Tips to Tackle Anaemia
Table of Content
Summary
Do you feel dizzy, drained, fatigued or cold often? You might be anaemic. Anaemia is a medical condition caused by low numbers of healthy red blood cells in your bloodstream. The body’s capacity to transport and distribute oxygen is reduced. This can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog and headaches. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Anaemia can occur due to a variety of reasons – iron deficiency, genetic causes like sickle cell anaemia, pregnancy, menstruation or chronic illness. The diagnosis of anaemia can be done easily, with a simple blood test. If you are anaemic, it is recommended to begin taking iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin c supplements. Try to include more leafy greens, seeds, nuts, fish and other natural sources of iron and folic acid in your diet. Follow your doctor’s advice religiously to improve your blood count.
Introduction
Do you feel dizzy sometimes when you stand up too quickly? Does it feel like small tasks leave you feeling drained and fatigued? Do you tend to feel cold a lot, even when others don’t? You might be anaemic.
What is Anaemia?
Anaemia is a medical condition that occurs when you do not have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin in your body. This reduces your body’s capacity to provide oxygen to all your functioning cells. Haemoglobin in the protein is found in red blood cells that transport oxygen. When you are anaemic, your cells don’t get enough oxygen. This causes fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, cold hands and feet, pale skin and headaches.
Certain forms of anaemia are genetic. An example of this is sickle cell anaemia, in which red blood cells become sickle-shaped and lose their ability to transport oxygen. Anaemia can also be caused by iron-deficiency. Women are at a higher risk of this type of anaemia when they are on their period or while pregnant. Older adults with kidney disease or chronic illnesses are also at higher risk of developing anaemia.
Symptoms of Anaemia
The symptoms of anaemia vary a lot from person to person. They can also be very mild, so many people who suffer from anaemia tend to brush it off and seek help only when it gets really bad. Anaemia patients will have at least a few of the extensive list of possible symptoms below:
– Dizziness, light-headedness from fairly light activities.
– A fast or unusual heart rhythm
– Chronic headaches
– Shortness of breath
– Joint pain
– Chest or belly pain
– Cold hands and feet
– Chronic fatigue or weakness
Severe anaemia could even cause:
– Brittle nails
– An inflamed or sore tongue
– Pica syndrome (the desire to eat rice)
– Increased menstrual bleeding in women
– Loss of sexual interest
– Mouth ulcers
Types of Anaemia
They are divided into 3 categories:
Anaemia due to loss of blood – When you lose a lot of blood over a short period of time, your body loses the ability to transport sufficient oxygen to all your tissues. This could happen due to gastrointestinal conditions like ulcers, haemorrhoids, gastritis or cancer. Trauma, surgery or blood loss during childbirth could also cause anaemia. Women who menstruate heavily also tend to become anaemic. This could also be linked to uterine fibroids.
Anaemia due to decreased/defective red blood cell production – Some types of anaemia occur when the body isn’t producing enough red blood cells. These cells are produced in the bone marrow. An iron deficiency or a Vitamin B12 deficiency will prevent the body from producing enough red blood cells. The body doesn’t have the raw materials needed for this task. Some genetic conditions can also interfere with the production of red blood cells, like sickle cell anaemia.
Anaemia due to disproportionate destruction of red blood cells – Conditions like lupus, severe hypertension or an enlarged spleen can cause red blood cells to be destroyed prematurely. This is called hemolytic anaemia. It can also be caused by infections, snake or spider venom and certain medications.
Diagnosing Anaemia
If you have any of the symptoms of Anaemia, please visit your family doctor or local hospital for further investigation. A complete blood count (CBC) test will measure your red blood cell count and haemoglobin levels. Your doctor will also inquire about your personal and family medical history to figure out whether you have anaemia and the cause. They may also conduct additional tests, including a blood smear and a reticulocyte count. This checks for unusual shapes and immature red blood cells in your blood.
Treatment for Anaemia – Living a healthier life
The treatment for anaemia is dependent on the underlying cause. In this section, we will elaborate on some measures you can take, in consultation with your doctor, to improve your anaemic status:
Dietary Supplements – Generally, most anaemic patients are also given iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements. These are the “raw materials” the body needs to make healthy red blood cells. Once they begin taking supplements, patients see improvements in their energy levels within weeks. Vegetarians and vegans are especially susceptible to iron deficiency, so if you are one it’s very important to take your daily supplements. If you take calcium supplements in addition to the iron supplements, take them at different times of the day for best absorption of both.
Healthy Diet – In addition to medical supplements, patients must also improve their diet to include natural sources of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. Vitamin C helps in iron absorption so make sure you get enough of that too. This means eating lots of leafy greens, brown rice, nuts, seeds, eggs, tofu and fish on a day-to-day basis, and preferably cutting out processed foods. Focus on feeding your body a variety of whole foods for major improvement in your general health as well.
Medication to treat the underlying cause – The doctor will prescribe medication to treat the underlying causes of the anaemia as well. The medication usually targets the body’s ability to produce more blood stem cells in the bone marrow. It could also act to suppress the immune mechanisms which are prematurely destroying the red blood cells. This depends on the underlying cause. Your family doctor will be able to shed more light on this in your consultation.
Follow your doctor’s advice – The doctor will prescribe specific treatments for your individual case. If the anaemia is caused by bone marrow disease, you may require chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant. Haemolytic anaemia, caused by the immune system attacking itself, may be treated with immunosuppressants. Visit a doctor so you can get clarity on this.
For comprehensive care and expert advice on managing anaemia, visit Kauvery Hospital. Our branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy are ready to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anaemia and what causes it?
Anaemia is a condition where your body lacks healthy red blood cells. It can be caused by iron deficiency, chronic disease, blood loss, or genetic factors.
Why do I feel tired and look pale all the time?
Constant fatigue and paleness can be signs of anaemia, a condition caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells. It reduces oxygen delivery in your body, making you feel drained, cold, or dizzy.
What are the common symptoms of anaemia?
Common symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, cold hands and feet, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
How is anaemia diagnosed?
Anaemia is diagnosed through a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test and additional blood tests to identify the type and cause.
How can I naturally improve my iron levels?
Include iron-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fish in your diet, and take vitamin C to improve iron absorption.
Who is at higher risk for anaemia?
Women during menstruation or pregnancy, older adults with chronic illness, and people with poor diets are more prone to anaemia.
Can anaemia be treated permanently?
Yes, with proper diagnosis, supplements, dietary changes, and treating the root cause, anaemia can be effectively managed or cured.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
