What are types of anaemia?

There are different types of anemia, classified according to their cause:

Iron-deficiency anemia:

This is the most common type of anemia, caused by insufficient iron in the body. Iron is an essential mineral required for the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Inadequate intake of iron, poor absorption, or blood loss (e.g., heavy menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding) can lead to iron deficiency.

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia:

Vitamin B12 and folate are essential nutrients needed for the production of healthy red blood cells. A deficiency in either of these nutrients can result in anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur due to inadequate dietary intake (common in strict vegan diets), malabsorption disorders (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn's disease), or impaired absorption due to certain medications or gastric surgeries. Folate deficiency can be caused by inadequate dietary intake, certain medications, or malabsorption issues.

Anemia of chronic disease:

This type of anemia often accompanies chronic illnesses or conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The underlying disease or inflammation interferes with red blood cell production or disrupts iron utilization, leading to anemia.

Aplastic anemia:

Aplastic anemia is a rare type of anemia in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. The bone marrow may become damaged due to genetic disorders, autoimmune disorders, certain medications, or exposure to toxins (e.g., benzene).

Hemolytic anemia:

Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. This can be caused by inherited genetic disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia), autoimmune reactions where the body's immune system attacks its own red blood cells, certain infections, adverse drug reactions, or mechanical damage to red blood cells (e.g., in cases of prosthetic heart valves).

Thalassemia:

Thalassemia refers to a group of inherited blood disorders characterized by abnormal production of hemoglobin. Different types of thalassemia affect the production of either alpha-globin or beta-globin chains of hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells.

Sickle cell anemia:

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder in which abnormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin S) causes red blood cells to assume a sickle shape. These sickle-shaped red blood cells can block blood vessels, leading to tissue damage and various complications.

Pernicious anemia:

Pernicious anemia is a condition in which the body cannot absorb vitamin B12 due to the lack of an intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein produced by the stomach. This leads to vitamin B12 deficiency and subsequent anemia.

These are just a few examples; there are other less common types of anemia that can occur due to various underlying causes. If you experience persistent fatigue, weakness, or other symptoms suggestive of anemia, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.