A complex combination of protein and iron, which forms red blood cells - erythrocytes, is called hemoglobin. Reducing its concentration in the serum of a biological fluid is called anemia. In order to properly treat this pathology, it is necessary to find out why in the blood the lowered hemoglobin - the causes can be both minor and quite serious diseases.
Why is hemoglobin lower in blood?
All the factors provoking the problem under consideration can be conditionally divided into four subgroups:
- Inadequate intake of substances that are necessary for the production of hemoglobin;
- increased component loss;
- violation of the process and mechanisms of synthesis of the protein and iron compounds;
- genetic diseases.
Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Hemoglobin in the blood is lowered due to a deficiency of proteins and iron and the causes of this problem
The described condition in the medical community is called iron deficiency anemia. The main factors that cause it are:
- lack of trace element in the diet;
- vegetarianism;
- reduced intake of protein, both animal and vegetable;
- adherence to strict diets;
- bulimia;
- removal of the duodenum;
- anorexia ;
- presence of parasites in the body;
- surgical resection of the large intestine.
In addition, the causes of decreased hemoglobin in women are often associated with changes in hormonal balance, especially during pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding. This is due to increased needs and consumption of iron in the body. As a rule, such anemia passes on its own after the normalization of the redistribution of the microelement.
The average concentration of hemoglobin is lowered because of blood loss
Factors leading to a decrease in the amount of the protein-protein compound are:
- external and internal bleeding;
- increased hemolysis of blood cells;
- donation.
Usually, such reasons are not perceived as serious violations and anemia is not diagnosed. After the restoration of a sufficient volume of blood and red cells in it, the amount of hemoglobin is also normalized.
Why the production of hemoglobin in the blood is lowered?
The mechanism of formation of the compound under consideration depends on the correct functioning of many systems and organs. The reasons can be as follows:
- increased intake of calcium (this element prevents the production of hemoglobin);
- deteriorated absorption of nutrients in the intestine;
- acute respiratory-viral or infectious diseases, including chronic forms;
- stress, excitement;
- poisoning with lead compounds.
Genetic causes of decreased hemoglobin in the blood
Pathology often provokes such diseases, transmitted by inheritance:
- ovalocytosis;
- thalassemia;
- night paroxysmal hemoglobinuria;
- microspherocytosis;
- dentistry;
- unstable hemoglobin.
Moreover, genetic causes include:
- sickle-cell anemia;
- immune and autoimmune diseases;
- collagenosis;
- hemolytic, aplastic anemia;
- hemophilia;
- malignant ailments of blood.
Than the lowered hemoglobin threatens?
The consequences of anemia affect the work of all organs and systems. First of all, digestion and hormonal balance is disturbed, it also significantly affects the appearance (skin turns pale, hair falls out, nails become crooked and brittle). Then more serious pathologies can develop:
- changes in the brain tissue;
- cardiovascular diseases ;
- a strong decrease in blood pressure;
- violation of taste, touch and smell;
- deterioration of coordination in space;
- pain syndrome in different parts of the body, convulsions.