Anemia is a problem of not having sufficient red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen to the tissues of the body. Haemoglobin is a type of protein found in red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the other organs in the body. Anemia can be either short-term or long-term and ranges from mild to severe. The symptoms of anemia depend on its cause and severity. Initially, mild anemia does not cause any symptoms at first. However, symptoms usually occur when anemia gets worse. If another disease is causing anemia, the disease masks the anemia symptoms. Possible anemia symptoms include: Weakness Tiredness Shortness of breath Yellow or pale skin Irregular heart beat Lightheadedness or dizziness Chest pain Headaches Cold hands and feet Anemia occurs when the blood does not have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin. This happens if:Anemia Symptoms
Anemia Causes
The body does not make enough red blood cells or haemoglobin
Bleeding causing loss of red blood cells faster than it can be replaced
The body destroys red blood cells and the haemoglobin.
Types of Anemia
Different types of anemia have varying causes. These may include:
Iron deficiency anemia: This type of anemia is caused by insufficient iron content in the body. Without enough iron, the body is unable to make enough haemoglobin for RBCs.
Vitamin deficiency anemia: Apart from iron, the body needs vitamin B-12 and folate to make enough healthy red blood cells. Having a diet that does not make enough key nutrients can result in the body not making enough red blood cells.
Anemia of inflammation: Ongoing inflammation-causing diseases keeps the body from making the required number of RBCs. Examples include kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS and cancer.
Aplastic anemia: This type of rare, but life-threatening anemia occurs when the body does not make enough new blood cells.
Anemias linked to bone marrow disease: Diseases such as myelofibrosis and leukaemia affect the way in which the bone marrow makes blood. The severity of these diseases can range from mild to life-threatening.
Hemolytic anemias: This group of anemias is due to the red blood cells being destroyed faster than the bone marrow can replace. Some types of hemolytic anemia are passed down through families (inherited).
Haemoglobin disorders including sickle cell anemia and thalassemia: This inherited and in some cases, serious condition is a type of hemolytic anemia. In this condition, an unusual haemoglobin forces red blood cells to take a crescent shape, called sickle. These irregular blood cells die in a very short span of time, causing an ongoing shortage of red blood cells.
Anemia Risk Factors
The following risk factors can increase the risk of anemia:
A diet deficient in vitamins and minerals, such as folate, vitamin B-12, and iron increases the risk of anemia.
Problems with the small intestine affect its functioning (how it absorbs nutrients), increasing the risk of anemia.
Heavy menstruation can increase the risk of anemia.
Pregnant women who do not take an iron, folic acid or multivitamin supplement are at a greater risk of anemia.
Having kidney failure, diabetes, cancer or any chronic condition increases the risk of anemia.
Family history: Having a family member with anemia can increase the risk of inherited anemias, for example sickle cell anemia.
Age: People over the age of 65 are at a greater risk of anemia.
Anemia Diagnosis
For the diagnosis of anemia, a doctor may ask questions about the symptoms and conduct tests including CBC , iron studies, haemoglobin HPLC (for hemoglobinopathy) , and bone marrow test , reticulocyte count.
Anemia Treatment
Anemia treatment options may include:
1. Dietary supplements
The supplements for anemia include:
Vitamin B12 supplements
Folic acid supplements
Iron supplements
2. Medications
Medications for anemia include:
Erythropoietin: helps the bone marrow produce more blood stem cells
Immunosuppressants: For anemia caused by autoimmune disorder, an immunosuppressant keeps the immune system from attacking the RBCs.
3. Procedures
Treatment procedures for anemia include:
Blood transfusion to replace RBCs
Bone marrow (stem cell) transplant to replace unhealthy stem cells with healthy ones
Surgery to treat internal bleeding causing anemia.
Anemia Prevention
Several types of anemia cannot be prevented. However, eating a healthy diet can help prevent vitamin deficiency anemias and iron deficiency anemias.
A healthy diet includes:
Foods rich in iron such as dark green leafy vegetables, beans and lentils
Folate and human-made form folic acid, found in fruits, peas, kidney beans and peanuts
Foods rich in B-12 including dairy products, meat and soy products
Foods high in vitamin C content such as citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, melons, strawberries and tomatoes.
FAQs
1. What is the main cause of anemia?
Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of anemia. Without sufficient iron, the body is unable to make enough haemoglobin for red blood cells.
2. How can I cure anemia?
Iron supplements and vitamin B12 supplements or shots help manage and cure anemia. A doctor may also prescribe medications such as an immunosuppressant or erythropoietin or perform procedures such as blood transfusion to treat anemia.
3. What are the 3 main anemia symptoms?
The three main anemia symptoms are:
Feeling weak or tired more than usual or during exercise
Headaches
Numbness of hands and feet
4. Can lack of sleep cause anemia?
Yes, lack of sleep can cause a greater stress on the body and potentially cause anemia. In fact, teenagers are at a greater risk of anemia due to the tendency to disregard sleep.
5. What are the risks of anemia in pregnancy?
Severe anemia can have an adverse effect on the mother and the foetus. Anemia with haemoglobin levels lower than 6gr/dl is linked to poor pregnancy outcome. Spontaneous abortions, prematurity, low birth weight and foetal deaths are some of the risks associated with severe maternal anemia.
Article By Dr. Gaurav Dixit
Unit Head - Haemato Oncology
Artemis Hospitals
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