Basics
When the concentration of haemoglobin, the pigment in red blood cells (erythrocytes), is reduced, doctors speak of anaemia. Haemoglobin is needed to transport oxygen. Signs of a possible anaemia are:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Feeling of weakness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Paleness (skin and mucous membranes)
Although it always presents itself in the same way, anaemia can have a wide variety of causes. Based on its trigger, several forms are distinguished:
Too little production or abnormal erythrocytes due to
- Folic acid deficiency anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia
- Renal anemia (renal insufficiency)
- Cancer affecting the bone marrow (leukemia, metastases from other tumors)
- Infections and inflammations affecting the bone marrow
- Genetic blood formation disorders (e.g. thalassemia, sideroachrestic anemia)
Loss of erythrocytes due to
- Bleeding (also menstruation)
- Increased degradation (haemolysis) due to enzyme defects, drugs, chemicals
Disturbance in distribution of sufficient blood volume due to
- Pregnancy
- Hypersplenism (very enlarged spleen)
Combined or unclear causes
- Chronic diseases
- Metabolic diseases (endocrine)
Adult women are affected far more often (14%) than men (only 1%).
Two-thirds of anemias are caused by iron deficiency. The second most common cause is infection (e.g. from bacteria, viruses, fungi, cancer, autoimmune diseases and heart disease).
