There are various causes of anemia in accordance with the type of anemia and there are more than 400 types of anemia, which is broadly divided into three groups, namely, anemia due to blood loss, anemia caused by decreased production of red blood cells and anemia caused by damage red blood cells.
The cause of anemia due to blood loss
Red blood cells can be lost when a person bleeds or bleeding from any cause such as an accident, injured, etc. However, bleeding can occur slowly over a long period of time, and sometimes not detected. This is referred to as chronic bleeding is usually caused by:
Red blood cells can be lost when a person bleeds or bleeding from any cause such as an accident, injured, etc. However, bleeding can occur slowly over a long period of time, and sometimes not detected. This is referred to as chronic bleeding is usually caused by:
- Gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, hemorrhoids, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), and cancer (Read: Chapter Bloody)
- The use of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which can cause gastritis and gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Menstruation and childbirth in women, especially if excessive menstrual bleeding.
Anemia may occur due to the lack of quantity and quality of red blood cells, namely the lack of production of red blood cells or disruption of the formation of hemoglobin. Moreover, it can also form red blood cells and hemoglobin were not good so do not function optimally. The cause of this type of anemia is usually associated with a deficiency of minerals and vitamins needed to produce red blood cells and hemoglobin. Conditions related to the cause of anemia include:
- Sickle cell anemia
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Lack of vitamin B12, Folic Acid
- Bone marrow problems and stem cell
- Other medical conditions
When red blood cells are fragile and can not withstand the routine stress of the circulatory system, it can rupture prematurely, causing hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia may be present at birth or develop later. Sometimes the cause is unknown. The cause of hemolytic anemia that has been known to include:
- Inherited condition (unloaded), such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia
- Stress such as infection, drugs, poison snakes or spiders, or certain foods
- Toxins from advanced liver disease (chronic liver) or renal disease
- Improper attack by the immune system (called hemolytic disease of the newborn, when it occurs in the fetus of a pregnant woman)
- Vascular grafts, prosthetic heart valves, tumors, severe burns, chemical exposure, severe hypertension, and blood clotting disorders.
- In rare cases, the spleen can trap red blood cells and destroy them before the time runs out in circulation.
Anemia risk factors
In contrast to the cause of anemia, following factors risk increases a person's chances of developing anemia.
- Vitamin deficiency: Lack of iron, vitamin B-12 and folic acid increases the risk of anemia.
- Intestinal disorders: Impaired intestinal would interfere with the absorption of nutrients - such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease - consequently may increase the risk of anemia.
- Menstruation: The woman who still has her menstrual greater risk of anemia than men and postmenopausal women. Because menstruation causes loss of red blood cells
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at risk of iron deficiency anemia due to iron should serve the increased blood volume as well as the formation of fetal hemoglobin.
- Chronic Diseases: Chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney or liver failure, etc. Usually iron deficiency anemia.
- Have a family history of anemia such as sickle cell anemia.
- Other factors.
A history of certain infections, blood diseases and autoimmune disorders (read: Lupus Disease), alcoholism, exposure to toxic chemicals, and the use of some medications can affect the production of red blood cells and cause anemia.
