Anemia (cont.)
Can anemia be hereditary?
Yes, anemia may be genetic. Hereditary disorders can
shorten the life-span of the red blood cell and lead to anemia (for example,
sickle cell anemia).
Hereditary disorders can also cause anemia by impairing the production of
hemoglobin (for example, alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia).
Depending on the degree of the genetic abnormality, hereditary anemias may cause mild, moderate, or severe anemia. In fact, some may be too severe to be compatible with life and may result in death of the fetus (unborn infant). On the other hand, some of these anemias are so mild that they are not noticeable and are incidentally revealed during a routine blood work.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
Some patients with anemia have no symptoms. Others with
anemia may feel:
- tired,
- fatigue easily,
- appear
pale,
- develop palpitations (feeling of heart racing), and
- become short of
breath.
Additional symptoms may include:
- hair loss,
- malaise (general sense
of feeling unwell), and
- worsening of heart problems.
It is worth noting that if anemia is longstanding (chronic anemia), the body may adjust to low oxygen levels and the individual may not feel different unless the anemia becomes severe. On the other hand, if the anemia occurs rapidly (acute anemia), the patient may experience significant symptoms relatively quickly.
Next: How is anemia diagnosed? »
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