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Anemia in adolescents can be traced back to the process of breathing. When we breathe in oxygen, it doesn't merely remain in the lungs. Instead, it travels through our bodies, nourishing our brains. This oxygen is transported via the bloodstream, specifically within red blood cells (RBCs). These RBCs are generated within our bone marrow and act like vessels, ferrying oxygen throughout our system. The key component of RBCs, hemoglobin, binds with oxygen. For adequate hemoglobin production, our bodies need a significant iron intake, which we get from our food. Anemia sets in when there's a shortage of RBCs. This shortage may arise due to three main factors: a loss of RBCs, slowed RBC production, or the body destroying its own RBCs. Various anemia types connect to these root causes.
Minor blood losses can usually be compensated for by the bone marrow without inducing anemia. However, if there's significant blood loss in a short duration, such as from a severe injury, the bone marrow might not keep up, leading to anemia. Additionally, consistent minor blood losses over extended periods can also cause anemia. A typical example includes adolescent girls with heavy menstrual cycles, often tied to dietary iron insufficiency.
In the United States, iron-deficiency anemia stands out as the predominant type. This primarily results from insufficient iron in one's diet. A teenager facing iron deficiency will inevitably have reduced hemoglobin and, by extension, fewer RBCs. An individual with low RBC production is termed anemic. Common symptoms include fatigue and a pale complexion. But a shortfall in RBC production isn't just about iron; Folic acid and Vitamin B-12 play crucial roles as well. Moreover, issues with bone marrow functionality can be an underlying cause of anemia.
Another variant, hemolytic anemia, arises when RBCs have a reduced lifespan. If these cells perish prematurely, the bone marrow might struggle to generate replacements. Various conditions, including spherocytosis or sickle cell anemia, can be the culprits. In certain scenarios, the body's immune system might target and eliminate the RBCs. Some people develop antibodies in response to certain medications or infections, which might then assault the RBCs.
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth, requiring more iron. As girls reach puberty, their iron needs increase, and heavy menstrual cycles can exacerbate the risk. Additionally, pregnancies during teenage years can contribute to anemia. Teens obsessed with extreme dieting for weight loss can inadvertently put themselves at anemia risk. Those who consume meat, particularly red meat, generally have a lower risk than vegetarians because of meat's iron-rich composition.