins for pregnant women.

• Regular Check-ups:

  • Advocate for regular health check-ups, especially for high-risk groups (women who are menstruating or pregnant and people with chronic medical conditions), to monitor hemoglobin levels and overall health.

• Education on Self-Monitoring:

  • Teach individuals how to recognize early symptoms of anemia and when to seek medical advice.

 

 

Some Statistics:

• Anemia is estimated to affect half a billion women 15--49 years of age and 269 million children 6--59 months of age worldwide. In 2019, 30% (539 million) of non-pregnant women and 37% (32 million) of pregnant women aged 15–49 years were affected by anemia (World Health Organization).

• The WHO has recognized iron deficiency anemia (IDA) as the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, with 30% of the population being affected by this condition (National Institutes of Health).

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 5.6% of the population has anemia, with higher rates among certain demographics, such as women between the ages of 20-40 and older adults.

• Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, accounting for about 50% of cases globally (National Institutes of Health).

• According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, anemia contributed to 1.6 million deaths worldwide in 2019, emphasizing its significant impact on health.

• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that iron deficiency anemia affects over 1 billion people globally, making it a major public health issue.