What is Anaemia and Treatments
Anaemia means low red blood cell count. It occurs when there
is insufficient oxygen supply to the body tissues. Anaemia has several symptoms
such as weakness, tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pale skin. In
severe cases, anaemia can also cause heart failure or death.
Anaemia happens when your blood does not get enough oxygen. This can happen due to problems in the production of red blood cells, inefficient blood transportation system, low iron levels, or excess bleeding from internal organs. There are various causes of anaemia, ranging from mild to life threatening conditions. In some cases, anaemia can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, infections, chronic diseases, pregnancy, heavy alcohol consumption, medication side-effects, and even certain lifestyle choices.
Anaemia is a common
condition throughout the globe. About two-thirds of women and half of men
between the ages of 50 and 70 suffer from anaemia because they don’t consume
enough iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc, or calcium. The good news is that
anaemia can easily be prevented and treated. Learn more about anaemia
prevention and treatment options in this Article.
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| What is Anaemia and Treatments |
Anaemia is characterised by low levels of red blood cells (RBC) and can result from iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency. The symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, headache, palpitations and shortness of breath. There are two types of anaemia: hemoglobinopathies and non-hemoglobinopathies. Haemoglobinopathies are caused by genetic defects in the production, structure, function or regulation of hemoglobin.
They account for approximately 80% of cases of anaemia worldwide. Non-hemoglobinopathies usually occur due to inadequate intake of nutrients and/or increased demand for oxygen because of illness or exercise. Non-hemoglobinopathy Anaemia is usually diagnosed after ruling out other causes. Treatment focuses on improving the body's ability to absorb iron, preventing further blood loss and providing supportive treatment such as IV fluids.
The easiest way to prevent anaemia is to eat foods rich in
iron, such as beans, liver and dark green vegetables, take supplements, drink
plenty of water, and get regular exercise, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, beans
and legumes. Iron helps hemoglobin develop, which carries oxygen throughout the
body. Also try to get enough sleep every night, keep stress under control, and
don’t skip meals.
The main cause of anaemia is iron deficiency, which happens when the body does not absorb enough iron from food. Iron deficiency should be treated early because anaemia has serious consequences. Treatment often involves taking iron supplements orally. Iron supplements can be taken once daily. People who don't tolerate oral treatment can take intravenous iron treatments, such as iron sucrose injections.
What is the difference between iron deficiency anaemia and Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA)?
Anaemia occurs when blood levels drop too low. This affects oxygen flow to organs and tissues. The treatment depends on the cause of the anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when there isn’t enough iron in the body. This happens because of insufficient absorption of iron from food or supplements. Treatment focuses on boosting iron intake through foods.
Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when there isn’t enough iron stored in the body. This problem usually happens after age 18. IDA treatment involves treating the underlying cause of the issue, such as poor nutritional habits, heavy menstruation, certain medications and other medical conditions.
balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins B12 and folic acid will prevent anaemia. If an individual has low iron levels, supplementation of vitamin C, zinc and iron along with regular exercise is recommended. I am suffering from anaemia due to lack of iron in my body over time and I don't know what to do.
Can I take iron supplements or should I go for blood transfusion?
Anaemia is defined as
having fewer red blood cells (RBC) than normal. This leads to reduced oxygen
supply throughout the body. Anaemia affects approximately half of women during
their childbearing years and almost 90% of pregnant women. The condition also
impacts men. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness,
weakness, numbness, tingling sensations, headaches, nausea/vomiting,
palpitations, lightheadedness, constipation, and changes in mood. Iron
deficiency is typically caused by inadequate intake of food rich in iron and
bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract.
Iron supplementation for the treatment of anaemia has been proven effective for both adults and children. If your haemoglobin level is less than 12 g/dL then you should consult a doctor. There are no adverse side effects to taking iron supplements. However, you should talk to your doctor before starting therapy. They may advise you against taking large doses of iron or recommend blood tests to ensure your haemoglobin levels remain above 11 g/dL.