Anemia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood.
Common Causes of Anemia:
Iron-Deficiency Anemia: The most prevalent type, often caused by insufficient dietary iron intake, poor iron absorption, or blood loss due to conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Vitamin-Deficiency Anemia: Deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and folate can impair red blood cell production. This can result from dietary deficiencies, malabsorption disorders, or certain medications.
Hemolytic Anemia: Characterized by the destruction of red blood cells faster than they are produced, hemolytic anemia can be inherited (as in sickle cell anemia) or acquired (due to autoimmune disorders or infections).
Chronic Diseases: Conditions like chronic kidney disease, inflammatory disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or cancer can interfere with red blood cell production and lead to anemia.
Aplastic Anemia: A rare disorder where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells, often with an unknown cause or triggered by radiation, toxins, or certain medications.
Hemorrhagic Anemia: Excessive bleeding, whether due to trauma, surgery, or gastrointestinal conditions, can deplete red blood cell levels.
Thalassemia: An inherited genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production, causing chronic anemia, especially in people of Mediterranean, African, or Asian descent.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A group of disorders characterized by dysfunctional bone marrow that leads to abnormal blood cell production, including anemia.
Sideroblastic Anemia: A rare genetic or acquired condition where the body has difficulty incorporating iron into hemoglobin.
Diagnosis and treatment of anemia depend on identifying the underlying cause. Emirates Hospitals offers comprehensive evaluations, blood tests, and treatment plans tailored to the specific type and cause of anemia, ensuring optimal patient care and management.”