Anemia is one of the most popular and common blood-related condition that affects people of any age. In the country, it affects nearly 6% of the people. Those who have a prolonged illness are at a higher risk of anemia and anemia can be passed through genes. There are around 400 types of anemia.

Given below are a few causes of anemia:
Blood loss
Blood loss is one of the causes of anemia. This is generally not noticed by many people because it can take place over time. There are a few possible causes of this. If a woman experiences excessive bleeding during her menstrual cycle, it can lead to anemia. Some gastrointestinal conditions such as cancer, ulcer, and gastritis can also cause blood loss. Some people lose a lot of blood when they are injured or after they have had surgery. These can lead to anemia.

Reduction in RBC production
Problems in RBC production are one of the causes of anemia. Either one’s body is unable to create enough red blood cells due to some problems or the RBCs are not working optimally due to insufficient vitamins and minerals in the body. The following are the main causes of a decrease or faulty RBC production.

• Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when there is a shortage of iron in the body. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin and this process is done by the bone marrow. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the body. Certain digestive problems, pregnancy, and regular blood donation can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.
• Bone marrow and stem cell conditions cause problems in one’s body because of which it cannot produce enough RBCs. Anemia caused by issues related to stem cells and bone marrow lead to poisoning, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia.

• Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition that changes the shape of the RBCs. These abnormal blood cells aren’t able to easily pass through the blood vessels, which often leads to pain. The sickle cell blood cells aren’t as functional because they break down much faster. This causes problems in the organs because sufficient oxygen isn’t able to reach them leading to anemia.
• Vitamin-deficiency anemia occurs when the body doesn’t have sufficient folate and vitamin B12. These are the two vitamins that are required for making enough RBCs.

Destruction of RBCs
One of the causes of anemia is RBCs’ destruction. When the RBCs in one’s body are unable to handle the stress due to their fragility, they burst and get destroyed. This condition is called hemolytic anemia. Although research is still ongoing about the causes of RBCs’ destruction, experts believe the following are possible causes.

• If one has advanced kidney disease or liver disease, then there are toxins in the body that can destroy RBCs.
• Genetics conditions like TTP and sickle cell anemia cause the destruction of RBCs.
• Certain foods, spider venom, infections, snake venom, and medications can cause the body to work more than usual, leading to the destruction of RBCs.
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus can attack the body and destroy the said cells.
• Certain clotting conditions, vascular grafts, severe burns, and hypertension can destroy RBCs.