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Anemia (also spelled anaemia in British English) is a blood disorder in which the blood has a reduced ability to carry oxygen.This can be due to a lower than normal number of red blood cells, a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin available for oxygen transport, or abnormalities in hemoglobin that impair its function.
Iron-deficiency anemia is anemia caused by a lack of iron. [3] Anemia is defined as a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood . [ 3 ] When onset is slow, symptoms are often vague such as feeling tired , weak, short of breath , or having decreased ability to exercise. [ 1 ]
Anemia is the most common disorder of the blood. There are several kinds of anemia, produced by a variety of underlying causes. Anemia can be classified in a variety of ways, based on the morphology of RBCs, underlying etiologic mechanisms, and discernible clinical spectra, to mention a few.
Iron deficiency, or sideropenia, is the state in which a body lacks enough iron to supply its needs. Iron is present in all cells in the human body and has several vital functions, such as carrying oxygen to the tissues from the lungs as a key component of the hemoglobin protein, acting as a transport medium for electrons within the cells in the form of cytochromes, and facilitating oxygen ...
Rare acquired causes of microcytic anemia include lead poisoning, zinc deficiency, copper deficiency, alcohol, and certain medications. [3] Other causes that are typically thought of as causing normocytic anemia or macrocytic anemia must also be considered, as the presence of two or more causes of anemia can distort the typical picture.
Hemolytic anemia or haemolytic anaemia is a form of anemia due to hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs), either in the blood vessels (intravascular hemolysis) or elsewhere in the human body (extravascular). [2]
Hypochromic anemia is a generic term for any type of anemia in which the red blood cells are paler than normal. ( Hypo - refers to less , and chromic means colour .) A normal red blood cell has a biconcave disk shape and will have an area of pallor in its center when viewed microscopically.
Nutritional anemia can be caused by a lack of iron, protein, vitamin B12, and other vitamins and minerals that are needed for the formation of hemoglobin. However, Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional disorder. [7] Signs of anemia include cyanosis, jaundice, and easy bruising. [7]