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Page 1 of 2 What Is Anemia?  Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells. These cells are the main transporters of oxygen to organs. If red blood cells are also deficient in hemoglobin, then your body isn't getting enough iron. Symptoms of anemia -- like fatigue -- occur because organs aren't getting enough oxygen. Anemia is the most common blood condition in the U.S. It affects about 3.5 million Americans. Women and people with chronic diseases are at increased risk of anemia. Important factors to remember are: DOCTOR recommended reading Anemia Symptoms What Are the Symptoms of Anemia? The symptoms of anemia will vary according to the type of anemia, the underlying cause and your underlying health problems. Anemia may be associated with other medical conditions such as hemorrhage, ulcers, menstrual problems or cancer -- and specific symptoms of those conditions may be noticed first. Symptoms common to many types of anemia are: The body also has a remarkable ability to compensate for early anemia. If your anemia is mild or developed over a long period of time, you may not notice any symptoms. - Easy fatigue and loss of energy.
- Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise.
- Shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise.
- Difficulty concentrating.
 Read more about Anemia Symptoms - Certain forms of anemia are hereditary and infants may be affected from the time of birth.
- Women in the childbearing years are particularly susceptible to a form of anemia called iron-deficiency anemia because of the blood loss from menstruation and the increased blood supply demands during pregnancy.
- Seniors also may have a greater risk of developing anemia because of poor diet and other medical conditions.
There are many types of anemia. All are very different in their causes and treatments. Iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type, is very treatable with diet changes and iron supplements. Some forms of anemia -- like the anemia that develops during pregnancy -- are even considered normal. However, some types of anemia may present lifelong health problems What Causes Anemia? There are more than 400 types of anemia, which are divided into 3 groupings: - Anemia caused by blood loss
- Anemia caused by decreased or faulty red blood cell production
- Anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells
Anemia Caused by Blood Loss Red blood cells can be lost through bleeding, which can occur slowly over a long period of time, and can often go undetected. This kind of chronic bleeding commonly results from the following: - Gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and cancer
- Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or Motrin
- Menstruation and childbirth in women, especially if menstrual bleeding is excessive and if there are multiple pregnancies
Anemia Caused by Decreased or Faulty Red Blood Cell Production The body may produce too few blood cells or the blood cells may not work properly. In either case, anemia can result. Red blood cells may be faulty or decreased due to abnormal red blood cells or the a lack of minerals and vitamins needed for red blood cells to work properly. Conditions associated with these causes of anemia include the following: - Sickle cell anemia
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin deficiency
- Bone marrow and stem cell problems
- Other health conditions
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