Anemia: Types and Symptoms
Anemia is a disease that is the result of a lack of healthy red blood cells. Because of the low level of healthy red blood cells the oxygen flow to the body’s organs is reduced. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, and headache. There are many different causes of anemia, including blood loss, pregnancy, the inability to absorb iron, and not eating enough iron rich foods. When it comes to treatment for anemia doctors usually recommend taking an iron supplement. If iron supplements don’t help to improve low iron levels the doctor will check for other health problems that could be causing anemia. There are over 400 different types of anemia, here are a few of the main types: 1. Sickle cell anemia Red blood cells usually have a round shape to them, but with sickle cell anemia the red blood cells are shaped like sickles. This type of anemia is incurable, inherited and can block oxygen and blood flow throughout the body. Symptoms of this disease can include pain, swelling in the hands and feet, anemia, vision problems, delayed growth. 2. Vitamin B12 deficiency Vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by not getting enough of vitamin B12 in your diet.