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Anemia

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Anemia

Definition:

Anemia is a lower than normal number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood, usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the red pigment in red blood cells that transports oxygen.

There are many types and potential causes of anemia. For information about a specific type of anemia, see one of the following articles:

• Anemia - B12 deficiency
• Anemia - folate deficiency
• Anemia - iron deficiency
• Anemia due to chronic disease
• Hemolytic anemia
• Hemolytic anemia - G-6-PD deficiency
• Idiopathic aplastic anemia
• Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• Immune hemolytic anemia
• Immune hemolytic anemia - drug-induced
• Megaloblastic anemia
• Pernicious anemia
• Secondary aplastic anemia
• Sickle cell anemia

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause varies with the type of anemia. Potential causes include blood loss, nutritional deficits, many diseases, medication reactions, and various problems with the bone marrow. Iron deficiency anemia is most common in women who have heavy menstrual periods.

Risk factors include heavy periods, pregnancy, older age, and diseases that cause anemia.

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