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: