Anemia is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a condition that can cause a person to feel tired and weak and can lead to more serious health problems. There are many different types of anemia, but the most common types are iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not have enough iron. Iron is an important mineral that helps the body make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the cells. Without enough iron, the body cannot make enough hemoglobin and the red blood cells become smaller than normal. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and brittle nails.
Thalassemia
Thalassemia is an inherited condition in which the body does not make enough of a type of hemoglobin. This type of hemoglobin is called alpha- or beta-globin. People with thalassemia may have mild or severe anemia, depending on the type of thalassemia they have. Symptoms of thalassemia include fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. The red blood cells are shaped like a sickle, or crescent, and do not transport oxygen as well as normal red blood cells. Symptoms of sickle cell anemia include fatigue, pain, and difficulty breathing.
These are the three most common types of anemia. Treatment for anemia depends on the type of anemia and can include taking iron supplements, getting a blood transfusion, or taking medication. It is important to talk to a doctor if you think you may have anemia.
