Knowing whether the anemia is regenerative or not will aid in determining the most likely underlying cause of the anemia. Regenerative anemias are typically caused by either increased RBC breakdown (hemolysis) or blood loss (eg, from bleeding excessively). Non-regenerative anemias are typically caused by an underlying problem in the bone marrow that prevents or interferes with normal RBC production. Among the specific causes are:
Anemia caused by blood loss:
• Trauma
• Bleeding caused by an ulcerated mass or a tumor
• Bleeding as a result of poor blood clotting
Excessive bleeding can be visible at times, but it can also occur within the body, such as in the intestinal tract, where it is more difficult to detect.
