The main cause of anemia is frequently chronic blood loss.
While acute blood loss, such as from surgery, childbirth, or trauma, can contribute to anemia, it's the long-term, ongoing blood loss that is more commonly responsible. This chronic blood loss can be due to a variety of underlying conditions.
Common Causes of Chronic Blood Loss:
Here are some conditions that can lead to chronic blood loss, often resulting in anemia:
- Stomach Ulcers: Open sores in the lining of the stomach can bleed slowly over time.
- Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, potentially causing internal bleeding.
- Cancer: Some cancers, especially those in the digestive tract, can cause gradual blood loss.
- Tumors: Certain tumors, whether cancerous or benign, can also lead to chronic bleeding.
Blood Loss Types
| Blood Loss Type | Description | Common Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Acute | Short-term blood loss, usually with sudden onset. | Surgery, childbirth, trauma |
| Chronic | Long-term blood loss occurring gradually. | Stomach ulcers, endometriosis, cancer, tumors |
Understanding the difference between acute and chronic blood loss is vital for diagnosing and treating anemia effectively. When investigating the cause of anemia, healthcare professionals will consider both types, but often focus on ruling out the common causes of chronic loss as these are more likely to be the culprit.
