Anemia is a common medical condition, where the number of red blood cells or the concentration of hemoglobin is low in an individual. The normal level of hemoglobin is 13.5 gram/100 ml in women and 12.0 gram/100 ml in men. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is needed by body to make hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is an iron rich protein that provides the red colour to the blood; its function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to different parts of your body. And as the patients suffering with anemia have less concentration of hemoglobin, so it directly affects the oxygen supply to body and blood is unable to provide the required amount of oxygen to the body.

Though the main cause of anemia is iron deficiency, but the question is what are the reasons for iron deficiency? The iron content in body might decrease due to pregnancy, heavy periods, ulcers, inherited disorders, colon polyps or colon cancers, malnutrition and a diet that does not contain enough amount of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12.

Some people suffering from anemia don't show any symptoms of anemia. But some people may feel tired, appear pale, develop palpitation, have shortness of breath and fatigue. The additional symptoms of anemia can be malaisia (sense of feeling unwell), hair loss and worsening of heart problems. If the patient is suffering from chronic anemia then he may adjust to the low oxygen supply to the body and does not feel different until it becomes severe. But on the other side the patient suffering from acute anemia can have significant symptoms of anemia relatively faster than chronic anemia.

The treatment of anemia mainly depends on its cause. For example, if the anemia is caused by iron deficiency then it will be treated by giving some iron supplements and if it is caused due to formation of ulcers than the treatment should be given for ulcers. Depending on the cause, the treatment for acute and chronic forms of anemia may include blood transfusion, giving treatment or medication. This would prevent the rapid destruction of blood cells and medications would stimulate the bone marrow to make more RBC's. Bone marrow transplantation is also a procedure for the treatment of anemia.

The medications for anemia are multivitamin with iron capsules like Chromagen, Ferocon, Ferralet 90, Ferrex 150 Forte Plus etc. These medications of anemia can have some side effects like heartburn, constipation, diarrhea and stomach upset. One can prevent anemia by following a diet rich in iron-fortified cereals and consuming cow's milk.