What Is Anemia? Know Causes & Symptoms

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What is anemia?

Anemia is a condition where one has a lack of healthy red blood cells (RBC), leading to a reduced flow of oxygen to different organs. 

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 Symptoms of anemia

Fatigue, tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and pale skin are some common signs of anemia. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of anemia one has.

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 Aplastic anemia

This condition can cause fatigue, shortness of breath,  pale skin, fever, frequent infections and skin rashes, which are a result of bone marrow damage.

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Iron deficiency anemia

It is a common type of anemia with symptoms like extreme weakness, pale skin, chest pain, dizziness, cold hands and feet, brittle nails and poor appetite. 

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Sickle cell anemia

It is a genetic disease in which RBCs have an abnormal shape. Symptoms include episodes of severe pain, delayed growth, vision problems and swelling of hands and feet. 

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Thalassemia

It is an inherited blood disorder with symptoms like bone deformities, dark urine and delayed growth. Thalassemia is characterised by less haemoglobin and fewer RBCs in the body.

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Vitamin deficiency anemia

This type is a result of folate, vitamin B-12 or vitamin C deficiency that exhibits symptoms of anemia along with weight loss, muscle weakness and tingling in hand and feet.

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Hemolytic Anemia

In this condition RBCs are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. Most symptoms of hemolytic anemia are the same as those for other forms of anemia.

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When to see a doctor?

If you feel fatigued without any reason with one or more of aforementioned symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

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Complications

If left untreated, anemia can cause health issues like difficulty in performing daily tasks, pregnancy complications and heart problems. 

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