Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which your blood carries less oxygen than it needs, usually because there are too few red blood cells or not enough of the protein hemoglobin that they use to carry oxygen. People with anemia commonly feel tired, weak, short of breath, or lightheaded, and their skin may look pale. It can be caused by things like not having enough iron or certain vitamins, ongoing illnesses, heavy bleeding, or inherited conditions that affect how red blood cells form. Doctors diagnose anemia with simple blood tests that measure hemoglobin and the number and size of red blood cells. Treatment depends on the cause and might include dietary changes, supplements (like iron or vitamin B12), medication, or in serious cases, blood transfusions. Anemia matters because oxygen is essential for every organ; when tissues don’t get enough, it can lower energy, slow development in children, and worsen other medical problems. It is very common worldwide but often treatable, so recognizing symptoms and finding the underlying cause can improve health and quality of life. If left unchecked, severe anemia can lead to complications such as heart strain or problems with pregnancy, which is why timely diagnosis and care are important.