Severe Anemia

Acute blood loss anemia (severe anemia) typically occurs when there is an immense amount of blood loss.  Blood loss over a short period of time can reduce the amount of iron in the body, so much so that the bone marrow will no longer be able to increase production of new blood cells to replace the lost ones.

Anemia can be either chronic, which occurs over a long period of time and the symptoms usually begin slowly and progress gradually or acute, which occurs quickly and the symptoms can be more abrupt and distressing. 

In the Untied States 2% to 10% of people have anemia.  There are three types of anemia in relation to red blood count.  They are microcytic anemia where the blood cells are smaller than normal which is usually caused by iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia, normocytic anemia where it is usually accompanied by chronic diseases or anemia related to kidney diseases, however the red blood cell are normal in size.  Lastly there is macrocytic anemia and that is when the blood cells are larger than normal and can be caused by anemia related to alcoholism and pernicious anemia.  Symptoms of severe anemia may include the following:  dizziness, chest pain, angina or heart attack, rapid heart beat rate and fainting or passing out.