Anemia, do you know what it is?
Anemia also occurs when red blood cells do not contain enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein rich in iron...
Anemia is a disease in which the blood has fewer red blood cells than normal. Anemia also occurs when red blood cells do not contain enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. This protein allows red blood cells to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. If you have anemia, your body does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. As a result, you may feel tired or weak. You may also have other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or headaches. Severe or prolonged anemia can cause damage to the heart, brain, and other organs in the body. Very severe anemia can even cause death.
General review
Blood has many components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma (the liquid part of blood). Red blood cells are disc-shaped and look like a donut with no hole in the center. They carry oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, a waste product, from the body. These cells are produced in the bone marrow, which is a spongy tissue found inside the bones. White blood cells and platelets are also produced in the bone marrow. White blood cells help fight infections. Platelets stick together to seal small cuts or tears in the walls of blood vessels and stop bleeding. In some types of anemia, all three types of blood cells may be decreased. There are three main causes of anemia: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, or increased rate of destruction of red blood cells. These causes can be the result of various diseases, health problems or other factors.
Perspectives
Many types of anemia can be mild, short-lived, and easily treated. Some can even be prevented with a healthy diet. Others can be treated with nutritional supplements. However, certain types of anemia can be serious, long-lasting, and even life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated. If you have signs or symptoms of anemia you should go to the doctor to find out if you have this disease. Treatment will depend on the cause of the anemia and how severe the disease is.
