Anemia

About Anemia

Anemia affects well over a billion people worldwide, making it the most common blood disorder. The World Health Organization defines anemia as hemoglobin below 13 g dL in men, below 12 g dL in women, and below 11 g dL in pregnant women. The most common cause globally is iron deficiency. Iron deficiency anemia results from inadequate dietary iron, blood loss menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding, pregnancy, or poor iron absorption celiac disease, H pylori, gastric surgery. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, and unusual cravings for non food substances pica. In children, iron deficiency can impair cognitive development. Diagnosis requires complete blood count showing low hemoglobin, low MCV microcytic for iron deficiency, and confirmatory iron studies low ferritin, high TIBC. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and iron replacement, usually oral iron salts such as ferrous sulfate, or intravenous iron for severe cases or malabsorption, as directed by a clinician. Other common anemia types include B12 deficiency megaloblastic, folate deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, and hemolytic anemias sickle cell, thalassemia.