Anaemia

Anaemia (also spelled anemia) is a condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells (RBCs) or in the amount of hemoglobin they contain. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anaemia can lead to a variety of health problems, including fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Types of Anaemia

There are several types of anaemia, each with different causes and treatments:

• Iron-deficiency anaemia: The most common type, caused by a lack of iron in the body.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia: Caused by a lack of vitamin B12, which is necessary for red blood cell production.
• Folate deficiency anaemia: Caused by a lack of folate (vitamin B9).
• Aplastic anaemia: A rare condition where the body stops producing enough new blood cells.
• Hemolytic anaemia: Caused by the destruction of red blood cells faster than they can be produced.
• Sickle cell anaemia: A genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to become misshapen and break down.
• Thalassemia: A genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin.

Causes

Anaemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of iron, vitamin B12, or folate.
• Chronic diseases: Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Genetic disorders: Conditions like sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia.
• Blood loss: From injuries, surgeries, or conditions like ulcers and menorrhagia.
• Bone marrow disorders: Conditions like aplastic anaemia and leukemia.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of anaemia include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Irregular heartbeats
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest pain
• Cold hands and feet
• Headaches

Diagnosis

Anaemia is typically diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and other components of the blood. Additional tests may be conducted to determine the underlying cause of anaemia, such as:

• Iron studies
• Vitamin B12 and folate levels
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Genetic testing

Treatment

Treatment for anaemia depends on the type and cause. Common treatments include:

• Iron supplements: For iron-deficiency anaemia.
• Vitamin B12 injections or supplements: For vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia.
• Folate supplements: For folate deficiency anaemia.
• Blood transfusions: For severe cases or certain types of anaemia.
• Medications: Such as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) for chronic disease-related anaemia.
• Bone marrow transplant: For conditions like aplastic anaemia.

Prevention

Preventing anaemia involves maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients, such as:

• Iron-rich foods: Red meat, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals.
• Vitamin B12-rich foods: Meat, dairy products, and fortified cereals.
• Folate-rich foods: Leafy green vegetables, fruits, and fortified cereals.

See also

• Hematology
• Blood disorders
• Complete blood count
• Iron deficiency
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folate deficiency