Hematology | Types of Anemias
- Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It is caused by a lack of iron in the body. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, the protein that gives red blood cells their oxygen-carrying ability.
- Vitamin deficiency anemia can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or folate. Vitamin B12 and folate are needed to make red blood cells.
- Aplastic anemia is a rare condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, medications, and certain cancers.
- Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed too quickly. This can be caused by infections, inherited disorders, or certain medications.
- Sickle cell anemia is a serious inherited blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells. Sickle-shaped red blood cells are more likely to break down, which can lead to anemia.
The treatment for anemia depends on the type of anemia. In some cases, treatment may involve taking iron supplements, vitamin B12 supplements, or folate supplements. In other cases, treatment may involve medications to suppress the immune system or surgery to remove the spleen.
If you are experiencing symptoms of anemia, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment. Anemia can be a serious condition, but it is often treatable.
Here is a table of the different types of anemias, their causes, and symptoms:
| Type of Anemia | Cause | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Iron-deficiency anemia | Lack of iron in the body | Fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, lightheadedness, brittle nails, tongue pain |
| Vitamin deficiency anemia | Lack of vitamin B12 or folate | Fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, weight loss, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet |
| Aplastic anemia | Bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells | Fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, lightheadedness, easy bruising, bleeding gums |
| Hemolytic anemia | Red blood cells are destroyed too quickly | Fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, lightheadedness, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain |
| Sickle cell anemia | Inherited disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells | Fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, lightheadedness, pain in the joints, bones, and abdomen, delayed growth and development |