Symptoms And Causes Of Anaemia

Do you ever sit down on the floor and while getting up you feel a little dizzy? If yes, then this could be a condition which is known as anaemia. Anaemia is a very popular disease. However, if you don’t know anything about it, this text will be really helpful. If you want to know more about the symptoms and causes of anaemia continue reading!

What is anaemia?

Anaemia is a disorder which is caused when the number of healthy red blood cells in the body is very less. Red blood cells perform the important function of carrying oxygen to all the tissues of the body. As such, the tissues won’t be able to get enough oxygen which would consequently indicate a reduced amount of oxygen in the entire body.

As a result, all the symptoms of anaemia are actually the result of low oxygen delivery to the vital tissues and organs in the body. Another important thing to know about this disease is a term called haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the oxygen carrying protein in the blood. Anaemia is measured in terms of the amount of haemoglobin.

What are the symptoms of anaemia?

Now that we know little bit about this disorder, let us take a look at its symptoms!

The most prevalent symptom that anaemic patients exhibit is the appearance of paleness in the skin. They also complain of being cold in a weather that is otherwise tolerable. The other most common symptoms of anaemia include lightheadedness or dizziness. This may be seen in people who are very active or while people are getting up. Additionally, constipation, a difficulty in concentration and exhaustion is also reported.

In some cases, people also get unusual cravings. Sometimes such people may want to eat unusual items like dirt, clay or even ice. Some categories of anaemia results in inflammation of the tongue. The tongue appears smooth, red, glossy and is a painful condition to experience.

If the anaemia is severe, fainting is also observed. In severe anaemia, people also complain of chest pain, shortness of breath and nails which are very brittle. Since the oxygen carrying capacity is altered, the oxygen levels in the blood can go so low that a person may also experience a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Physical exams of this disease may show other symptoms like jaundice, high heart rate, heart murmur, atrophic glossitis, pale skin, high or low blood pressure. Sometimes, enlargement in the lymph nodes, liver and spleen is also observed. If you have observed any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, seek medical attention immediately. Moreover, do not wait for the symptoms to worsen.

What are the causes of anaemia?

Now that you know about the symptoms of anaemia you might as well want to know about the causes. There are several causes behind this disorder. Let us take a look at them!

A few nutrients required for the maturation of red blood cells in the body include vitamin B12, folate and dietary iron. The average lifespan for RBCs is hundred to 120 days. Any procedure that harms this normal balance between the red blood cell production and destruction may result in causing anaemia. These factors can be divided into two categories which are as follows:

Factors which reduce the production of red blood cells:

• Sometimes a specific hormone produced by the kidneys, which is known as erythropoietin is not able to stimulate the production of red blood cells. This decreases the production of red blood cells in the body.
• Red blood cell production also get decreased when a person has a lack of dietary intake of vitamin B12, folic acid and iron.
• People living with hypothyroidism are also at a risk of decreased red blood cell production.

Factors which increase the destruction of red blood cells:

• Another factor which destroys the red blood cells at a faster rate than their production includes endometriosis, menstruation, excessive uterine bleeding and child birth.
• Sometimes factors like cirrhosis, fibrosis, hemolysis, Surgery, gastrointestinal lesions and accidents also result in destruction of RBCs.
• Some genetic disorders are also responsible for this condition. These include thalassaemia, sickle-cell anaemia and G6PD deficiency.

The most prevalent cause of anaemia is iron deficiency. It is so common that it accounts for almost half of all the cases of anaemia worldwide.

In order to prevent the development of this disorder people should make sure that they are in taking iron, folic acid as well as vitamin B12 in appropriate quantities. In case one needs a supplement, these should always be taken through the advice of a registered medical health practitioner. Moreover, a person should always pay attention to the food labels on the things that are bought from the supermarket. Make sure to ensure a multivitamin food intake.

Jivan Setu: Book Online Doctors Appointment

Jivan Setu Best Online Portal for hospital & clinic management system, book online appointment with using QR Code and get medical reports.