Anemia

Anemia is medically known as a decline in the blood's capability to carry and transport oxygen. As such, the term anemia is used to indicate conditions associated with decreased red cells.

Considering the fact that the above-mentioned disease is concerned with the oxygen carrying-and-transporting ability of the body, it generally results into various forms of anemia, which are further categorized into four types, that are typically identifiable by a decrease in the body's red cell concentration. These variations are known as hypoproliferative, maturation disorders, hemolytic disorders, and blood loss. The first and second types are identifiable with the body's ineffective production of the functional bone marrow erythrocyte. Meanwhile, the latter two types are typically the outcome of a very significant upsurge in red cell destruction, which can also be identified as blood loss. The "upsurge" condition in these types is generally related to an increase in red cells. These cells, as they increase in the body's circulatory system, eventually causes a significant growth in RCM (red cell mass). In the event that this case occurs, the terms usually used to identify this condition are erythrocytosis or polycythemia.

For the most part, our body responds to certain changes that happen within it and one form of natural response is its attempt to neutralize any conflict within the human body. However, there sometimes occur an irregularity in the blood's natural function to transport and carry oxygen as well as an unlikely occurrence of hypoxia, more commonly known as oxygen deficiency. When either of these cases happen, the body immediately executes a response to ably recompense the case and this it does by accomplishing a right shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve.

However, such reaction brings about a significant upsurge in red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). This causes an increase in the level of released oxygen to the respective tissues by hemoglobin. On the other hand, another quick response made by the body is composed of selective redistribution activities of the blood flow to the areas that require oxygen. But if the case proves to be worse or more difficult for the aforementioned activities to act upon, the body is compelled to stabilize it oxygen level by forcing the circulatory system's main organ to pump harder so as to create a dramatic increase in oxygen in the blood.

Causes and Risk Factors
Generally, the reported causes and risk factors of anemia include an upsurge in the blood's plasma volume, impaired utilization, excessive loss, increased requirement, deficient intake, malabsorption of iron, Vitamin B12 and folate, a significant decline in the amount of hematopoietic tissue, abnormal proliferation and maturation of stem cells, a decline in the secretion of erythropoietin, and immune destruction. Additionally, anemia is also reported to have occurred, although these causes do not directly cause the disease, by illnesses or deficiencies in the various systems and areas in the body -- enzyme in heme synthesis, myelofibosis, leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, metastatic neoplasm, ecretion of erythropoietin, figure or shape of the cells, globin chain synthesis, blood volume, premature destruction of spleen, pulmonary,cardiovascular, renal, and extrarenal diseases.

Clinical manifestations
There are cases wherein a patient is diagnosed with anemia and yet he does not feel nor show any symptoms to prove that he is anemic. This is because the body has the unique capability to compensate with the symptoms of anemia. However, for the most part, when the body is definitively engaged in strenuous situations such as physical exercises, palpitations, and dyspnea may occur.

As the condition becomes severe, increased cardiac stress may cause tachycardia, shortness of breath, and headaches. Leg cramps, dizziness, fatigue, and insomnia are common as anemia progresses, and are secondary to tissue hypoxia. Pallor is usually an effect of dermal vasoconstriction and blood redistribution. Moreover, in extreme situations, anemia may lead to coma and death.

Patients with erythrocytosis may feel "heaviness or fullness" in the head, tinnitus, and sometimes bleeding and thrombocytosis. Some individuals may appear plethoric with bloodshot eyes because of the  internal system's response so as to accommodate the increase in blood volume.

Treatment
There are certain kinds of anemia (Fanconi's anemia and Aplastic anemia) wherein the only cure is a bone marrow transplantation from a compatible donor. The ideal donor is a syngeneic or an identical twin although an allogeneic donor is also acceptable. For most anemias, patients can be administered with a red cell transfusion. But there are some anemias (anemia of renal disease) wherein an allotransplantation of a kidney is the only cure to progressively normalize the level of hematocrit or the ratio of packed RBC to plasma. For anemia of endocrine disorders, hormonal therapy is a possible treatment. Some anemias like the IDA (iron deficiency anemia) and megaloblastic anemia are remedied with an increased consumption of vitamin B12, folate, and iron. For certain anemia caused by infection, drugs with anti-bacterial properties or antibiotics are needed. Drug-induced anemia can be addressed by minimizing, or if possible, by stopping the consumption of the anemia-causing drugs.

Prevention
Anemia can be prevented by the regular consumption of vitamin B12, folate and foods that are packed with iron. Health supplements can also help in the prevention but it's better if the nutrients come from a natural source such as food. This medical condition could also be prevented by minimizing a person's exposure to radiation, toxic chemicals, and infection. For anemic cases wherein the genetic predisposition of a person is a big factor, newborn screening helps a lot in determining the plausibility of congenital disorders which can cause these anemic conditions.