What Is Anaemia?
Anaemia is a condition that occurs when a person has lower than normal levels of red blood cells or haemoglobin in their blood. Red blood cells are crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body. When there aren’t enough red blood cells or haemoglobin, organs and tissues, receive less oxygen, leading to various symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. In severe cases this can lead to a heart attack, stroke or death. Understanding anaemia and its causes can help individuals recognise its symptoms and seek timely medical assistance.
What Are the Common Causes of Anaemia?
The common causes of anaemia include:
- Iron Deficiency – This is the most prevalent cause of anaemia worldwide. Iron is essential for red blood cell production, and when the body doesn’t get enough iron through the diet or cannot absorb it properly, it leads to decreased haemoglobin levels and red blood cell production.
- Vitamin Deficiencies – Anaemia can also be caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folic acid. These vitamins play crucial roles in red blood cell production, and when they are lacking, the body’s ability to create healthy red blood cells is impaired.
- Chronic Diseases – Certain chronic conditions like kidney disease, inflammatory disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), and chronic infections can interfere with the body’s ability to produce or utilise red blood cells effectively, leading to anaemia.
- Blood Loss – Any significant loss of blood, either through injury, surgery, or conditions like heavy menstruation or gastrointestinal bleeding, can result in a drop in red blood cells and haemoglobin levels, causing anaemia.
- Inherited Disorders – Some individuals may have inherited conditions that affect the structure or function of their red blood cells, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia, leading to chronic anaemia.
- Pregnancy – During pregnancy, a woman’s body requires more iron to support the growing fetus and increased blood volume. If the dietary iron intake is insufficient, it can result in anaemia.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders – Certain gastrointestinal disorders, like ulcers, polyps, and gastrointestinal cancers can result in minute amount of blood loss over a long period resulting in profound anaemia.
Causes of anaemia can vary based on age, gender, overall health, and dietary habits.
How Does Anaemia Feel Like?
Anaemia can manifest with various symptoms, and how it feels can differ from person to person. Some common experiences include:
- Fatigue and Weakness – Feeling excessively tired or weak is one of the primary symptoms of anaemia. Everyday activities may become more challenging, and previously manageable tasks may feel exhausting.
- Shortness of Breath – Individuals with anaemia may feel breathless or find it difficult to catch their breath, even during mild physical activities or while resting. This occurs because the body’s organs and tissues receive less oxygen due to the decreased number of red blood cells.
- Dizziness and Lightheadedness – Anaemia can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly.
- Pale Skin and Nails – Some people with anaemia may notice their skin and nail beds becoming paler due to the decreased amount of oxygenated blood circulating through the body.
- Headaches and Cold Hands/Foot – Insufficient oxygen delivery to the brain can cause headaches, and reduced blood flow to the extremities can lead to cold hands and feet.
- Difficulty Concentrating – Anaemia can impact cognitive function, making it challenging to concentrate, remember things, or focus on tasks.
- Unusual Cravings – In some cases, people with anaemia may experience cravings for non-nutritive substances like ice, clay, or dirt. This condition is known as pica and can be associated with iron deficiency anaemia.
When to Seek Medical Help?
You should seek medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms or situations related to anaemia:
- Persistent Fatigue and Weakness – It could be a sign of anaemia if you feel unusually tired and weak, even after adequate rest and sleep.
- Shortness of Breath – Feeling breathless or having difficulty breathing, especially during mild physical activities or at rest, warrants medical attention.
- Dizziness or Fainting – If you experience frequent dizziness or lightheadedness, or if you faint, it may be related to anaemia.
- Paleness – If your skin, lips, or nail beds are paler than usual, it could be a sign of reduced oxygen in the blood.
- Unexplained Bruising or Bleeding – Experiencing unexplained bruises or noticing that you bleed easily might indicate an underlying issue, including anaemia.
- Pica – If you crave non-food substances like ice, clay, or dirt, it could be a sign of iron deficiency anaemia and requires medical evaluation.
- Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat – If you notice your heart racing or beating irregularly, it could be due to anaemia’s impact on the cardiovascular system.
- Unusual Fatigue During Pregnancy – Pregnant women experiencing excessive tiredness should seek medical attention, as anaemia is relatively common.
- Chronic Health Conditions – If you have a chronic condition like inflammatory bowel disease or kidney disease, which increases the risk of anaemia, you must monitor for anaemia symptoms and consult your doctor regularly.
- Post-Surgery or Significant Blood Loss – After surgery or any instance of significant blood loss (e.g., due to injury or gastrointestinal bleeding), it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
What Are the Diagnostic Procedures to Identify Causes?
To determine the cause of anaemia, a doctor will perform a thorough evaluation, starting with a physical examination and medical history review. Blood tests will be conducted to check haemoglobin levels, red blood cell counts, and iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid levels. In some cases, additional tests like bone marrow examination or endoscopy may be necessary to identify the underlying cause accurately.
Why It’s Important to Share Detailed Symptoms With the Doctor?
Sharing detailed symptoms with your doctor is crucial in diagnosing and treating anaemia effectively. The symptoms of anaemia can be subtle and overlap with other conditions, so providing your doctor with comprehensive information about how you feel can lead to a quicker and more accurate diagnosis. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage anaemia, improve your quality of life, and prevent complications associated with this condition.
