Anemia is a condition marked by a reduction in the hemoglobin levels due to lower than normal red blood cell count. It is commonly felt that anemia is related to iron deficiency, but it can also develop due to other causes. The article explains all about the main types of anemia:

• Iron-deficiency anemia
  Among the main types of anemia, one of the most common types is iron-deficiency anemia. This is a condition where deficiency of iron leads to the lack of red blood cells. This usually happens due to dietary shortage of iron, excess blood loss among women during menstruation, and the side effects of certain medications.
  Iron-deficiency anemia is treated by increasing the sources of iron in one’s diet, and in severe cases, iron supplements may also be prescribed to treat the condition. Additionally, treatment for an underlying condition like tumors and ulcers helps deal with the cause of anemia.
• Aplastic anemia
  Aplastic anemia causes the bone marrow to produce insufficient new red blood cells. The symptoms of this condition are weakness, incessant and untrollable bleeding, and frequent infections. It can be chronic and also fatal in severe cases.
  It may be caused by viral infections or as a side effect of certain medications, or radiation/chemotherapy may lead to this type of anemia. It can also be caused by an autoimmune disorder. The treatment depends on the severity of aplastic anemia and includes medication, blood transfusion, and a bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant in extreme cases.
• Vitamin-deficiency anemia
  A deficiency of vitamins can lead to decreased red blood cell production, and lack of vitamin C and B-12, and folate can lead to this type of anemia. If not treated, it can aggravate nerve problems. Vitamins are also needed in the body for overall health, so the treatment of this type of anemia involves consuming a diet rich in vitamins. It can also be treated by taking supplements in the form of pills or as a nasal spray after consulting a doctor.
• Sickle cell anemia
  This is an inherited form of anemia where the red blood cells are shaped like a sickle that makes them stick in blood vessels and results in low oxygen supply in the blood. This can increase infections, cause vision problems, and lead to pain, swelling, fever, and even a stroke or organ damage.
  It happens due to gene mutation, and treatment includes medication to treat the symptoms of pain and other problems. Blood transfusions and a stem cell transplant can also be considered in severe cases.
• Thalassemia
  Another main type of anemia, thalassemia is an inherited type of blood disorder that results in lesser hemoglobin and causes fatigue, weakness, and affects growth. It occurs due to gene mutations that affect the DNA of cells that produce hemoglobin.
  Mild forms of thalassemia don’t require treatment, while severe forms may require a blood transfusion, chelation therapy to remove excess iron, or a stem cell transplant.