Anemia-deficiency of iron

Anemia is the condition when there is loss or decrease of red blood cell and the hemoglobin less than the normal quantity. The body falls for loss of hemoglobin when there is less amount of iron in the body. Body requires enough amount of iron to make hemoglobin.
The anemic body does not carry enough oxygen to all the parts. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from lungs to tissues, anemia leads to hypoxia i.e. lack of oxygen in organs. Hemoglobin is iron rich proteins that give red color to the blood. Your iron might be too low because of the following reasons:

•    Heavy periods
•    Pregnancy
•    Ulcer
•    Colon polyps or colon cancer
•    Inherited disorder
•    A diet without enough iron
•    Blood disorder such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia or cancer
•    Aplastic anemia- the condition which inherited or acquired 

Anemia is said to a disorder of blood. There are different types of anemia based on the morphology of red blood cell, underlying etiology mechanism and discernible clinical spectra. Mainly anemia is characterized into three main types;

•    Excessive blood loss such as hemorrhage or chronically through low volume loss
•    Excessive blood cell destruction
•    Deficient red blood cells production

Kinetic and morphologic are the two major approaches to diagnose. Former approach involves evaluation of production, destruction or loss of red blood cells and the latter group anemia by the size of red blood cells. Doctor will perform a physical test and if the sign like pale skin, rapid heartbeat, heart murmur found he will suggest you for the medications of anemia. Anemia can make you feel weak, cold, dizzy and irritable. Treatment depends on the kind or type of anemia;

•    Blood transfusion
•    Medicines as prescribed by the doctor that suppress the immune system
•    Medicines helps your bone marrow to make blood cells
•    Supplements of iron, vitaminB12, folic acid, other vitamins and minerals

Symptoms to detect if you are an anemic or not are;

•    Chest pain
•    Dizziness or light headed especially while performing a task or while standing
•    Fatigue or lack of energy
•    Headaches
•    Problem in standing
•    Shortness of breath while running or doing exercise
•    Constipation
•    Problem thinking
•    Tingling


Anemia is the most common disorder among pregnant women. About 40-80% women are found to be anemic. 4-16% of maternal deaths are due to anemia. It increases maternal morbidity, fatal and neonatal mortality and morbidity significantly. Lack of iron during pregnancy can lead to;

•    More fatigue than normal ion pregnancy
•    Exposure to illness and infection
•    Certain medications for labor pain cannot be given
•    Risk of post partum infection
•    Risk of post partum depression
•    Pre delivery
•    Low birth weight of baby
•    Increased risk of still born baby

There are higher risk of falling anemic during pregnancy if you

•    Had two pregnancy close together
•    Pregnant with more than one child
•    Do not consume enough iron
•    Regular vomiting due to morning sick
•    Have a heavy pre pregnancy menstrual flow.