Anemia can be genetic, but not all types of anemia are inherited.
Anemia is a condition where you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. There are various causes of anemia, and some are directly linked to inherited genetic factors.
Genetic (Inherited) Anemia
Inherited anemias occur when genes passed down from parents cause the body to produce faulty red blood cells or insufficient quantities. Examples include:
- Sickle Cell Anemia: A genetic disorder where red blood cells are abnormally shaped (sickle-shaped), leading to chronic anemia and other complications.
- Thalassemia: A group of inherited blood disorders characterized by the body's inability to produce enough hemoglobin.
- Hereditary Spherocytosis: A condition where red blood cells are sphere-shaped (spherocytes) and more prone to destruction, leading to anemia.
- G6PD Deficiency: A genetic disorder that affects red blood cells, making them vulnerable to damage and premature destruction (hemolysis) particularly when exposed to certain drugs, foods, or infections. This can lead to hemolytic anemia.
In these cases, the genetic defect directly causes or predisposes individuals to anemia from birth.
Acquired Anemia (Non-Genetic)
Other types of anemia are acquired, meaning they develop later in life due to factors other than inherited genes. Examples include:
- Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Often caused by insufficient iron intake, blood loss, or malabsorption.
- Vitamin-Deficiency Anemia: Caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate.
- Aplastic Anemia: A rare condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. This can result from exposure to certain toxins, medications, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
- Anemia of Chronic Disease: Occurs as a result of other underlying conditions, such as kidney disease, cancer, or chronic inflammation.
- Hemolytic Anemia: While some hemolytic anemias are inherited (as described above), others can be acquired due to autoimmune disorders, infections, certain medications, or toxins.
Summary
Therefore, while certain types of anemia are directly caused by inherited genetic factors, many forms of anemia arise from other underlying conditions or environmental factors that are not inherited.
