Anemia Rachel McNair

What is Anemia? Anemia is a condition you can get if your blood lacks red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells or hemoglobin, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen.

Types of Anemia- Iron Deficiency Anemia Vitamin Deficiency Anemias Sickle Cell Anemia Aplastic Anemia

Iron Deficiency Anemia The body needs iron to produce the hemoglobin necessary for red blood cell production.

Vitamin Deficiency Anemias Vitamin B-12 is essential in hemoglobin production. Some people can't readily absorb B-12 which results in B-12 deficiency or pernicious anemia. Those with thyroid disease or diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for this type of anemia.

Sickle Cell Anemia This is a serious, life-threatening inherited form of anemia. Persons with this disease have sickle-shaped red blood cells that are stiff and unable to squeeze through blood vessels. It is most common in African Americans.

Aplastic Anemia *Deadly and rare* This is a result of an unexplained failure of the bone marrow to produce all types of blood cells. Instead, fat cells replace bone marrow.