Definition

            Anaemia - reduction below normal of the number of erythrocytes, quantity of haemoglobin, or the volume of packed red cells in the blood.

Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors

1. Iron Deficiency Anaemias :

            1. Hook - worm infestation (Most common cause in India)

            2. Diminished intake

            3. Increased demands of our body

                eg. During pregnancy, lactation, menstruation

            4. Loss of Iron

                e.g. Peptic Ulcer, carcinoma stomach, carcinoma colon, piles (or) haemorrhoids.

2. Megalobastic Anaemias :

            This is due to Vit - B12 deficiency or folic acid deficiency or both.

3. Folic Acid Deficiency Anaemias :

            1. Poor intake.

            2. Increased demands during pregnancy and lactation.

            3. Psoriasis - Folic acid is lost in the oozing fluid

            4. Drugs.

                a) Alcohol

                b) Anti-cancer drugs (eg) METHOTREXATE

                c) Anti-eplieptic drugs eg eptoin

                d) Anti-biotics - eg. Septran

                e) Tropical sprue  - Intestinal disease

                                            - The villi of the intestine are shortened and hence absorption is reduced.