Alternatively, the red blood cells that are produced fail to work properly because of a genetic defect or a lack of certain minerals and vitamins during their development that allow the red blood cells to form and function normally. If the bone marrow is compromised it may not create enough new red blood cells. The blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. This may be simply taking iron and other supplements and eating a healthy diet through to having a medical intervention.Īnemia Caused by Decreased or Faulty Red Blood Cell Production The type of anemia determines the appropriate treatment. Anemia is diagnosed when a blood sample has ‘low hemoglobin’ or ‘low hematocrit’ (meaning a low red blood cell number in the blood). The major causes of anemia are not enough red cells produced in the body, red cells being lost faster than they can be replaced and destruction of red blood cells. Older patients with kidney disease or other chronic conditions are also at higher risk. Women are more likely to suffer iron-deficiency anemia than men because of menstrual blood loss or high oxygen demands in pregnancy. Anemia may be genetic, and can be passed to infants. Some types are mild, for example, arising during pregnancy, while more severe types are usually associated with serious medical conditions. There are many types of anemia, each having different causes and treatments. Hence, the symptoms of anemia (see below) include fatigue and shortness of breath because the tissues and organs are not receiving enough oxygen to work properly. Having anemia, with too few red blood cells, means that there is not enough hemoglobin, so the tissues and organs do not get adequate oxygen. It also carries carbon dioxide out of the body to the lungs. Hemoglobin captures oxygen in the lungs and delivers it throughout the body. The red blood cells are filled with a red iron-containing protein called hemoglobin, which gives blood its dark red color. The name comes from the Ancient Greek: ‘an’ (lack of) ‘haima’ (blood). Women and young children are more likely to suffer from anemia, as are people with long-term illnesses. It is the most common blood condition, affecting about 6% of the population in the US and almost 10% of the population worldwide. Anemia is having a low number of red blood cells.
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