Anemia is a condition that causes a lack of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. RBCs help transport oxygen to different parts and organs of the body. Anemia can hence, result in lower oxygen flow to the body. Symptoms of anemia include dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and skin paler. Here are the different types of anemia, you should know about.

• Iron deficiency anemia
  This is one of the most common types of anemia. Your body needs iron to make the hemoglobin in your RBCs. Hemoglobin is the agent that carries oxygen. When your diet does not include a lot of iron or you experience excessive bleeding or are pregnant, your hemoglobin levels drop, and you can get anemic.
• Inflammation-related anemia
  Sometimes, chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) can lead to destruction in the production of healthy RBCs. This condition leads to inflammation-related anemia.
• Aplastic anemia
  This condition can be a result of certain health conditions, autoimmune diseases, or exposure to toxins. In this condition, your body stops producing healthy RBC cells. Lack of RBCs can get very dangerous when left untreated.
• Hemolytic anemia This is a condition where the RBCs in the body are destroyed faster than the body can produce new ones. This condition can be genetic and is inherited from one’s close relatives. Serious blood-related diseases can also cause the destruction of the RBCs.
• Vitamin deficiency anemia
• Another of the common conditions in the list of different types of anemia is vitamin deficiency anemia. Just like how iron is needed for healthy red blood cells, vitamin B-12, and folate are nutrients that are necessary too. When your diet does not include these vitamins, your body may produce lesser RBCs than required. Taking these vitamin supplements can rectify the condition easily.
• Sickle cell anemia
  The most serious condition in the list of different types of anemia is sickle cell anemia. In this condition, the newly produced RBCs are crescent-shaped and hence, stick to the blood vessels without reaching their destination to supply oxygen. These sickle-shaped cells also die faster than the healthier ones.
• Pernicious anemia
  This is a condition where the person lacks a factor in the body that lets them absorb vitamin B12 from the diet they take. Lack of vitamin B12 brings down the production of healthy red blood cells.

Knowing all these different types of anemia will help identify abnormal changes in the body faster. If needed, anemia can be easily treated with supplements, medications, and transfusion of red blood cells. Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor if you are feeling tired and fatigued lately. It could be a sign of anemia.