What is Anemia?

Anemia is defined as a condition of deficiency of hemoglobin, leading not enough red blood cells in the body. The functions of hemoglobin is to carry oxygen from the lung to the body' s cells.

Causes of Anemia
There are many causes of anemia, including
1. Poor nutrition
In some parts of the world, anemia is caused by iron deficiency due to less meat in the diet. People who are vegetarian may want to supplement their iron in plant with intake of vitamin C to enhance the absorption of Non heme iron.
2. Poor absorption
Poor absorption of iron, vitamin B12 and folate increases the risk anemia.
3. Blood loss during surgery
In some cases, temporarily anemic condition may occur as a result of large blood during surgery.
4. Bleeding
Internal bleeding due to diseases or cancers increase the risk of anemia. Some women with heavy menstruation may be at risk of anemia.
5. Cancer treatment
Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy can cause anemia because of medicine used prevent the body in production of red blood cells.
6. Drugs use to treat HIV/AID
Certain medicine used to treat HIV/AID are considered another cause of anemia.
7. Kidney disease
Kidney disease interferes with production of hormone erythropoietin, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells
8. Heredity
Certain types of anemia are caused by genetic passing through from parents such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia.
9. Etc.



Symptoms
1. Fatigue and loss of energy
2. Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise
3. Dizziness
4. Weak and tired easily
5. Shortness of breath
6. Difficulty concentrating
7. Pale skin
8. Insomnia
9. Irritability
10. Etc.

Diagnosis
Family history is always important for diagnosis of any disease, including anemia
Complete blood count is one of most efficient test to checks your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Low levels of hemoglobin (Normal range in men 140 -180g/L, in women 120-160g/L) or mematocrit ( the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. It is normally about 45% for men and 40% for women) is a sign of anemia.

Treatments
Treatment of anemia depending to its causes, it can be supplement prescribed by the doctor, blood transfusion, change of diet, bone marrow transplant, etc.

Effects of anemia
1. Symptoms of dizziness, lack of concentration, irritability may interfere with job efficiency, sport activity, etc. for adults, mental growth and psychomotor development for children with the risk of that may be irreversible and school work and activity for children and teen.
2. Anemia and kidney disease increase the risk of heart failure as a result of the heart have to work over a prolong period of time to pump blood to the body cells need.
3. Levels of hemoglobin
Researcher found that levels of hemoglobin have a direct effect in reducing the risk of cancer recurring.
4. In general, anemia has a negative effect on quality of life and cognitive function, as well as many other aspects of patient function.

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