Anaemia

Overview

Anaemia is a medical condition, caused primarily by haemoglobin deficiency or low counts of red blood cells which can result in less oxygen being carried within blood cells. As haemoglobin’s role is to bind oxygen to red blood cells so that it can be transported to different parts of the body. As a result, when the levels of haemoglobin in the body aren’t enough, tissues and organs don’t receive a steady oxygen supply, which can cause ruptures and all kinds of other complications.

What is Anaemia?

Anaemia is a blood disorder characterized by a shortage of red blood cells or their improper function. It can be inherited or acquired over a person's lifetime.

In Anemia, a low haemoglobin level often accompanies the condition. When haemoglobin is insufficient, your tissues and organs may not receive enough oxygen. Symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath occur because your organs aren't getting the necessary oxygen to function properly.

Symptoms of Anaemia

Anaemia symptoms can be so subtle that they may go unnoticed initially. However, as the number of blood cells decreases, more noticeable symptoms often emerge. Depending on the cause of anemia, symptoms can vary but may include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, sometimes feeling like you might pass out
• Fast or unusual heartbeat
• Headache
• Pain in bones, chest, belly, or joints
• Growth issues in children and teens
• Shortness of breath
• Pale or yellow skin
• Cold hands and feet
• Fatigue or weakness, which is the most noticeable symptom
• Frequent infections
• Pulsatile tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Causes of Anaemia

Anaemia can arise from various causes, and healthcare providers categorize it into two main types: acquired or inherited. With over 400 types of anaemia, they are generally grouped into three categories:

Anaemia caused by blood loss: Anemia can be caused by gastrointestinal conditions like ulcers and cancer, NSAIDs that lead to ulcers and gastritis, heavy menstrual periods, trauma or surgery, and blood loss during delivery or postpartum.

Anaemia due to decreased or faulty red blood cell production: Iron deficiency anaemia results from insufficient iron, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath due to inadequate red blood cell production. Sickle cell anaemia, prevalent in certain ethnic groups, can cause health issues under stress. Vitamin-deficiency anaemia, from lack of B12 or folate, leads to ineffective, oversized red blood cells.

Anaemia resulting from the destruction of red blood cells: Anemia can result from an immune system attack (e.g., lupus), genetic conditions (e.g., sickle cell anaemia), an enlarged spleen, strain from infections or toxins, and complications from vascular grafts or severe health issues.

Tests and Treatments for Anemia

Your treatment for anaemia will depend on its type and underlying causes. If anaemia is due to another condition, your provider will address that issue. Additionally, treatment may involve dietary supplements or medications specifically for managing anaemia.

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and conduct blood tests to diagnose anaemia, which occurs when you lack healthy red blood cells. These tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test assesses all your blood cells, focusing on red blood cells, their size, and shape. It may also check vitamin B12 and B9 levels.
• Haemoglobin Test: Hemoglobin, the main component of red blood cells, is measured to help detect anaemia.
• Hematocrit Test: This test measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood.
• Peripheral Blood Smear: Your red blood cells are examined under a microscope to evaluate their size and shape.
• Reticulocyte Count: This test measures the number of immature red blood cells to determine if your bone marrow is producing enough healthy red blood cells.

Prevention of Anaemia

Preventing Anaemia typically involves maintaining a healthy diet, filled with the nutrients mentioned above like iron, Vitamin B12 and folate. For these, foods like lean meats, fish, green vegetables, legumes and certain kinds of cereals can help if you’re deficient in a specific kind of nutrient. However, individuals with specific complications, like chronic diseases or pregnancy, may need a more specific approach involving regular medical check-ups.

You can often prevent the most common type of anaemia, iron-deficiency anaemia, by incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet. However, some types of anaemia, including inherited disorders, cannot be prevented.