What is Anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition in which the body lacks adequate healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry enough oxygen to the tissues.

Types of Anaemia

The common types of anaemia are,

Iron-deficiency Anaemia : This type of anaemia occurs when the body lacks iron. It is one of the most common types of anemia and is usually caused by poor dietary intake or decreased iron absorption.

• Sideropenic anaemia (Iron deficiency Anaemia)

• Pernicious anaemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency Anaemia)
• Megaloblastic anaemia (Folate deficiency Anaemia)

• Thalassaemia
• Sickle cell anaemia
• Hemolytic anemia

Symptoms of Anaemia

Early detection of anaemia symptoms is important because anaemia can affect one’s growth, development and overall health. If you exhibit any of these anaemia symptoms, consult a doctor for further evaluation and guidance on managing the anaemia.

Physical Symptoms of Anaemia

• Pale lips, skin, and nail beds
• Lack of energy or fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
• Weakness or dizziness

Behavioural Symptoms of Anaemia

• Irritability
• Poor appetite
• Cravings for things other than food items like paper or dirt
• Difficulty concentrating or learning problems

Common Causes of Anaemia

• Nutritional Factors: Iron, vitamins like B12 and folate are essential for the healthy red blood cells production. When an individual has deficiency of iron, vitamins like B12 and folate, it can result in anaemia.
• Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Infections : Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, destroys red blood cells. Hookworms, common in areas with poor sanitation, feed on nutrients in the blood and intestines, leading to anaemia.
• Genetic Factors : Conditions such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia affect the structure or production of red blood cells, thereby shortening the lifespan of these cells and leads to anaemia.

Diagnostic Tests for Anaemia

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) : This test measures different components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It provides valuable information about the size, shape, and quantity of red blood cells, helping detect the different types of anaemia.
• Iron Testing : Iron tests measures the level of iron in the body, including serum ferritin (a protein that stores iron) and transferrin concentration (the percentage of iron-binding sites on transferrin that are occupied by iron).
• Vitamin Level Testing : Deficiencies of vitamins such as B12 and folate can cause certain types of anaemia. Testing the levels of these vitamins helps identify the underlying cause.
• Genetic Testing : In some cases, anaemia can be caused by hereditary inherited conditions like sickle cell disease or thalassaemia. Genetic testing can identify specific gene mutations that cause these conditions, helping with diagnosis and genetic counselling.

Treatment Options for Anaemia :

Treatment for anaemia depends on the underlying cause and its severity. The following are some common treatments for anaemia:

• Dietary Changes : A balanced diet plays an important role in preventing and treating anaemia. Including foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals in the diet can help increase the production of red blood cells and improve overall health.
• Iron and Vitamin Supplements : In some cases, dietary changes alone may not enough to resolve anaemia. Iron and vitamin supplements may be prescribed by a doctor to help increase iron levels in the body. The dosage may vary depending on the severity of anaemia and the individual’s age and overall health.
• Blood Transfusions : In severe cases of anaemia where treatment methods prove ineffective, blood transfusions may be required. Blood transfusions involve receiving healthy blood from a suitable donor to produce a greater number of red blood cells in the body.