Anemia

Low red blood cell count, or anemia, happens when your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a special protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. Without enough hemoglobin, your body's tissues don't get enough oxygen, which can make you feel tired, weak, and short of breath.

There are different types of anemia, each with its own reason. Some types are temporary, while others last a long time. The severity of anemia can vary, from a mild problem to a serious one. Anemia can sometimes be an early sign of a more serious health issue.

Treating anemia might mean taking special vitamins or minerals, or having medical procedures. A balanced diet can help prevent some types of anemia. For example, eating foods rich in iron, like leafy green vegetables and red meat, can be helpful. If you're concerned about anemia, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can help determine the cause and recommend the best course of action.

Anemia symptoms vary depending on how severe it is and what's causing it. Sometimes, anemia is so mild you don't notice any problems at first. But as the anemia gets worse, symptoms often appear and become more noticeable. If another illness is causing the anemia, its symptoms might hide the anemia's signs. In this case, a test for the other condition might reveal the anemia. Certain types of anemia do have specific symptoms that can suggest the cause.

Common anemia symptoms include:

• Feeling tired or fatigued: This is a very common symptom.
• Feeling weak: This can range from a general sense of weakness to difficulty performing everyday tasks.
• Shortness of breath: This means you feel like you can't get enough air, even when resting.
• Pale or yellowish skin: Pale skin might be more noticeable on lighter skin tones, but it can still be a sign in people with darker skin. Yellowish skin (jaundice) can also be a sign of anemia.
• Irregular heartbeat: This might feel like your heart is racing or fluttering erratically.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: This can make you feel unsteady on your feet.
• Chest pain: This can be a symptom, but it's important to see a doctor to rule out other causes.
• Cold hands and feet: This is another common symptom.
• Headaches: Headaches can be caused by many things, and anemia is one possibility.

If you're experiencing unexplained tiredness or shortness of breath, schedule a visit with your doctor.

A key indicator of anemia is a low level of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Sometimes, people discover they have low hemoglobin when they try to donate blood and are told they can't because their levels are too low. If this happens, make an appointment with your doctor.

If you're feeling unusually tired or short of breath for no apparent reason, schedule a visit with your doctor. One common reason for fatigue and shortness of breath is a condition called anemia. Anemia happens when your blood doesn't have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. A simple blood test can show your hemoglobin levels. Sometimes, people discover they have low hemoglobin when they try to donate blood. If a blood donation center tells you your hemoglobin is too low to donate, it's a signal to make an appointment with your doctor right away.

Anemia happens when your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. This is because your body might not be making enough of them, losing them too quickly, or destroying them too fast.

Your blood has different types of cells: red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body, white blood cells fight off infections, and platelets help your blood clot. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that gives blood its red color and lets it carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and carbon dioxide back to your lungs to be exhaled.

Hemoglobin and red blood cells are made in the spongy tissue inside some of your large bones, called bone marrow. To make these cells, your body needs certain nutrients, like iron, vitamin B12, and folate, which you get from the foods you eat.

Different things can cause anemia. Here are some common types:

1. Iron Deficiency Anemia: This is the most common type. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. If you don't get enough iron from your diet, or if you lose a lot of blood (like from heavy periods, an ulcer, cancer, or regular aspirin use), your body can't make enough healthy red blood cells. Pregnant people are at higher risk for this type of anemia if they don't take iron supplements.

2. Vitamin Deficiency Anemia: Besides iron, your body needs folate and vitamin B12 to make healthy red blood cells. A diet lacking in these vitamins can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. Some people can't absorb vitamin B12 properly, which also causes this type of anemia, sometimes called pernicious anemia.

3. Anemia of Inflammation: Chronic (ongoing) inflammation in your body, caused by conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, or Crohn's disease, can stop your body from making enough red blood cells.

4. Aplastic Anemia: This is a rare and serious type of anemia where your bone marrow doesn't make enough new blood cells. Possible causes include infections, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, or exposure to toxic chemicals.

5. Anemia Linked to Bone Marrow Diseases: Diseases like leukemia and myelofibrosis can damage or interfere with the bone marrow's ability to create blood cells, leading to various degrees of anemia, ranging from mild to severe.

6. Hemolytic Anemia: This group of anemias happens when your body destroys red blood cells faster than your bone marrow can replace them. Some blood disorders and inherited conditions can speed up the breakdown of red blood cells.

7. Sickle Cell Anemia: This is a type of hemolytic anemia. It's an inherited condition where the hemoglobin is unusual, causing the red blood cells to become abnormally shaped (like sickles). These misshapen cells die prematurely, leading to a persistent shortage of red blood cells.

Understanding the different causes of anemia is important for getting the right treatment. If you think you might have anemia, it's crucial to talk to your doctor.

Several things can raise your chances of developing anemia, a condition where your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells.

Poor Diet: Not eating enough of certain vitamins and minerals is a significant risk factor. Crucially, low levels of iron, vitamin B12, and folate can all contribute to anemia. Your body needs these nutrients to produce healthy red blood cells. Eating a balanced diet rich in these nutrients is key to preventing anemia.

Digestive Issues: Problems with your small intestine, like Crohn's disease or celiac disease, can impact your body's ability to absorb essential nutrients, including iron. This can make you more likely to develop anemia. If you have concerns about your digestive health, talk to a doctor.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Women with heavy menstrual periods are at higher risk of anemia. The loss of blood during menstruation can deplete iron stores, leading to a shortage of red blood cells.

Pregnancy: Pregnant people need extra nutrients, especially iron and folic acid. Not getting enough through diet alone or by taking a multivitamin with these nutrients can increase their risk of anemia.

Chronic Conditions: Conditions like cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, and others can cause your body to make fewer red blood cells. This can lead to anemia. Managing these conditions is important to help prevent anemia.

Internal Bleeding: If you have a condition that causes slow, ongoing bleeding, such as an ulcer, your body may use up its iron stores. This can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Prompt medical attention for internal bleeding is essential.

Family History: If someone in your family has a type of anemia, you might be more likely to develop it. Inherited anemias, like sickle cell anemia, are passed down through generations.

Other Factors: Certain infections, blood disorders, and autoimmune diseases can increase your risk of anemia. Exposure to toxins, excessive alcohol consumption, and some medications can also interfere with red blood cell production, potentially leading to anemia.

Age: Older adults, particularly those over 65, are more prone to anemia. This is often due to a combination of factors like changes in diet, underlying health conditions, or reduced absorption of nutrients.

It's essential to discuss any concerns about anemia with a healthcare provider. They can assess your individual risk factors and recommend appropriate interventions to prevent or treat the condition.

Untreated anemia can lead to various health issues.

• Extreme fatigue: Severe anemia makes it hard to do even simple daily activities. You might feel constantly exhausted and lack the energy to perform routine tasks.

• Pregnancy problems: Women with folate deficiency anemia during pregnancy might face complications, including giving birth too early. Folate is a vital nutrient for a healthy pregnancy.

• Heart issues: Anemia can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat, known as arrhythmia. The heart has to work harder to compensate for low oxygen levels in the blood. This extra strain can lead to an enlarged heart or even heart failure. Imagine your heart having to pump harder and faster all the time. This can eventually damage it.

• Serious health risks, even death: Some types of anemia, like sickle cell anemia, can cause very serious and potentially life-threatening problems. Sudden, significant blood loss can also cause severe anemia, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Rapid blood loss deprives the body of essential oxygen, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences.

Many types of anemia are unavoidable. However, a healthy diet can help prevent some types, like iron deficiency and vitamin deficiencies. A healthy diet means eating a variety of foods that provide important nutrients.

To help prevent anemia, focus on these key nutrients:

• Iron: Your body needs iron to make red blood cells. Good sources include red meat (like beef), beans, lentils, fortified breakfast cereals, leafy green vegetables like spinach, and dried fruit. Eating iron-rich foods alongside foods rich in vitamin C (see below) can help your body absorb the iron better.

• Folate (and folic acid): Folate is a B vitamin important for red blood cell production. You can find folate in fruits and fruit juices, leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, green peas, kidney beans, peanuts, and foods that have been fortified with folic acid, such as bread, cereals, pasta, and rice. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate.

• Vitamin B-12: Vitamin B-12 is also crucial for red blood cell production. Good sources include meat, dairy products (like milk and cheese), and fortified cereals or soy products. If you don't eat meat or dairy, talk to your doctor about possibly taking a supplement.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron more effectively. Citrus fruits and juices, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, melons, and strawberries are good sources of vitamin C.

If you're not sure if you're getting enough of these vitamins and minerals from your diet, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They might recommend a multivitamin to ensure you're getting all the nutrients you need.

To figure out if you have anemia, your doctor will likely:

1. Ask about your health history: This includes your medical history and your family's health history.

2. Do a physical exam: Your doctor will check you over for any signs related to anemia.

3. Order blood tests: These tests are crucial for diagnosing anemia.

   • Red blood cell analysis: This test examines the size, shape, and color of your red blood cells. Abnormal shapes or sizes can be a sign of anemia.

   • Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC is a common blood test. It counts the different types of blood cells, including red blood cells. For anemia, the CBC specifically looks at:

     • Hematocrit: This measures the percentage of your blood that's made up of red blood cells. A low hematocrit is a common sign of anemia. Normal hematocrit levels vary slightly from lab to lab, but a doctor can tell you if your result is low for your gender and age.
     • Hemoglobin: This is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. A low hemoglobin level is a key indicator of anemia. Normal hemoglobin levels are generally around 14 to 18 grams per deciliter for men and 12 to 16 grams per deciliter for women.

If the initial tests suggest anemia, your doctor might need to do more tests to find out the underlying cause. Sometimes, a bone marrow sample is needed to pinpoint the exact reason for the anemia.