Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Effects

Anemia

Definition

• A condition characterized by a decrease in red blood cells (RBCs) or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood
• Impairs the body's ability to transport oxygen to tissues and organs

Causes

• Blood loss (e.g., hemorrhage)
• Decreased RBC production (e.g., iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, chronic diseases)
• Increased RBC destruction (e.g., hemolytic anemia)

Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Pale skin
• Headaches

Types

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Vitamin deficiency anemia (e.g., B12, folate)
• Chronic disease anemia (e.g., kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Hemolytic anemia (e.g., sickle cell disease, thalassemia)

Diagnosis

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) to measure RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit
• Peripheral blood smear to examine RBC morphology
• Bone marrow biopsy to evaluate RBC production

Polycythemia

Definition

• A condition characterized by an overproduction of RBCs
• Increases blood viscosity and risk of blood clots

Causes

• Primary polycythemia (e.g., polycythemia vera, a genetic disorder)
• Secondary polycythemia (e.g., high altitude, chronic lung disease, tumors)

Symptoms

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased risk of blood clots and stroke

Diagnosis

• CBC to measure RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit
• Blood tests to evaluate erythropoietin levels
• Bone marrow biopsy to evaluate RBC production

Treatment

• Phlebotomy to reduce RBC count
• Medications to reduce blood production (e.g., hydroxyurea)
• Low-dose aspirin to reduce blood clotting risk

Anemia

Definition and Effects

• A condition characterized by decreased red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin, impairing oxygen transport to tissues and organs
• Results in reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and organs

Causes

• Blood loss (e.g., hemorrhage)
• Decreased RBC production (e.g., iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, chronic diseases)
• Increased RBC destruction (e.g., hemolytic anemia)

Symptoms

• Fatigue and weakness due to inadequate oxygen delivery
• Shortness of breath and dizziness from reduced oxygen levels
• Pale skin due to decreased RBCs and hemoglobin
• Headaches from inadequate oxygen supply

Types

• Iron deficiency anemia: inadequate iron for hemoglobin production
• Vitamin deficiency anemia: inadequate vitamins (e.g., B12, folate) for RBC production
• Chronic disease anemia: underlying diseases (e.g., kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis) affecting RBC production
• Hemolytic anemia: RBC destruction due to genetic disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease, thalassemia)

Diagnosis

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) to measure RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit
• Peripheral blood smear to examine RBC morphology
• Bone marrow biopsy to evaluate RBC production

Polycythemia

Definition and Effects

• A condition characterized by overproduction of RBCs, increasing blood viscosity and blood clot risk
• Results in thickened blood and increased cardiovascular risk

Causes

• Primary polycythemia: genetic disorders (e.g., polycythemia vera)
• Secondary polycythemia: High altitude, chronic lung disease, or tumors stimulating RBC production

Symptoms

• Headaches and dizziness from increased blood viscosity
• Fatigue and shortness of breath due to increased blood thickness
• Increased blood pressure from thickened blood
• Increased risk of blood clots and stroke

Diagnosis

• CBC to measure RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit
• Blood tests to evaluate erythropoietin levels
• Bone marrow biopsy to evaluate RBC production

Treatment

• Phlebotomy to reduce RBC count and blood viscosity
• Medications (e.g., hydroxyurea) to reduce blood production
• Low-dose aspirin to reduce blood clotting risk