Anemia is a condition where the patient does not have enough red blood cells (RBC) in their body. Due to low RBC count, the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to the body’s muscles and tissues. The lack of oxygen in the tissues causes the patients to feel tired and weak constantly. 

Let’s look into the common and rare types of anemia below:

• Sickle cell anemia
  Sickle cell anemia is a common form of anemia in which the red blood cells that are supposed to be round in shape are instead shaped like a crescent or a sickle. The round shape of the red blood cell allows it to move smoothly through the blood vessels. However, a sickle-shaped red blood cell cannot move freely or hold enough oxygen to transfer it to the tissues and muscles.

• Vitamin deficiency anemia
  The vitamin deficiency form of anemia is a common disease out of the various common and rare types of anemia. In this condition, the patients suffer from a lack of red blood cells due to low amounts of specific vitamins in the body. The lack of vitamins such as vitamin C, B12, and folate are usually the cause of this type of anemia.

• Aplastic anemia
  The red blood cells in our body are made from cells that are in our bone marrow. However, in a patient who suffers from aplastic anemia, the stem cells in the bone marrow are too weak or damaged. Thus, they cannot generate enough red blood cells in the body. Aplastic anemia can be inherited, or one can develop this rare form of anemia due to natural causes. This form of anemia can be acquired because of exposure to certain chemicals, benzene, and pesticides. It is also seen to develop in cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Aplastic anemia can also lead to illnesses such as lupus and even rheumatoid arthritis. Despite its severity, this condition can also be a temporary form of anemia.

• Sideroblastic anemia
  Sideroblastic anemia is also a rare form of anemia. In this condition, the patient’s body is unable to use the iron to create hemoglobin. This causes the iron in the body to be unused, and the iron then collects and builds up an abnormal red blood cell called the Sideroblasts. The sideroblastic anemia can be developed in two ways. It can be acquired because of a medication or exposure to a certain type of chemical or acquired genetically.

There are several different types of anemia: some may be mild, and some are severe; some may be temporary, and some may be long term. It is always best to get yourself checked by a doctor if your body shows any anemia symptoms.