Anaemia is a condition where your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues, leading to feelings of weakness and fatigue. Since red blood cells are essential for transporting oxygen, a deficiency can significantly impact your energy levels and overall well-being.
There are several types of anaemia, each classified by its underlying cause.
Symptoms of Anaemia
The symptoms of anaemia can vary depending on its cause. In some cases, anaemia symptoms may be overshadowed by those of an underlying health condition. Common signs of anaemia include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Cold hands and feet
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
Causes of Anaemia
Anaemia primarily results from a shortage of red blood cells. Several factors can contribute to this deficiency, including:
- The body’s inability to produce sufficient red blood cells
- Excessive blood loss
- The body destroying red blood cells faster than they are produced
Types of anaemia based on causes include:
- Iron deficiency anaemia: Caused by a lack of iron in the body.
- Vitamin deficiency anaemia: Results from inadequate levels of vitamin B12 and folate.
- Anaemia of inflammation: Linked to conditions like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, or Crohn’s disease, which interfere with red blood cell production.
- Anaemias related to bone marrow disease: Conditions such as leukaemia and myelofibrosis disrupt the production of blood cells in the bone marrow.
- Sickle cell anaemia: A hereditary condition caused by abnormal haemoglobin that leads to misshapen red blood cells.
Risk Factors for Anaemia
Several factors can increase the risk of developing anaemia, including:
- Poor diet
- Intestinal disorders
- Pregnancy
- Menstruation
- Family history
Anaemia Treatment
Anaemia is diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC) test based on symptoms presented by the patient.
Treatment depends on the type, cause, and severity of anaemia. Common treatment options include:
- Iron supplements
- Dietary supplements to increase Vitamin B12 and folic acid intake
- Treatment of underlying conditions
- Medications
- Oral or intravenous fluids
- Blood transfusions
