Anemia:

Anemia is a condition that occurs when your blood

doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood
cells carry oxygen throughout your body. If you have
anemia, your body doesn't get enough oxygen. This can
make you feel tired and weak. Anemia can be caused by
a variety of factors, including iron deficiency, vitamin
deficiency, and certain medical conditions. In this
presentation, we will explore the causes, symptoms,
diagnosis, and treatment of anemia.
What is Anemia?
Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. This results in a reduced
capacity for the blood to carry oxygen to the tissues. Anemia can affect people of all ages and can have varying degrees of
severity, ranging from mild to life-threatening.

Iron Deficiency Vitamin Deficiency

The most common type of anemia occurs when your Other types of anemia can be caused by a lack of certain
body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin. vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folate. These vitamins
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries are essential for the production of red blood cells.
oxygen throughout your body.

Chronic Disease Genetic Disorders

Anemia can also be caused by chronic diseases, such as Some types of anemia are inherited, meaning they are
kidney disease, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. passed down from parents to children. These genetic
disorders can affect the production of red blood cells.
Types of Anemia
There are many different types of anemia, but some of the most common include:

1 Iron Deficiency Anemia 2 Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia

The most common type of anemia. It occurs when This type of anemia is caused by a lack of vitamin B12.
your body doesn't have enough iron to produce Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood
hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells cells.
that carries oxygen throughout your body.

3 Folate Deficiency Anemia 4 Sickle Cell Anemia

Folate is a B vitamin that helps the body produce red A genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to
blood cells. A folate deficiency can lead to anemia. become sickle-shaped. This can lead to blockages in
blood vessels and other health problems.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia worldwide. It occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to
produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Iron deficiency
anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Not getting enough iron in your diet

Losing blood from your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or surgery
Having a medical condition that affects your body's ability to absorb iron

Cause Description

Dietary Deficiency Not consuming enough iron-rich foods, such as red meat,
leafy green vegetables, and beans.
Heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, or
Blood Loss chronic blood loss due to conditions like ulcers or
hemorrhoids.

Conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel

disease can interfere with the absorption of iron from food.
Malabsorption
Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
Vitamin deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or folate. These vitamins are essential for the production of red
blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can be caused by:

A lack of vitamin B12 in the diet

A problem with absorbing vitamin B12 from food
Certain medications that interfere with vitamin B12 absorption

1 Step 1: Vitamin Deficiency

A deficiency in either vitamin B12 or folate can hinder the production of red blood cells.

Step 2: Impaired Cell Development

2
The lack of these vitamins disrupts the normal development of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

3 Step 3: Anemia
This leads to the formation of abnormally large and immature red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
Hereditary Anemias
Hereditary anemias are caused by genetic mutations passed down from parents to their children. These mutations affect the
production of red blood cells. Some of the most common hereditary anemias include:

Sickle cell anemia

Thalassemia

Sickle Cell Anemia Thalassemia

A genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to become A group of genetic disorders that affect the production of
sickle-shaped. This can lead to blockages in blood vessels hemoglobin. This can lead to a shortage of red blood cells.
and other health problems.
Symptoms of Anemia
The symptoms of anemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. However, some common symptoms include:

Fatigue
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Pale skin
Headache
Dizziness
Cold hands and feet
Rapid heartbeat

Fatigue Weakness Pale Skin Rapid Heartbeat

Feeling tired and lacking Anemia can cause muscle The lack of red blood cells, The heart may beat faster to
energy is a common weakness, making it difficult which carry oxygen and give compensate for the reduced
symptom of anemia due to to perform everyday blood its color, can make the oxygen delivery to the body.
reduced oxygen delivery to activities. skin appear pale.
the muscles and tissues.
Diagnosing Anemia
If you are experiencing symptoms of anemia, your doctor will likely perform a blood test to diagnose the condition. The blood
test will measure the number of red blood cells in your blood. Other tests may be conducted to determine the cause of the
anemia.

1 2 3 4
Vitamin B12 and Folate
Levels
Blood Test Iron Studies Bone Marrow Biopsy
A complete blood count If iron deficiency anemia is In certain cases, a bone
(CBC) is the primary test suspected, additional tests If vitamin deficiency marrow biopsy may be
used to diagnose anemia. like serum ferritin, iron, and anemia is suspected, blood necessary to examine the
It measures the number of total iron binding capacity tests to measure vitamin bone marrow and identify
red blood cells, white blood may be ordered to assess B12 and folate levels are the cause of anemia. This is
cells, and platelets in your iron levels and storage. conducted. typically performed if
blood. It also provides other tests are
information about the size inconclusive or if a serious
and shape of red blood condition is suspected.
cells.
Treating Anemia
The treatment for anemia will depend on the underlying cause. Some of the most common treatments include:

Iron supplements
Vitamin B12 supplements
Folate supplements
Blood transfusions

Iron Supplements Vitamin Supplements

Iron supplements are often prescribed for iron deficiency Vitamin B12 and folate supplements may be prescribed
anemia. They can be taken in the form of pills, capsules, for vitamin deficiency anemia.
or liquids.

Blood Transfusions Lifestyle Changes

In severe cases of anemia, blood transfusions may be Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, getting
necessary to increase the number of red blood cells in the enough exercise, and managing stress can also help to
blood. improve anemia.
Preventing Anemia
You can take several steps to prevent anemia. These include:

Eating a healthy diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate

Taking iron supplements if you are at risk for iron deficiency
Getting regular medical checkups to monitor your blood count
Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
Managing chronic diseases that can cause anemia

Iron-Rich Foods Vitamin C

Include iron-rich foods like red meat, poultry, fish, beans, Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from food. Consume
lentils, and leafy green vegetables in your diet. These foods citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers to increase your vitamin
provide the necessary iron for hemoglobin production. C intake.