Anaemia

Anaemia is a common blood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when there is a lack of red blood cells or a decrease in the amount of haemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health and quality of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different aspects of anaemia, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Causes:

Anaemia can have several underlying causes, which can generally be divided into three main groups:

• Iron deficiency: This is the most common type of Anaemia and occurs when the body lacks enough iron to produce enough haemoglobin. Causes of iron deficiency anaemia include a diet low in iron-rich foods, poor absorption of iron due to certain medical conditions, or blood loss from heavy menstruation or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Vitamin deficiency: A deficiency of vitamins such as vitamin B12 and folic acid can lead to anaemia. These vitamins are key to the formation of healthy red blood cells. This can result from poor dietary intake, malabsorption, or medical conditions that interfere with vitamin metabolism.
• Chronic diseases and conditions: Some chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases, can affect the body’s ability to produce red blood cells or lead to the destruction of red blood cells, causing anaemia.

Symptoms:

Symptoms can vary in severity and may include:

• Fatigue and weakness: A common complaint of individuals with Anaemia is constant fatigue and lack of energy.
• Pale skin: Anaemia can cause pale skin, especially on the face and nail beds.
• Shortness of breath: A reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen can lead to shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
• Headaches and dizziness: Insufficient oxygen supply to the brain can result in frequent headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating.
• Cold hands and feet: Poor blood circulation due to anaemia can lead to cold extremities.
• Chest pain: In severe cases, it can put stress on the heart, leading to chest pain or palpitations.
• Brittle nails and hair loss: It can cause changes in the appearance and strength of nails and hair.

Treatment and management:

Treatment depends on its underlying cause and severity. Common treatment options include:

• Iron supplements: Iron deficiency anaemia is often treated with iron supplements, either in tablet or liquid form. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting iron supplementation, as excessive iron intake can have adverse effects.
• Vitamin supplements: Vitamin deficiency anaemia may require vitamin B12 or folic acid supplements, usually prescribed by a doctor.
• Dietary changes: Increasing your intake of iron-rich foods, such as lean red meat, poultry, beans, lentils, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals, can help manage anaemia caused by nutritional deficiencies.
• Treating underlying conditions: If anaemia is the result of an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease or autoimmune disorders, it is critical to address the primary condition.
• Blood transfusion: In severe cases where there is a significant drop in the haemoglobin level, a blood transfusion may be necessary to rapidly replenish red blood cells.

Anaemia is a common blood disorder with various underlying causes but is manageable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect you may have anaemia or are experiencing symptoms, it is essential that you consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and advice on the best course of action. With proper treatment, individuals can improve their overall health and quality of life.

To get tested and treated for anaemia at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, call our helpline number 9830117733.

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