Anemia is a blood condition. Approximately, 3.5 million people in the United States suffer from it. Women and individuals suffering from chronic diseases are at higher risk for the condition.
What Is Anemia
When someone suffers from anemia, the body does not produce sufficient red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. When someone does not have enough red blood cells, bodily organs do not receive the oxygen it needs to function optimally. This causes the organs to fatigue and cause serious illness for the sufferer.
Causes of Anemia
Some people are genetically predisposed to the condition. They may have inherited the gene for it from their parents, and may have the condition since birth. Women have a higher chance of contracting the condition because of iron-deficiency with menstrual cycles and giving birth. Seniors are also at high risk for anemia because of other medical conditions they may suffer from and poor eating habits.
These are just some of the causes of anemia, but there are many others because there are over 4000 types of anemia. Blood loss, inefficient production of red blood cells, and destruction of red blood cells are the most common causes of the condition.
Symptoms of Anemia
Individuals suffering anemia experience the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Paleness
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Cold hands and feet
- Chest pain
These symptoms make it difficult to work safely. The fatigue, dizziness, and chest pains can decrease productivity and even cause an accident when working on dangerous machinery or driving.
