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Anemia

Anemia is a common condition where there is an inadequate amount of healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to tissues throughout the body, causing the person to feel exhausted. There are different types of anemia that are caused by unique circumstances. Anemia may be temporary or permanent, and the related symptoms can be anywhere from mild to severe.

Females and people suffering from chronic diseases are more apt to develop anemia. If you believe you are displaying symptoms related to anemia, consult a physician because anemia may lead to more severe disorders. Caring for anemia can involve remedies as basic as taking supplements or undergoing more complex medical procedures. Some forms of anemia are preventable through healthy eating.

Causes

Blood is composed of a liquid (plasma) and cells. Three types of cells can be found in the plasma including:

  • White blood cells -- help fight infection.
  • Platelets -- encourage blood clotting following a wound.
  • Red blood cells -- transport oxygen from the lungs to the brain and other organs. The human body requires oxygen-rich blood to operate. This is what gives you energy and a healthy skin tone.

Hemoglobin, a protein packed with iron that gives blood its red appearance, is found in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin gives red blood cells the ability to provide oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body as well as send carbon dioxide from various areas of the body to the lungs to be exhaled.

Red blood cells, like most blood cells are manufactured in the bone marrow. This is the red squishy substance that grows within many of the body's large bones. The body requires iron, protein, and additional vitamins found in food to generate hemoglobin and red blood cells.

With anemia, there is a shortage of red blood cells or the hemoglobin in them. People afflicted by anemia do not produce enough red blood cells, lose too many of them, or get rid of them at a speed that surpasses the rate at which they are replenished. In turn, the blood does not contain enough red blood cells to supply tissue with oxygen, causing tiredness.

Symptoms

Fatigue is the primary symptom associated with most types of anemia. Other common symptoms include:

  • Weakness.
  • Pale skin.
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • Trouble catching breath.
  • Chest pain.
  • Vertigo.
  • Judgment issues.
  • Numb or cold arms and legs.
  • Headache.

During the onset of anemia, symptoms may be so mild that they are ignored. However, these will intensify as time goes by.