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What All You Need to Know About Anaemia?

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What All You Need to Know About Anaemia?

Internal Medicine | Posted on 04/25/2023 by Dr. Sushil Kalra



Introduction

Have you been feeling tired, dizzy, and irritable lately? If yes, then it is an indication of a condition called anemia. It simply means that your body doesn’t have the efficiency of carrying sufficient oxygen throughout your body. This condition simply means you don’t have enough iron in your body. Our body requires iron to produce hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that gives red color to our blood. It carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of our body.

Anaemia has become one of the most common conditions nowadays affecting around 52% of the population only in India. Don't get apprehensive if you aren’t well aware of the symptoms, causes, or treatment options for anemic patients. All you need to do is book your appointment with one of the best hematologists in Jaipur at CK Birla Hospitals. They ensure proper diagnosis and the right treatment solutions depending on an individual's requirements. 

We in this blog will cover everything for your better comprehension. However, please note that the write-up is for informational purposes only and doesn’t rule out consulting an internal medicine healthcare professional. So, let’s begin the discussion and make sure to give it a read till the end.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have sufficient amounts of red blood cells or they aren’t functioning the way they must. Red blood cells are accountable for carrying oxygen throughout the human body. Oxygen gives the required power to the cells and energy to the body. If the red blood cells aren’t healthy enough, then it becomes difficult for the body to function normally. Some anemic forms are short-term, while others can last for a long period. If this condition is left untreated, then it can be life-threatening.

How many types of anemia are there?

There are different types of anemia which include:

  • Vitamin B12 anemia deficiency
  • Folic acid anemia deficiency
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Thalassemia
  • Anemia due to iron deficiency
  • Megaloblastic anemia
  • Pernicious anemia
  • Chronic anemia
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Idiopathic aplastic anemia

What are anemia symptoms?

Fatigue, tiredness, and irritability are some of the most common and noticeable anemia symptoms. There are other symptoms as well which you must not ignore such as:

What are the causes of anemia?

Generally, the primary anemia cause is that people are born with certain types or have this condition due to some chronic illnesses. However, usually, the most common cause of anemia is poor diet. Other factors impact the production of red blood count. Here are some of these factors:

  • Improper dietary nutrient intake like iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid
  • Kidney disease
  • Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, or lupus
  • Infections like HIV, or tuberculosis
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Different types of medication use or treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Blood loss due to accidents or injuries
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Endometriosis
  • Gastrointestinal lesions like ulcers
  • Heavy nosebleeds
  • Frequent blood donations 

How is anemia diagnosed?

Anemia diagnosis begins with asking about your past medical history and family history with a physical evaluation. The doctor might involve certain laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. The tests that are usually ordered include:

  • Complete blood count- Helps in measuring the levels of hemoglobin and indicates the right number of red blood cells including size. It also displays the normal number of white blood cells and platelets
  • Reticulocyte count- This blood test helps in measuring the immature red blood cell level. The doctor can determine if the bone marrow is forming sufficient new red blood cells
  • Serum iron levels- This blood test benefits in assessing the total amount of iron in the blood
  • Ferritin test- This test evaluates the iron stores in the human body
  • Vitamin B12- If vitamin B12 levels are low, then it causes anemia and with this test, the doctor can determine the vitamin levels
  • Folic acid test- This test benefits in measuring the folate levels
  • Bone marrow tests- This test assists your doctor to see whether your bone marrow is functioning properly or not. It also helps in confirming conditions like aplastic anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia

What are the options for anemia treatment?

The very first thing your doctor will identify is whether the anemia is caused by a serious health condition or poor diet. If required, your doctor might refer you to a hematologist, specializing in blood disorders. The options for anemia treatment which is usually recommended to the patient involve:

  • The doctor might ask you to make certain changes in your diet and include supplements to treat iron deficiency or other types like pernicious anemia
  • If your red blood cells are very low or you have a chronic condition, then the doctor might first initiate the treatment for the underlying condition. The doctor might also prescribe medications that help boost the production of red blood cell

To treat anemia, doctors often involve using medications like immunosuppressants or options like blood transfusions. Such options are used to treat types like aplastic anemia or hemolytic anemia. Other than medical treatment, doctors also recommend the patient include the following ways to help manage or treat anemia.

  • Following a healthy diet
  • Staying hydrated by drinking enough water
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals
  • Tracking the symptoms and informing your healthcare provider about the noticeable changes

Conclusion

Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have sufficient amounts of red blood cells or they aren’t working as they should. There are people born with certain forms of anemia, but some people having this condition develop it over time. Hence, it is essential to keep a check on the bodily changes. For instance, there are days we might feel worn out, but if you are experiencing this issue often and feel extremely tired for most of the days, then get in touch with your healthcare provider.

Generally, anemia is a short-term condition and can be treated by changing the diet or taking supplements. You must not delay the appointment if you observe the symptoms. 

You can book your appointment with one of the best internal medicine doctors in Jaipur at CK Birla Hospital. We have a team of highly skilled and experienced healthcare professionals and other healthcare team members who ensure appropriate diagnosis and offer you the treatment that’s suitable for your condition.

FAQs

 

Which vitamin deficiency causes the disease pernicious anemia?

Vitamin B 12 is the primary cause of pernicious anemia

What causes sickle cell anemia?

Sickle cell anemia is caused by hemoglobin genes

Which deficiency causes anemia?

Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anemia

Which vitamin deficiency causes anemia?

Anemia is caused by Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B9

What is sickle cell anemia?

Sickle cell anemia is caused by a genetic disorder in which red blood cells take the form of a sickle shape. The cells begin to die causing a lack of healthy red blood cells and restricting blood flow. 

Is anemia dangerous?

If anemia levels are below 6.5mg/L, it is known to be a severe anemia condition and is identified to be a sign of a serious condition like cancer.

Can anemia be cured?

Proper dietary changes including the intake of supplements prescribed by your doctor regularly help in curing anemia. 

Can anemia cause weight loss?

Weight changes are an outcome of underlying causes of anemia or the effects of condition on appetite or activity levels. If anemia occurs due to nutritional deficiency, it leads to weight loss. 

Does anemia cause hair loss?

Yes, low levels of iron can cause problems like hair loss as it triggers telogen effluvium conditions. This condition causes an increase in hair shedding and restricts the growth of hair. 

Does anemia cause headaches?

Headaches are linked to different types of anemia that involve iron deficiency, sickle cell anemia, and vitamin deficiency. 

Is anemia hereditary?

Different types of anemia are known to be inherited but most forms are not because of hereditary. 

Can anemia cause high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a condition with long-term health effects. While anemia and hypertension are not linked to each other directly, anemia is identified to be indirectly contributing to high blood pressure.