Types of Anemia

Question 1

Direct cause: Decrease in RBC number

Answer 1

Resulting from:
• Sudden hemorrhage
Leading to:
• Hemorrhagic anemia

Question 2

Direct cause: Decrease in RBC number

Answer 2

Resulting from:
• Lack of vitamin B12 (usually due to lack of intrinsic factor required for absorption of the vitamin; intrinsic factor is formed by stomach mucosa cells)
Leading to:
• Pernicious (per-nish′us) anemia

Question 3

Direct cause: Inadequate hemoglobin content in RBCs

Answer 3

Resulting from:
• Lack of iron in diet or slow/prolonged bleeding (such as heavy menstrual flow or bleeding ulcer), which depletes iron reserves needed to make hemoglobin; R B Cs are small and pale because they lack hemoglobin
Leading to:
• Iron-deficiency anemia

Question 4

Direct cause: Abnormal hemoglobin in RBCs

Answer 4

Resulting from:
• Genetic defect leads to abnormal hemoglobin, which becomes sharp and sickle-shaped under conditions of increased oxygen use by body; occurs mainly in people of African descent
Leading to:
• Sickle cell anemia