Anemia: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Risks, and How It Affects the Body

Anemia develops when the body’s organs do not receive enough oxygen due to an insufficient supply of healthy red blood cells. Colds and signs of fatigue are frequent. Iron-deficiency anemia is prevalent. Increasing your iron intake can reduce symptoms of this kind of anemia.

Anemia is diagnosed through a standard blood test by a low hemoglobin level. Your red blood cells’ primary protein is hemoglobin. Your hemoglobin level will be low if you have anemia.

“Anemic” is a term used to describe someone who has anemia. You may be anemic if your skin appears overly pale or if you feel more exhausted or cold than usual. This results from your organs not getting the oxygen they require to function. Some people learn that they are low in iron.

Types

There are lots of types of anemia, but they all decrease the quantity of red blood cells in circulation. One of the following factors may be the cause of low red blood cell levels:

• Hemoglobin production by your body is insufficient (low hemoglobin).
• Although your body produces hemoglobin, it doesn’t function properly.
• Your body does not have enough red blood cells.
• Red blood cells are too quick.
• Iron deficiency and sickle cell anemia are two examples of anemia that you may be familiar with.

Symptoms

Anemia symptoms differ depending on the type, underlying cause, severity, and any underlying medical conditions like hemorrhaging, ulcers, menstrual issues, or cancer. However, the first signs of various issues can be isolated symptoms.

Additionally, the body is remarkably capable of making up for early anemia. You might be symptom-free if your anemia is mild or has been present for a while.

The following are signs of anemia that are present in many different types:

• Easy fatigue and energy loss
• Rapid heartbeat, especially when exercising.
• Headache and shortness of breath, especially after activity,
• Difficulty paying attention
• Dizziness
• Leg pains and pale skin
• Insomnia

Causes

Anemia brought on by a lack of iron

The following signs of an iron shortage include:

• Hunger for unnatural materials like paper, ice, or dirt (a condition called pica)
• The upward curvature of the nails
• Cracks around the corners and soreness in the mouth.

These signs may appear in people whose anemia is due to a vitamin B12 deficiency:

• A tingling or numb sensation, often described as “pins and needles,” in the hands or feet.
• Reduced sensation of touch
• Wobbly gait and trouble walking
• Arms and legs that are awkward and stiff.
• Dementia

Chronic Red Blood Cell Destruction-Induced Anemia

These signs of anemia brought on by ongoing red blood cell deterioration include:

• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• red or brown urine.
• Leg sores
• Lack of growth during infancy
• Gallstones signs and symptoms

How Does Anemia Affect the Body?

In addition to making you feel cold or worn out, anemia can also affect your body. You may also lose hair and have brittle or spoon-shaped nails if you are iron-deficient. In addition, you might notice that your sense of taste has changed or your ears are ringing.

Various anemias can result in more severe issues. For example, people with sickle cell anemia frequently experience heart and lung problems.

Untreated anemia can cause heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), enlarged hearts, and heart failure. You may also face an increased likelihood of infections and a greater chance of experiencing depression.

You may have heard that iron deficiency and chewing ice are related, which is true. Ice chewing is a symptom of pica, a disorder that involves consuming non-food items like chalk or dirt. Pica is a symptom of iron insufficiency, therefore. It frequently occurs in kids who have anemia.

Risk Factors

The following elements increase your risk of anemia:

• A diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals: The likelihood of developing anemia increases if your diet consistently lacks iron, vitamin B12, folate, and copper.
• Intestinal problems: Having an intestinal disorder such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, which hinders nutrient absorption in the small intestine, can increase your risk of anemia.
• Menstruation: Premenopausal women face a greater risk of iron deficiency anemia compared to postmenopausal women and men. This is because red blood cell loss occurs throughout the period.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the likelihood of anemia rises if you do not take a multivitamin containing folic acid and iron.
• Chronic diseases: You may be at risk for anemia or chronic disease if you have cancer, kidney disease, or any chronic ailment. These situations may cause a decrease in red blood cell levels.
• Your body’s iron reserves can be depleted by slow, persistent blood loss from an ulcer or another internal cause, resulting in iron deficiency anemia.
• Family background: Your likelihood of developing anemia may be higher if there is a family history of inherited forms, like sickle cell anemia.

Diagnosis

To confirm anemia, healthcare providers usually begin with a review of your medical and family history, followed by a physical examination. The primary test used is a complete blood count (CBC), which evaluates the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. Hemoglobin levels under approximately 13 g/dL for men and 12 g/dL for women are generally used to diagnose anemia.

Additional tests may be ordered to understand the type and cause of anemia. These can include:

• Blood smear to examine the size, shape, and color of red blood cells.
• The hematocrit test is used to evaluate the proportion of red blood cells.
• Reticulocyte count to check for immature red blood cells.
• In certain cases, a bone marrow sample may be taken to identify problems in blood cell production.

These follow-up investigations help doctors rule out underlying conditions, since anemia can sometimes be an early sign of another health issue that requires attention.

Treatment

Management of anemia depends largely on its cause and severity. Treatment may focus on correcting nutrient deficiencies, supporting red blood cell production, or addressing underlying health conditions. Common approaches include:

1. Dietary Supplements

• Iron supplements to restore iron levels.
• Folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 aid the body in forming healthy red blood cells.
• In some cases, vitamin B12 injections may be necessary if absorption from food is poor.

2. Medications

• Erythropoietin encourages the bone marrow to generate additional red blood cells.
• Immunosuppressants are prescribed when anemia is linked to autoimmune conditions.

3. Procedures

• Blood transfusions are used to quickly replace lost or damaged red blood cells.
• Stem cell (bone marrow) transplants are used for severe cases caused by bone marrow failure or inherited blood disorders.
• Surgery is required if internal bleeding is responsible for iron loss.

4. Lifestyle and Diet

For mild anemia, improving your diet can make a significant difference. Including iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, nuts, leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals in your diet, along with foods high in vitamin C to improve absorption, can support the restoration of healthy blood levels.

Since anemia can mimic symptoms of other conditions, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if fatigue, pale skin, or unusual weakness persist. When accurately diagnosed and treated, the majority of anemia cases can be successfully managed.

Prevention

Not every type of anemia can be avoided, especially those inherited from family, such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia. However, the more common forms related to nutrient deficiencies can often be reduced or prevented by maintaining a balanced diet.

Key steps for prevention include:

• Increase iron intake: Include foods such as lean meats, beans, lentils, dark leafy greens, dried fruits, and iron-fortified cereals in your meals.
• Get enough folate (vitamin B9): Sources include citrus fruits, green peas, peanuts, kidney beans, leafy vegetables, enriched breads, pastas, and rice.
• Maintain vitamin B12 levels: Meat, fish, dairy products, fortified cereals, and soy products provide this important nutrient.
• Boost vitamin C consumption: Foods like oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and melons not only supply vitamin C but also help the body absorb iron more efficiently.

If meeting these needs through diet is difficult, a healthcare provider may recommend a daily multivitamin. Ensuring your body receives enough of these nutrients can lower the chances of developing iron-deficiency or vitamin-related anemias.

Frequently Asked Questions