A reduction in the number of red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin, and/or the volume of packed red blood cells. Clinically, anemia represents a reduction in the oxygen-transporting capacity of a designated volume of blood, resulting from an imbalance between blood loss (through hemorrhage or hemolysis) and blood production. Signs and symptoms of anemia may include pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, shortness of breath, palpitations of the heart, soft systolic murmurs, lethargy, and fatigability.

Symptoms of Anaemia

The following features are indicative of Anaemia:
  • weakness or tiredness
  • shortness of breath
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • coldness in the hands and feet
  • pale skin
  • chest pain
  • intermittent claudication of the legs
  • symptoms of heart failure
  • palpitations
It is possible that Anaemia shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Anaemia

The following are the most common causes of Anaemia:
  • blood loss
  • increased red blood cell destruction
  • hypervolemia
  • impaired red blood cell production

Risk Factors for Anaemia

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Anaemia:
  • consumption of low iron diet
  • blood loss from an injury or surgery
  • serious illnesses
  • family history of inherited anemia
  • long-term infections

Prevention of Anaemia

No, it is not possible to prevent Anaemia.
  • genetic mutations in TMPRSS6 gene

Occurrence of Anaemia

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Anaemia cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Anaemia can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Anaemia can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Anaemia

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Anaemia:
  • Complete blood count: To count the total number of blood cells
  • Red blood cell size test: To examine the size of red blood cells

Doctor for Diagnosis of Anaemia

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Anaemia:
  • Pediatricians
  • Family doctors
  • Gynaecologists
  • Obstetricians
  • Internal medicine specialists
  • Hematologist
  • Gastroenterologist

Complications of Anaemia if untreated

Yes, Anaemia causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Anaemia is left untreated:
  • severe fatigue
  • pregnancy complications
  • heart problems
  • can be fatal

Procedures for Treatment of Anaemia

The following procedures are used to treat Anaemia:
  • Blood Transfusion: To prevent RBCs deficiency
  • Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant: Replaces patient's faulty stem cells with healthy ones from a donor
  • Surgery: To treat life-threatening or serious bleeding that causes anemia

Self-care for Anaemia

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Anaemia:
  • Eat a vitamin-rich diet: Take a diet that includes a number of vitamins and nutrients
  • Genetic counseling: Talk to a genetic counselor about risks helps providing knowledge and alertness
  • Prevent malaria: Reduce exposure to mosquitoes

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Anaemia

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Anaemia:
  • Dietary Changes and Supplements: Change diet and take vitamin or iron supplements helps maintaining health
  • Iron intake: Take iron from meats, vegetables or other foods helps treating the condition

Time for Treatment of Anaemia

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Anaemia to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 3 - 6 months

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Anaemia.
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