Are you suffering from severe fatigue? Have you checked the hemoglobin level in your blood? You could have a low iron concentration in your blood and be showing the early signs of anemia. Around 3.5 million people show the signs of anemia in the U.S.
There are many causes of anemia and types of anemia. Low iron level is one of the major causes of anemia that shows the first signs of fatigue. There are around 400 different types of anemia.
Low iron content in the blood and cells leads to improper hemoglobin formation. Since hemoglobin is responsible for ensuring proper oxygen absorption and utilization by the body's cells, low iron concentration impairs overall functioning of the body.
The low iron levels, as one of the causes of anemia, can be increased with proper treatment and iron supplementation. Treatment options are also available wherein pregnancy is one of the causes of anemia.
Signs of Anemia
One of the early signs of anemia is severe fatigue caused by oxygen deficiency. Difficulty in concentrating and shortness of breath are other signs of anemia. Rapid heart rate, particularly after exercise, and frequent leg cramps are also the signs of anemia. Cramps in leg and breathlessness are among other signs of anemia.
Causes of Anemia
There are three main causes of anemia.
- Increased blood loss: This is one of the top causes of anemia as there is low iron concentration due to bleeding. Treatment options include taking iron supplements.
- Low hemoglobin content or impaired red blood cells: In some people, low production of red blood cells is one of the top causes of anemia. These causes of anemia could be hereditary or acquired. Cancer, pregnancy, low iron and folic acid in food, hormonal imbalance, and the presence of chronic diseases of the kidneys are some of the other top causes of anemia. Proper treatment can help control the signs and combat the causes of this type of anemia. Iron supplements and medicines are given to pregnant mothers to provide the iron required for fetal development.
- Destruction of iron-containing hemoglobin cells: Sickle cell anemia and hemolytic anemia are examples of this type of anemia. Causes of these types of anemia are the destruction of iron-containing hemoglobin cells. The spleen, which is responsible for destroying unwanted cells, also destroys red blood cells. Treatments are available for these causes of anemia, which are hereditary or caused by autoimmune responses.
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