𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

14. Anemia

"Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause."

I know a bit about anemia because my sister once had it and possibly even my grandma so I know some of the symptoms although I did my fair bit of research as well.

Anemia can be temporary (as in my sister's case) or it can be long-term in which the affects can last for years, the symptoms ranging from more mild to severe.

As was stated above, there are many forms of anemia including aplastic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, anemia of inflammation, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia.

Having this condition can leave you feeling tired, weak and completely exhausted. Other symptoms include fatigue, irregular heartbeats, pale or yellowish skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches and cold hands and feet. Even having a family history of anemia can make you more susceptible to it.

A lot of people don't know they have anemia until it worsens due to symptoms being so mild . Although, anemia can affect anyone at any age, it is more commonly found in those over 65 years of age. Anemia has many causes that I will bring up later but the main causes are when your body doesn't create enough red blood cells, if your body destroys red blood cells or lastly, from loss of blood.

Both iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency anemia are both pretty self-explanatory so I'll explain the others.

Sickle cell anemia is inherited and can be a more serious type of anemia. Found mainly in African-Americans or those of African descent, it is caused by a defective form of hemoglobin that forces red blood cells to assume an abnormal crescent shape.

Certain diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, kidney disease, or Crohn's Disease can actually cause anemia of inflammation and interfere with the creation of red blood cells.

Hemolytic anemia can occur when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be created. Certain blood diseases increase the destruction of red blood cells, thereby causing this type of anemia.

Aplastic anemia is more rare and life-threatening than the others, caused by infections, medicines, autoimmune diseases or exposure to toxic chemicals. This type occurs when the body doesn't create enough red blood cells.

Many types of anemia cannot be prevented although you can avoid both iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency anemias by eating foods rich in iron - beef, beans, lentils, dark green vegetables, dried fruit, or cereal. As well as foods rich in another nutrient called folate - kidney beans, green peas, peanuts, bread, pasta or rice. It's also important to eat foods with more vitamins like Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin C such as meat, dairy, or soy products as well as peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, melons and even fruit juices.

I'm sorry this chapter has been shorter, guys, but I couldn't find a lot on anemia other than what I found above. Either way, I hope you enjoyed reading it and that I brought a little awareness to it. Next up, I'll be discussing Crohn's Disease, a condition that seriously needs more awareness so hopefully, I'll be able to do that. Hope y'all will read it and enjoy :)