Types of Anemia The literal definition of anemia is without blood, but of course the medicinal definition would be different

for such an extreme condition would certainly means death. Anemia occurs when a person red blood cell count is low, or when the hemoglobin, the pigment that carries oxygen, concentration is low.

To understand anemia one would need to know how oxygen is carried into our body. When we inhaled air, oxygen will diffused through the capillaries in the lungs and then enter the red blood cell where they will combine with hemoglobin, a molecule containing iron that plays a crucial role in oxygen transport. Hemoglobin consists of four subunits, and each subunit contains iron in order for it to perform its role of binding to oxygen molecule. Therefore, iron is crucial for oxygen transport; deficiency of this element would potentially bring about anemia. However, anemia is caused by other factors including vitamins deficiency and hereditary factors as described in the following paragraphs.

More than 400 types of anemia are known. To provide a brief overview about this condition, only four are described namely iron and vitamin deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia and aplastic anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia is caused by lack of iron in diet, which will impair hemoglobin formation. Blood loss due to excessive menstruation, pregnancy and hemorrhage are among the causes. Women are especially vulnerable to iron deficiency anemia. In the U.S., for example, 1 in 5 women and 50% of pregnant women suffer from this type of anemia.

Aside from iron, vitamin B12 is required for normal red blood cell production. Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia due to inability or the gastrointestinal tract to absorb vitamin B12. Normally a chemical called intrinsic factor is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.

Lacking the intrinsic factor disrupt the absorption of vitamin B12 leading to a significant drop in red blood cell production.

Hemolytic anemia, an autoimmune disease, is cause by the destruction of the red blood cell by the immune system. The body produces antibodies that attack harmless red blood cell as if the latter are pathogens. A severe case can occur when the rate of red blood cell destruction is so high compared to its production.

Unlike the types anemia mentioned previously, sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease characterized by the sickle shape of the red blood cell, which die prematurely. The abnormally shaped cells can also block blood flows in small blood vessels, causing pain especially in extremities such as hands and feet. Aplastic anemia, a condition where the bone marrow cannot produce red blood cell, can be either an inherited disease or not.

Weakness, paleness, and dizziness are among the general symptoms of anemia. In addition, exercise usually bring about abnormally rapid heart rate, headache and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may point to certain type of anemia. Compulsion to eat dirt, ice and paper, for instance, can be symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia includes dementia and tingling in hands and feet. Anemia resulting destruction of red blood cells can lead to jaundice and brown urine.

Treatment depends on what type of anemia a person is diagnosed with. Iron supplement is a typical treatment for iron deficiency anemia. It should be carried out under doctor supervision, and usually takes a few months to take effect. Anemia due to folic acid deficiency can be treated by diet correctionby eating more green vegetables, whole grain and orange juice, among others. In case of pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 injection is needed since intestinal absorption is impaired. Certain types of anemia will require blood transfusion to offset the effect of bleeding.