Cause of Anemia

What is the cause of anaemia?
( 7 Apr 2009)

If you exhibit anemia symptoms, the first thing a doctor will do is to check for the causes of anemia. Anemia symptoms and causes usually correspond with each other. However, even though the symptoms in men and women remain the same, the causes of anemia in men and the causes of anemia in women can be very different from each other.

There are three main causes which lead to anemia symptoms. The first is heavy blood loss in which large volumes of red blood cells are lost, a high rate of destruction of the red blood cells, and a lack of production of red blood cells.

The most common cause of anemia symptoms is blood loss. Fortunately, if the body is healthy and capable of synthesizing more red blood cells, this anemia is short lived and is cured as soon as the blood losses are compensated for in the body. Blood loss itself is short term and generally does not persist over a period of time. Some of the main causes of blood loss are heavy menstrual bleeding, trauma, surgery, cancers and ulceration, and bleeding in the urinary tract or digestive system.

The body makes red blood cells in order to meet its oxygen requirements. However, blood cells become obsolete after they have attained a specific age and are therefore replaced by newer cells. You may be born with a deficiency which causes restricted production of red blood cells, or you may have acquired a condition in which the production of red blood cells is affected. In either case, the body becomes unable to synthesize enough red blood cells for its needs and therefore experiences anemia symptoms. An imbalanced diet, cancers, chronic diseases, hormones, and pregnancy are some of the factors affecting the production of red blood cells in the body.

The symptoms of anemia in children are usually seen due to diet deficiencies or inherited conditions because of which the body does not synthesize enough red blood cells. If the diet lacks in folic acid and iron, there is a higher likelihood of developing iron deficiency and therefore, anemia. The hormone erythropoietin is also critical in the synthesis of red blood cells. This is the hormone that stimulates the bone marrow in order to produce red blood cells. If the body does not have enough of this hormone, it could cause a reduced stimulation of the bone marrow and as a result, anemia.

answered by G R on 23 Aug 2010, 1:36:56

The answer to your question is not a simple one – there are several different types of anemia, and the causes vary greatly. If you have anemia and you are looking for the causes of your condition, you need to provide more information about the nature of your condition, as well as your symptoms. The doctor who is treating, and who diagnosed your condition, will be the best person to provide such information, as well as information about the causes. Do not feel embarrassed or shy about asking your doctor questions about your health problems. It is in fact your doctor’s duty to provide this information, especially if you specifically ask for any information. Most doctors are quite happy to answer any questions, but some are a bit brusque and impatient; however, do not be put off by this. It is important that you understand your condition in order to treat it properly.

Anemia is basically a deficiency of hemoglobin, which is a protein that is present in red blood cells, whose main function is the transporting of oxygen to the various parts of the body. There are three main types of anemia – anemia involving blood loss, anemia due to abnormal and excessive destruction of blood cells, and anemia due to inadequate production of red blood cells. Each of these types of anemia can have several different causes. The first type of anemia can be caused by minor blood loss or a severe hemorrhage. The second type of anemia can be caused by liver problems, excessive intake of alcohol, and a number of other factors. The third can be caused by iron deficiency (which in turn may be due to a dietary problem or, more likely, an inability of the body to either absorb or process iron that is consumed), a congenital problem, or several other factors.

You should note that this is a very general summary of the various types of anemia. As mentioned, the three categories that have been described are very general categories. There are several very specific types of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, pernicious anemia, hemolytic anemia, and aplastic anemia. Each of these types has very specific and rather unique causes, and the treatment needs to address the causes in order to be successful. Your doctor will of course tell you what medication you need to take, but you also need to know what dietary and lifestyle changes are necessary, if any, and why they are necessary.

answered by G M on 7 Apr 2009, 1:30:30

Cause of Anemia

What is the cause of anaemia? ( 7 Apr 2009)

What is the cause of anaemia?
( 7 Apr 2009)