Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to efficiently transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the tissues and organs, leading to various symptoms and complications.

Based on its causes, there are several types of anemia, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatments, making it essential to identify the underlying cause to provide the appropriate treatment.

Anemia can vary in duration and severity, and in some cases, it can even be fatal if not properly treated. It is a very common condition, particularly affecting children and women, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Symptoms

Anemia symptoms vary depending on the cause, severity, and type. However, common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness.
• Shortness of breath or dyspnea.
• Pale skin.
• Irregular heartbeat or tachycardia.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Headache.
• Chest pain.
• Brittle nails or hair loss.
• Appetite changes and weight loss.
• Difficulty concentrating.

Causes

There are different types of anemia based on the underlying cause:

The body does not produce enough red blood cells or hemoglobin: This can be due to bone marrow disorders, nutrient deficiencies, or underlying chronic diseases. The most common types include:

• Iron-deficiency anemia, caused by a lack of iron, a key mineral for hemoglobin production.
• Megaloblastic anemia, caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid, often due to poor absorption or insufficient intake of these nutrients.
• Anemia of chronic diseases, caused by chronic or inflammatory conditions that interfere with red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
• Anemia due to bone marrow disorders (aplastic anemia, hematologic cancers, myelodysplastic syndromes, congenital or acquired sideroblastic anemias, etc.).

Red blood cells are lost or destroyed faster than they are produced due to:

• Acute or chronic bleeding.
• Hemolytic anemias, caused by the destruction of red blood cells. This can be due to autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks and destroys red blood cells (autoimmune hemolytic anemia), hemoglobinopathies (hereditary disorders affecting hemoglobin, such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia), infections like malaria, and certain medications.

Risk Factors

The risk of anemia can increase due to the following factors:

• Age: People over 65 are at higher risk. It is also very common in children due to the high nutrient demand during this stage of life.
• Gender: Anemia is more prevalent in women due to monthly blood loss from menstruation.
• Poor diet: Not consuming enough iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid.
• Small intestine disorders that impair nutrient absorption.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Heavy menstrual periods.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy anemia is common if iron and folic acid supplements are not taken due to the high demand during this period.
• Family history of hereditary anemia types.
• Autoimmune or chronic medical conditions.
• Certain medications and treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Complications

If left untreated, the consequences of anemia can be severe. Severe anemia can lead to tissue oxygen deprivation, resulting in cardiovascular problems such as heart failure, arrhythmias, or angina; reduced cognitive function, including concentration difficulties, memory loss, and even disorientation in severe cases; pregnancy complications such as low birth weight, postpartum hemorrhages, and preterm labor; impaired growth and cognitive development in children; kidney complications; and increased surgical risks. Additionally, in some cases, anemia can be fatal, such as severe anemia due to acute hemorrhages or complications from hereditary anemias.

Prevention

The most common forms of anemia, such as those caused by nutrient deficiencies, can be prevented with:

• A healthy diet rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
• Increased vitamin C intake, which enhances iron absorption.
• Reducing alcohol, tea, and coffee consumption.

What doctor treats anemia?

Anemia is evaluated and treated by specialists in hematology, internal medicine, and pediatrics, depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, a multidisciplinary team is necessary to address specific treatments.