What Is Anemia?

Daily Health Solutions
on October 23, 2011

Anemia is a common side effect of pregnancy and post-partum recovery, as well as a condition that can appear due to a variety of ailments. If you’re pale, tired and possibly nauseated without any known cause, you may be suffering from anemia. Left untreated, anemia can be a very serious condition. Luckily, most types of anemia are relatively easy to treat once the cause is correctly identified.

Definition of anemia. According to the Mayo Clinic, “There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause.” In fact, there are purportedly hundreds of distinct types of anemia, all with their own unique causes and complications. However, the symptoms for most are fairly similar. Essentially, anemia is a condition characterized by low red blood cell counts or low hemoglobin levels. This impairs oxygen transport throughout the body and can cause anything from minor fatigue to life-threatening complications.

Living with anemia. The first step in living a healthy, active life, even if you’re prone to anemia, is visiting your doctor. While the most common form of anemia is iron deficiency, many types require more than just iron supplements. Once identified, your doctor will be able to recommend therapies that will work for the type of anemia that you have. In many cases, it may simply be a matter of adding a multivitamin or other dietary supplement to your daily consumption. The symptoms should lessen or disappear as the underlying causes are addressed.

Importance of diagnosis. While anemia may be easy to treat in many cases, it can cause any number of issues if it’s not addressed. In addition, the symptoms can be severe enough to significantly impact your everyday life. Chronic anemia may also be an indicator of a more serious underlying cause that will need medical intervention. Some medications may also cause anemia, possibly exacerbating the medical issue that’s being treated. When in doubt, always discuss any abnormal symptoms or other health concerns with your doctor as soon as you notice them.