Anemia is still one of the diseases with the highest case in Indonesia, especially in women. It is estimated that about 3 out of 10 Indonesian teenagers suffer from anemia. This health problem causes sufferers to experience fatigue, tiredness, and lethargy, thereby hampering productivity levels.
A person with anemia does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to body tissues. Anemia can be present in various types, depending on the cause. The following is the explanation of the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment of anemia.
Types of Anemia Based On The Cause
- Iron deficiency anemia
Anemia caused by iron deficiency is the most common type of anemia. This condition can occur due to lack of iron intake in a diet, or there is a deficiency absorption of iron by the body such in celiac disease. This iron deficiency hinder hemoglobin production due to insufficient iron levels.
- Aplastic anemia
Aplastic anemia occurs when the body is no longer able to produce red blood cells optimally. This is caused by damage to the bone marrow.
Aplastic anemia is a serious condition. Although it’s a rare case, this condition can strike at any age. This condition is thought to be triggered by infections, autoimmune diseases, exposure to toxic chemicals, and side effects of drugs.
- Sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a disorder caused by a genetic mutation that causes changes in the shape of red blood cells. This condition can be passed down from generation to generation.
Normally, red blood cells have a round shape and can move easily through blood vessels. However, sickle cell anemia sufferers have a red blood cell shape resembling a crescent moon.
This change in the shape of red blood cells causes the cells to become sticky and can clog small blood vessels. This condition then has an impact on the obstruction of the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body.
4. Thalassemia
Thalassemia is a blood disorder that causes the body to have less than normal hemoglobin levels. This condition can be passed down from generation to generation. Patients with thalassemia who have entered advanced stage require regular blood transfusions.
5. Vitamin deficiency anemia
This type of anemia occurs when the body lacks certain vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C which causes the body to lack red blood cells. This condition can occur due to a lack of intake of foods containing folic acid, vitamin B12, or vitamin C, or when the body has deficiency absorption of these vitamins.
Symptoms of anemia
Symptoms that appear in people with anemia can vary depending on the cause and severity. Some of the symptoms that can appear when you have anemia are:
- Tired and, lethargic
- Pale skin
- Irregular heartbeat
- Short breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest pain
- Cold hands and feet
Initially, anemia can occur without any symptoms so you may not notice it. But over time, if the anemia gets worse then the symptoms will appear intensely.
How to Prevent Anemia
Some types of anemia that occur due to genetic mutations cannot be prevented. But the type of anemia caused by lack of iron or other vitamins can be prevented by eating a variety of foods, such as:
- Iron-rich foods, such as red meat, kidney beans, beans, iron-fortified cereals, and green vegetables
- Foods rich in folic acids, such as leafy green vegetables, green beans, kidney beans, beans, and fortified grain products (bread, cereals, pasta, and rice)
- Foods rich in vitamin B12, such as beef, chicken, dairy products, fortified cereals, shellfish, salmon, sardines, tuna, and eggs
- Foods rich in vitamin C, such as kiwi, strawberries, oranges, guava, papaya, lychee, broccoli, spinach, kale, and bell peppers
Want to know more about how to prevent anemia? Immediately consult a doctor in the Fitie application. You can ask questions about your health via chat, without leaving your house. Come and download Fitie apps!