Anemia occurs when there is a substantial reduction of red blood cells in the body. The depletion means oxygen supply to the tissues is less than usual. The condition can result in breathlessness, weakness, and fatigue. There are several common and rare types of anemia, and identifying them is important to treat the condition.

Here are the common forms of anemia.

Iron-deficiency anemia
In the list of common and rare types of anemia, the most prevalent form is iron-deficiency anemia. This type of anemia occurs when there is inadequate production of RBC in the body because of the scarcity of iron. The anemia occurs due to iron-deficient diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, digestive issues like Crohn’s disease, medicines that cause problems in the gut lining like ibrufen.

Vitamin-deficiency anemia
This type of anemia occurs when there is a lack of folate, Vitamin-B-12, and Vitamin C in the diet. A person can also experience this deficiency when the body is not able to process these vitamins due to problems like celiac disease, consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol, or due to some prescription medicines. Any forms of surgery performed on the stomach or small intestine can lead to this disease.

Thalassemia
Among the many common and rare types of anemia, this form of the disease occurs as a result of family history. The disorder prevents the formation of hemoglobin that allows the red blood cells to fetch oxygen. The condition leads to weakness, tiredness, slow growth, dark urine, deformities in the facial bone, pale skin, and more.

Now, let’s take a look at the rare forms of anemia:

Aplastic anemia
This type of anemia occurs when the body does not create enough new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets because of an attack from the immune system on the bone marrow. The problem can happen across any age and cause a severe feeling of fatigue. Additionally, it takes away the ability to fight off infections and can even lead to uncontrolled bleeding.

Sideroblastic anemia
This rare form of anemia occurs when the body is unable to utilize iron to create hemoglobin, which carries oxygen along the bloodstream. The deposition of iron leads to the inception of abnormal red blood cells known as sideroblasts.

Megaloblastic anemia
In this form of anemia, the bone marrow creates deformed red blood cells that cannot carry oxygen to the body. Furthermore, the condition happens as a result of low vitamin B12 that is required to create red blood cells.

The above-mentioned common and rare types of anemia can be treated through proper diet and medications, so paying attention to the symptoms is important.