Anemia
Anemia: Anemia is a condition in which the number of healthy red blood cells falls below normal. In an anemic person, the blood cannot provide the tissues with enough oxygen. Thus the person feels weak or tired.
Anemia is not a disease itself, but a condition caused by a variety of diseases and disorders. The main causes of anemia are (1) insufficient production of red blood cells , (2) loss of blood and (3) excessive destruction of red blood cells.
Insufficient production of red blood cells: Each day about 0.8% of the body’s red cells wear out and are destroyed. If the body fails replace these cells at the same rate, anemia results. Red blood cells are produced n the bone marrow. This process requires various minerals and vitamins that are supplied by the diet.
Deficiency anemias develop if the diet does not include sufficient amount of iron, vitamins B12 or folic acid. Proper diet, injections and tablets of missing nutrient help in the treatment.
Aplastic anemias occur if the bone marrow losses its ability to produce red blood cells. Diseases that affect the marrow such as leukemia in its early stages and exposure to chemicals or radiation are the main causes. Many cases have no apparent cause. Victims of aplastic anemia receive regular blood transfusion until their own marrow begins to function again. In many cases, however the marrow never regains function, and the victims dies.
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