Anemia - Causes Of Anemia, Trauma And Surgery, Low Red Blood Cell Production, Aplastic Anemia, Megaloblastic Anemia - Sickle cell anemia, Others

cells resulting organ spleen

Anemia means literally lack of blood. In fact it is a reduction in the number of red blood cells, plasma, or packed red blood cells to a level that is lower than necessary for normal functioning. This is the result of the inability to replace lost cells or plasma volume at the rate they are being lost. The underlying cause for anemia may be one of several conditions.

Although blood cell levels are not lowered in sickle cell anemia, the blood cells may be nonfunctional at times, resulting in oxygen starvation of some body tissues.

There are many other kinds of anemias, though they are rarely seen. Those discussed are the most common types. Others include a form called spherocytosis, which, as the name implies, results in a spherical form of red blood cells resulting from an abnormality in the cell membrane; a similar form called elliptocytosis; and others resulting from decreased or abnormal hemoglobin production.

Resources

Periodicals

Friedland, I. "The Anemia Epidemic." Working Mother 16 (July, 1993): 18.

Organizations

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD. Publications on anemia and sickle cell anemia.

Larry Blaser

KEY TERMS

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Bone marrow: —A spongy tissue located in the hollow centers of certain bones, such as the skull and hip bones. Bone marrow is the site of blood cell generation.
Hemolytic anemia: —Hemolytic means destruction of the blood cell, an abnormal rate of which may lead to lowered levels of these cells.
Menstruation: —The normal, nearly monthly bleeding cycle experienced by women of childbearing age. It is the result of lack of a fertilized egg that triggers the loss of the lining of the uterus (womb) and subsequent bleeding.
Spleen: —An organ lying just under the diaphragm in the abdomen that removes old or damaged blood cells from circulation. The spleen is not a critical organ and can be removed if necessary.

Additional Topics

Anemia - Trauma And Surgery

Any time the integrity of the body is violated blood can be lost. An automobile accident, a wound, a fall, or a surgical procedure all can open the body to blood loss. A trauma or wound that opens a major blood vessel allows blood to be pumped from the closed circulatory system and depletes the blood volume. Certainly the body is not able to replace such a rapid loss of blood cells or plasma. Surg…

Anemia - Low Red Blood Cell Production

A deficiency in red blood cell production is the most common cause of anemia, and a lack of iron is the most common reason for low cell production. Iron is the basic atom of hemoglobin, the substance that gives blood its red color and is responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide through the body. The normal level of iron in the body is 0.1-0.2 oz (3-5 g), depending upon one's sex a…

Anemia - Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia is a life-threatening form of anemia resulting from insufficient production of blood cells. The underlying cause of the disease is in the bone marrow itself. Aplastic anemia can be brought about by exposure to toxic chemicals or radiation or by excessive intake of certain medications. Removal of the toxic agent or getting away from the source of radiation usually will allow the pat…

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