The 7 Types of Anemia and Their Main Symptoms

You can get anemia  after significant blood loss, due to poor diet, in reaction to certain medications, problems with your bone marrow, which is where blood cells are made, or as a side effect of other diseases.

In women, for example, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia, is very common ,  especially due to heavy  menstrual periods. Anemia  is also common during pregnancy and in the elderly, with certain chronic conditions that cause red blood cell destruction or low iron levels .

Anemia is not an all- inclusive  term, there are different types of this disease. Some rare types are the result of malfunctions in the body, such as early destruction of red blood cells ( Hemolytic Anemia  ), an inherited structural defect of red blood cells ( Sickle  Cell Anemia), or an inability to make or use hemoglobin ( Sideroblastic  anemia). So, check out The 7 Types of Anemia and Their Main Symptoms:

Aplastic anemia: It is an autoimmune disease where the bone marrow decreases the production of blood cells. Its treatment is done with bone marrow transplantation and blood transfusion, when not properly treated, it can lead to death in less than 1 year.

Sickle Cell Anemia: This type of Anemia  is genetic and causes the destruction of red blood cells and generates symptoms such as jaundice, swelling in the hands and feet, pain throughout the body. It must be treated with good nutrition, blood transfusion and sometimes penicillin.

Iron deficiency anemia: this type of anemia  is caused by low consumption of foods rich in iron  or bleeding, and is identified in a simple blood count. Its treatment consists of good nutrition and iron supplementation .

Pernicious Anemia: Pernicious Anemia  is caused by a deficiency ofVitamin B12 in the body and generates, in addition to the typical symptoms of Anemia , neuropathy and decreased concentration of gastric acid in the stomach. This Anemia  can result in serious neurological damage if there is no proper treatment.

Megaloblastic Anemia: is a type of Anemia  characterized by the abnormal size of red blood cells and a decrease in white blood cells and platelets, caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency . Symptoms include stomach pain , hair loss, tiredness, and mouth sores, for example.

Hemolytic Anemia: This type of Anemia  produces antibodies that destroy blood cells. It is more common in women than men and causes symptoms such as pallor, dizziness, purple marks on the skin, dry skin and eyes, and others. Fortunately, it is curable and this can be achieved with medication and sometimes the spleen needs to be removed.

Fanconi anemia: of genetic origin, it is characterized by symptoms such as anomalies in the fingers and face. It can be diagnosed around 6 years of age, by observing the clinical signs of the disease. Its treatment is done with bone marrow transplantation and immunosuppressants.

Treatment:  It is possible to prevent some types of anemia , especially those caused by a lack of iron  or vitamins. Dietary changes or dietary supplements can prevent certain types of anemia . Treating a medical condition that can cause anemia  is also a way to prevent it.

Researchers are studying how to treat rarer and more severe forms of anemia . Some types can be treated with medication. Severe cases may require blood transfusion or surgery.