What are the causes and symptoms of anemias?
Anemia is caused by bleeding, decreased red blood cell production, or increased red blood cell destruction. Poor diet can contribute to vitamin deficiency and iron deficiency anemias in which fewer red blood cells are produced. Hereditary disorders and certain diseases can cause increased blood cell destruction. However, excessive bleeding is the most common cause of anemia, and the speed with which blood loss occurs has a significant effect on the severity of symptoms. Chronic blood loss is usually a consequence of: • cancer • gastrointestinal tumors • diverticulosis • polyposis • heavy menstrual flow • hemorrhoids • nosebleeds • stomach ulcers • long-standing alcohol abuse Acute blood loss is usually the result of: • childbirth • injury • a ruptured blood vessel • surgery When a lot of blood is lost within a short time, blood pressure and the amount of oxygen in the body drop suddenly. Heart failure and death can follow. Loss of even one-third of the body’s blood volume in the space
