Who is prone to anemia

There are numerous risk factors for anemia, including age, gender, geography, and health status. Gender and age are perhaps one of the biggest risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia, with women and children having a higher likelihood for developing anemia. Also, increased blood loss, as in the case of surgery, heavy menstruation, or increased demand during multiple pregnancies, is a common predictor for anemic risk.

Young children are also at a high risk for anemia due to lack of iron-rich food choices while having elevated hemoglobin needs to manage their growth at the same time. Toddlers and children of preschool age have the highest prevalence of anemia at Children require more iron for growth and development, yet many children receive less than their recommended daily value.

Iron-fortified foods, like commercial cereals, are recommended to children aged 6 months and older to help reduce anemia risk. Women of childbearing age are the population with the most affected individuals, with an estimated million being non-pregnant women, according to WHO 1 and are the highest at-risk population group for iron-deficiency anemia. Malaria, schistosomiasis and hemoglobinopathies are other main contributors.

Bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract is a common factor causing anemia, as is bleeding from surgery or injury. In these cases, hemoglobin levels should be monitored via hemoglobin analyzers in order to guide treatment course.

Anemia can be detected in early stages by noticing pallor of the lower part of eyes. Even mild anemia detected should be treated adequately to prevent long term asthenia and complications.

Women need to be aware about anaemia and its complications and should adopt measures to prevent it. Do you have an idea for The New Times to cover? Submit it here! In majority of the cases the anemia in women is the iron deficiency type - which occurs due to deficiency of iron resulting in impaired formation of hemoglobin. By Dr. Rachna Pande. Twitter Facebook Email Whatsapp linkedin. For news tips and story ideas please click here. Snapshots Must Reads.

Meet Angelo Jawanza, a fast-rising artiste and co-founder of Ratio Music. When a professor is ignorant and a danger to society. Govt issues new guidelines to reduce informal settlements. Rwanda moves to strengthen human vaccine, drug trial legislation.

Rwanda acquires financing for national referral lab. Leave this field blank. Receive email notifications of new comments Email Addresss. What code is in the image? By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy.

Iron Deficiency and Fatigue. Tags: Anemia Blood Conditions. Join a Group Now Talk to women like you about Anemia. Anemia Guide. Christine Jeffries Have a question? We're here to help. Lead can interfere with the body's ability to make hemoglobin. Lead may get into the body from breathing in lead dust, eating lead in paint or soil, or drinking water that contains lead.

Teens are at risk for iron-deficiency anemia if they're underweight or have chronic ongoing illnesses. Teenage girls who have heavy periods also are at increased risk for the condition. Women of childbearing age are at higher risk for iron-deficiency anemia because of blood loss during their monthly periods.

About 1 in 5 women of childbearing age has iron-deficiency anemia. Pregnant women also are at higher risk for the condition because they need twice as much iron as usual. The extra iron is needed for increased blood volume and for the fetus' growth. About half of all pregnant women develop iron-deficiency anemia. The condition can increase a pregnant woman's risk for a premature or low-birth-weight baby.

Adults who have internal bleeding, such as intestinal bleeding, can develop iron-deficiency anemia due to blood loss. Certain conditions, such as colon cancer and bleeding ulcers, can cause blood loss. Some medicines, such as aspirin, also can cause internal bleeding. People who get kidney dialysis treatment may develop iron-deficiency anemia. This is because blood is lost during dialysis. Also, the kidneys are no longer able to make enough of a hormone that the body needs to produce red blood cells.

People who have gastric bypass surgery also may develop iron-deficiency anemia. This type of surgery can prevent the body from absorbing enough iron. Certain eating patterns or habits may put you at higher risk for iron-deficiency anemia. This can happen if you:. Signs and Symptoms How is Anemia Diagnosed?