Anemia can be caused due to;
A decrease in the body’s ability to produce red blood cells, rapid loss of red blood cells due to bleeding, or excessive destruction of red blood cells can lead to anemia. Here are some common causes:
- Iron deficiency anemia: Caused by a lack of iron, essential for hemoglobin production, leading to insufficient red blood cell formation.
- Vitamin deficiency anemias: Inadequate intake of vitamins like folate and vitamin B-12, necessary for red blood cell synthesis, can result in anemia.
- Anemia of chronic disease: Chronic conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders can disrupt red blood cell and hemoglobin production.
- Aplastic anemia: A rare, life-threatening condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells, often triggered by infections, drugs, or autoimmune disorders.
- Hemolytic anemias: Characterized by the rapid destruction of red blood cells, either inherited or acquired later in life.
- Sickle cell anemia: An inherited disorder where defective hemoglobin causes red blood cells to assume a crescent shape, leading to premature destruction and anemia.
Other causes include thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, and spherocytosis. If you or a family member experiences anemia, consulting a doctor for diagnosis and treatment is recommended.