Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal. Hemoglobin is needed to carry oxygen and if it is insufficient there will be decreased capacity of blood to carry oxygen to body tissues.
Most common causes of Anaemia include nutritional deficiencies particularly iron deficiency though other deficiencies like Folate, Vitamin B 12 and Vitamin A also cause Anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia mostly affects children and women particularly pregnant women. Common causes of iron deficiency are poor iron intake due to inadequate or restrictive diet, inflammatory bowel disease, increased requirements during pregnancy and blood loss through heavy periods or excessive bleeding due to different causes.
Some infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and parasitic infections also cause Anaemia.
Haemoglobin concentration also varies with age and sex .
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANAEMIA
Unusual tiredness – when the body doesn’t have enough haemoglobin, less oxygen reaches the tissues and muscles , depriving them of energy. Also the heart has to work harder to move more oxygen rich blood around the body, which in turn makes one feel tired.
Paleness – Pale skin and pale coloring of inside of lower eyelid is most common sign of iron deficiency anaemia. Paleness can also appear all over the body such as face, gums, inside of lips or lower eyelids and nails.
Shortness of breath– Patient feels difficulty in normal daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs and work out etc.
Headache and dizziness -Because of low levels of Haemoglobin in blood brain doesn’t get enough oxygen which cause swelling of blood vessels resulting in pressure and headache.
Palpitation- Noticeable heart beat /palpitation is another sign of iron deficiency anaemia. In extreme cases it can lead to heart enlargement and heart failure.
Dry and damaged hair -When skin and hair do not get sufficient oxygen they become dry and weak. More severe cases can lead to hair loss .
Swelling and soreness of mouth and tongue -Tongue becomes swollen, inflamed, pale or strangely smooth. Iron deficiency can cause dry mouth , sore cracks at corners of mouth or mouth ulcers.
Restless legs – Iron deficiency leads to restless legs syndrome – i.e. strong urge to move the legs during rest. It can also cause strange crawling or itchy sensation in feet and legs .
Spoon shaped nails – In anaemia nails become brittle and chip and crack easily. In later stage nails dip in the middle with raised edges giving shape of spoon .This condition is called koilonychia .
Strange cravings – PICA- unusual craving to eat ice, clay, dirt, chalk or paper
Feeling anxious -Cold hands and feet
More frequent infections
MANAGEMENT OF ANAEMIA
The main aim of treatment is to restore haemoglobin levels to normal and replenish iron store
For iron deficiency anaemia try to ensure you get enough iron through diet
EAT IRON RICH FOOD
- Red meat , pork , poultry
- Dark green vegetables such as spinach and kale
- Dried fruits such as raisins and apricot
- Peas, beans and other pulses
- Sea food
- Seeds and nuts
HELP BOOST YOUR IRON ABSORPTION
Eating vitamin C help your body absorb iron better so eat enough vit C rich foods such as fruits and vegetables
Avoid certain foods which inhibit iron absorption like tea, coffee and foods high in calcium such as dairy products and whole grain cereals .
For other types of Anaemias underlying cause should be treated.
