Anaemia

Anaemia is a state caused by a shortage of red blood cells (RBC). Due to lack of RBC the body tissues and organs cannot get sufficient oxygen. Red colour of Red blood cells is because of red pigment called haemoglobin. This pigment is also dependable for transporting oxygen in the body. So due to lack of red blood cells, there is also a deficiency of haemoglobin and sufficient amount of oxygen is not delivered to the body tissues and organs.

The main types of anaemia are listed below:

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

This is the most frequent occurring type of anaemia and is mainly due to blood loss. Iron deficiency anaemia is generally occurs, when the need for iron is greater than intake, like pregnant and nursing mothers requires more iron because growing baby is using up a lot of iron. Even though the body stores iron, but due to periodic or continual bleeding body will deplete stored iron. Women with heavy bleeding during periods are particularly in danger. Persons who are taking long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also at danger due to stomach bleeding. Offal, fruits and vegetables are main sources of iron in food.

B12 and Folic Acid Anaemia

B12 and folic acid are two important vitamins in DNA synthesis, which begins the building of protein structures inside all cells. Red blood cells seem mainly sensitive to lack of these vitamins. Vitamin B12 deficiencies can either be because of autoimmune disease in which the vitamin is not properly absorbed by the stomach or inadequate nutritional intake, most frequently seen in pregnancy or in alcoholics.

Anaemia due to folic acid deficiency occurs from either insufficient intake of fresh vegetables or in time of pregnancy. It is often seen in alcoholics also.

Aplastic Anaemia

This type of anaemia is results from a decrease in the stem cells of the marrow, which construct red blood cells. The causes Aplastic Anaemia are listed below.

Intake of some specific Drugs for long term.
Chemicals like weed killers, insecticides and solvents are the main culprits.
Few viruses have been also implicated; most commonly due to hepatitis virus.

Haemolytic Anaemia

If normal lifespan of the red blood cell is decreased than Haemolytic anaemia occurs. It can be due to natural structural disorder within the cell or autoimmune in nature. Commonly known structural disorders are sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia.