Anemia or pale complexion, or what many people call “low blood”, is a condition where the body has fewer red blood cells than normal. Red blood cells are responsible for delivering oxygen to nourish cells and tissues throughout the body. If red blood cells decrease, the body can experience abnormalities. There are many causes of anemia or low blood. Regular health check-ups help detect and prevent severe conditions that may occur in the future.
What causes anemia? It can be divided into 3 main mechanisms as follows:
- Reduced red blood cell production by the body
Anemia caused by reduced red blood cell production can result from various factors, classified as follows:
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- Anemia due to iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiency
- Chronic kidney disease, which impairs the body’s red blood cell production
- Bone marrow diseases such as aplastic anemia, bone marrow cancer, or bone marrow infections
- Certain chronic diseases such as cancer (especially leukemia), arthritis, chronic infections, or autoimmune diseases
- Diseases causing destruction of red blood cells in the body
Besides bone marrow-related diseases, conditions that cause red blood cells to be destroyed more easily or have a shorter lifespan, commonly found, include:
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- Thalassemia, a genetic disorder that may cause rapid anemia during fever or symptoms such as jaundice, enlarged spleen, and liver. It is a genetic disease commonly carried by Thai people.
- Red blood cell breakdown due to G-6PD enzyme deficiency or favism. Patients have abnormalities affecting red blood cells more easily than others.
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Certain infections such as malaria, clostridium, or mycoplasma
- Blood loss
- Such as acute blood loss from accidents, hemorrhage, or chronic blood loss
Do you have anemia? You can observe yourself from these signs:
- Pale, tired, feeling fatigued
- Constipation
- Heart failure leading to heart attack
- Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing or rising quickly
- Abnormal appetite
- Difficulty concentrating, slower brain function
The symptoms of anemia result from reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and vital organs, causing blood to be thin and leading to anemia.
Anemia: Be aware… it can be prevented
- Eat a balanced diet with all 5 food groups, especially for those who do not eat meat. Consume blood-nourishing vegetables and fruits and regularly take blood supplements.
- Have regular annual health check-ups to monitor red blood cell health.
