"There are cases., in which (the blood's) amount of globules falls much
below the physiological mean, and diminishing more and more, reaches a
proportion so low that we can scarcely comprehend how, with so few
globules in the blood, life can still be maintained. This diminution, in
different degrees, of the globular element of the blood is the
fundamental character of Anemia, a condition which is the opposite of
plethora."- Gabriel Andral,1843
Anemia, a common
blood disorder, is a condition in the body when supply of iron to the bone
marrow falls short of that required for the production of red blood cells. This
means the quantity of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body drops below
the required level. This happens to be
the commonest cause of Anemia throughout the world.
RBC’s in the
blood have a very crucial role to play as they contain hemoglobin, which
carries oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemia leads to a host of health
complications as body tissues are deprived of the required amount of oxygen to
keep them healthy. Thus victims of anemia often complain of extreme fatigue.
General malaise,
weakness, fatigue, breathlessness on exertion, palpitations, and angina are
some of the symptoms of anemia.
Anemia can be
caused due to nutritional deficiencies, especially iron and vitamin deficiency.
Inherited disorders also cause anemia. Exposure to a particular drug or toxin,
and certain kinds of cancer also cause anemia. Anemia can set in either due to
abnormal loss of blood, or insufficient production of RBCs or when RBC’s are
destroyed due to an existing medical condition.
Anemia is
diagnosed after conducting a complete blood cell (CBC) count, which examines
the different types of cells in the blood.
Treatment for anemia is targeted towards the cause of
the condition and its outcome depends upon the cause, extent of the condition
and general health of the patient. Generally, the prognosis is good for victims
of anemia.
