Anemia is a condition that develops when the blood produces a lower than normal number of healthy red blood cells, according to the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
When a person has this disease, their body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood, which makes them feel tired or weak. You may also experience shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and headache.
According to experts, one of the symptoms that people with anemia experience the most is precisely headaches, because the brain receives less oxygen than usual. Types of anemia that can cause more discomfort in the head are those that occur due to iron deficiency, lack of vitamins, and sickle cell anemia, which causes red blood cells to become more sticky and form clots or acquire an abnormal shape.
portal information Health line states that the most common headaches a person with anemia may experience are: the most basic, migraine attacks and CVT headaches.
The first is one that most people may come across from time to time. Among the factors that can generate this discomfort are those related to low oxygen levels in the brain.
In the case of migraine, this pain varies, but is often described as a throbbing sensation on one side of the head. “Migraine attacks occur regularly and may have associated symptoms, such as changes in vision or sensitivity to light or sound. They are usually severe and long-lasting,” he says. Health Line. Normally, when a person suffers from migraine, after overcoming the disease, they feel tired and exhausted.
A third type of headache that can occur due to anemia is known as CVT, which is caused by a clot that develops in a vein that drains blood from the brain.. The blockage can cause blood to pool and distension of the vein walls, resulting swelling and blood leaking to the brain leading to headaches. According Health Linethis type of pain occurs in about 90% of people with the disease.
Causes of anemia
There are several causes that can generate anemia, according to the Mayo Clinic research institute. For example, the disease can occur due to lack of iron, vitamin deficiency, sometimes it is also related to bone marrow disease, and it can also occur due to inflammation caused by d other chronic diseases.
Lack of iron in the body is one of the most common reasons for anemia. The bone marrow needs this mineral to produce hemoglobin, and without adequate amounts the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells.
This type of anemia can also be linked to blood loss during your period, a stomach or small intestine ulcer, cancer of the large intestine, and the regular use of certain over-the-counter pain relievers. , especially aspirin. This medication can inflame the stomach lining, causing blood loss.
In addition to iron, the body needs folate and vitamin B-12 to make enough healthy red blood cells. “A diet low in these and other key nutrients can lead to decreased red blood cell production. Some people who consume enough B-12 are unable to absorb the vitamin. This can lead to vitamin deficiency anemia, also known as pernicious anemia.needs Mayo Clinic.
On the other hand, certain diseases such as cancer, AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, Crohn’s disease and other acute or chronic inflammatory conditions can interfere with the production of red blood cells, leading to the development of anemia.
Added to this are those associated with bone marrow diseases such as leukemia and myelofibrosis. In this case, blood production in the marrow may be affected. The effects of these cancers and similar disorders range from mild to life-threatening, experts conclude.