What Are The Causes Of Anaemia, And How To Treat It?
Anaemia is a widespread disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Considering its seriousness, people look for the symptoms and causes of anaemia to diagnose and treat the disease at an early stage. If you are worried about your well-being and looking for a healthy lifestyle, this blog is worth reading. Along with the causes of anaemia, it also contains its symptoms, prevention and treatments. Let’s start reading about anaemia!
What Is Anaemia?
Anaemia is a health condition where you do not have enough red blood cells in your body. The red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. This oxygen gives you the energy to function throughout the day. Without enough red blood cells, your body doesn’t get the energy needed to function. While some types of anaemia are short-term and mild, others can last a lifetime. Anaemia can be life-threatening if not treated timely.
Causes Of Anaemia
Anaemia is a serious health problem that can be fatal. Your body needs red blood cells to survive. There are several conditions that result in low levels of RCB and cause anaemia. Here are a few main causes of anaemia.
A. Nutritional Deficiencies
- Iron
- Vitamin
B. Chronic Diseases & Medical Conditions
- Kidney problem
- Inflammatory disorder
- Chronic infections
- Autoimmune disease
C. Hermolytic Anaemias
- Genetic Factors
- Sickle Cell Anaemia
- Thalassemia
- Autoimmune Hemolytic Anaemia
D. Bone Marrow Disorders
- Aplastic Anaemia
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Leukaemia
E. Blood Loss
- Acute Blood Loss- Trauma & Injury, Surgery
- Chronic Blood Loss- Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Menstrual Blood Loss, & Blood Disorder
F. Other Causes Of Anaemia
- Copper Deficiency
- Lead Poisoning
- Medication-Induced
- Poor Diet
- Alcohol Consumption
- Lifestyle Changes
- Supplements
- Dietary Strategies
- Vegetarian & Vegan Diet
- Treating Underlying Conditions
These are the causes of anaemia; now is the time to learn its symptoms so that you can diagnose the disease before the situation gets worse.
Symptoms Of Anaemia
According to the reports, around 3 million people in the United States have some type of anaemia. To control it, everyone should know the symptoms so that you can control them on time. Here, we will explain the symptoms of anaemia, which is another crucial aspect of understanding the causes of anaemia. The most common anaemia symptoms are-
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Pallid complexion
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Cognitive difficulties
- Cold intolerance
- Brittle nails
- Hair loss
The symptoms of anaemia may vary from person to person. Some people with mild anaemia may have a few or no symptoms. It is better to conduct regular health checkups to diagnose the disease timely.
Treatment Of Anaemia
There is a range of treatments for anaemia, each meant to increase a person’s RCB count, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. The treatment depends on the type of anaemia a person has. The treatment for common anaemia includes-
- Iron supplements and dietary changes.
- Including dietary supplements and vitamin B12 injections.
- Bone marrow transplants can be a solution for some people.
- Blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants can be a treatment for aplastic anaemia.
- Sickle cell anaemia can be treated with oxygen therapy, pain relief medication and intravenous fluids.
- Eating iron-rich food, such as brown rice, fish, eggs, tofu, white or red meat, nuts & seeds, leafy green vegetables and pulses & beans can help to treat anaemia.
Chances Of Getting Anaemia
Anaemia is a serious disease that can increase the risks in all age groups, sexes, and ethnicities. Here are some factors that increase the risks of anaemia-
- Being born prematurely
- Menstruating
- Being 6-24 months old
- Pregnancy
- Poor diet
- Medication
- Family history
- Intestinal disorder
- Losing blood
- Having chronic problems, such as AIDS, Diabetes, kidney disorders, cancer, arthritis, heart failure or liver disease.
Anaemia is a multifaceted disorder that has several causes and symptoms, requiring professional healthcare practitioner assistance to have control over this. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can greatly improve one’s quality of life. If you or your loved one is experiencing the symptoms of anaemia, consult an experienced doctor for guidance. Remember, understanding the disease is the first step towards managing it, leading to a healthier life. So now you know the symptoms of causes of anaemia, take care of yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can anaemia be prevented through diet alone?
While a balanced diet is rich in iron and vitamins, it is essential for preventing certain types of anaemia, such as iron-deficiency anaemia, other types may require medical treatments or lifestyle changes.
2. How is Aaemia diagnosed?
Anaemia often involves blood tests to measure haemoglobin levels and red blood cell count. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be necessary.
3. What is the best treatment for anaemia?
The treatment of anaemia depends on its type and causes. It may include dietary changes, iron supplements, blood transfusion, and medications.
4. What are the four main types of anaemia?
The four main types of anaemia are iron-deficiency anaemia, pernicious anaemia, aplastic anaemia and hemolytic anaemia.
5. Does deficiency of B12 cause anaemia?
Yes, a deficiency of Vitamin B12 causes anaemia since blood cells do not perform properly without it.