Anemia occurs when there is a low number of red blood cells (RBCs) circulating in the body and is one of the most common blood disorders to affect the general population. Currently, anemia affects more than 3 million people ion the country, and more than 400 types of anemia that have been identified and divided into three main groups according to their cause. They are anemia caused by the destruction of RBCs, anemia caused by decreased production or production of faulty red blood cells, and anemia caused by blood loss. The main kinds of anemia across these categories are discussed herein.

Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia causes the body to produce sickle or C-shaped RBCs as opposed to the normal, iron and hemoglobin-rich RBCs which are disk-shaped and are able to move about easily in the blood vessels. Sickle cells don’t last very long and die 10–20 days after they are formed. Since the body cannot reproduce RBCs quickly enough to replace the ones that are dying, it ends up causing anemia. Treatment includes intravenous fluids, pain relief, and oxygen therapy, blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, and antibiotics.

Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
Vitamin deficiency anemias or pernicious anemias are when the body cannot produce enough healthy RBCs because it does not have enough vitamin B12. Individuals who suffer from this kind of anemia cannot seem to absorb enough vitamin B12 because they are lacking the intrinsic factor. Some pernicious anemias occur because the small intestine cannot properly absorb vitamin B12, which could be due to the tapeworm infection, surgical removal of a part of the small intestine certain medications, certain diseases which interfere with b-12 absorption, or the presence of the wrong kind of bacteria in the small intestines. Also, some people develop pernicious anemia because they do not get enough vitamin B12 from their diet. Treatments include B-12 shots and dietary supplements.

Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is the commonest form of anemia and generally occurs due to chronic blood loss caused by excess menstruation. Other factors include increased demands for iron in cases like rapid growth spurts in children and fetal growth in pregnancy. Some signs include tiredness, paleness, shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches, heart palpitations, damaged and dry skin and hair, swelling and soreness of mouth and tongue, restless legs, etc. Iron deficiency anemia is treated with iron supplements, but if it occurs due to loss of blood, then the bleeding and its reason must be found and stopped.

Cooley’s Anemia
Thalassemias are inherited blood disorders causing the body to produce fewer healthy RBCs and lesser hemoglobin. Alpha and beta-thalassemia are the two major kinds of Thalassemia. The most severe form of the beta Thalassemia is known as “Thalassemia major” or Cooley’s anemia. Herein, the complete absence of the hemoglobin’s beta-protein ends up causing life-threatening anemia which necessitates regular blood transfusions and extensive, unending medical care. These blood transfusions which run lifelong could end up leading to iron overload in the body, which must be further treated with chelation therapy for preventing early fatality from organ failure.