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Anemia: NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Anemia occurs when the blood does not carry enough oxygen due to low levels of iron needed to make hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen. Anemia can be caused by blood loss, issues with red blood cell production, or high destruction of red blood cells. Common causes include heavy periods, pregnancy, ulcers, colon disorders, inherited conditions, and certain diets or blood disorders. Symptoms include fatigue, coldness, dizziness, irritability, shortness of breath, and headaches. Doctors diagnose anemia through exams and blood tests, and treatment depends on the type of anemia present.

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70 views1 page

Anemia: NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Anemia occurs when the blood does not carry enough oxygen due to low levels of iron needed to make hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen. Anemia can be caused by blood loss, issues with red blood cell production, or high destruction of red blood cells. Common causes include heavy periods, pregnancy, ulcers, colon disorders, inherited conditions, and certain diets or blood disorders. Symptoms include fatigue, coldness, dizziness, irritability, shortness of breath, and headaches. Doctors diagnose anemia through exams and blood tests, and treatment depends on the type of anemia present.

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wawa3385
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ANEMIA

If you have anemia, your blood does not carry enough oxygen to the rest of your body. The most
common cause of anemia is not having enough iron. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that gives the red color to blood. It carries oxygen from the lungs to
the rest of the body.
Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red
blood cell destruction.
Conditions that may lead to anemia include
Heavy periods
Pregnancy
Ulcers
Colon polyps or colon cancer
Inherited disorders
A diet that does not have enough iron, folic acid or vitamin B12
Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, or cancer
Aplastic anemia, a condition that can be inherited or acquired
G6PD deficiency, a metabolic disorder
Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. You may be short of breath or have a
headache.
Your doctor will diagnose anemia with a physical exam and blood tests. Treatment depends on the
kind of anemia you have.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

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