What is Anaemia?
Anemia means that you have fewer red blood cells than normal,or have less hemoglobin than normal in each red blood cell. In either case, a reduced amount of oxygen is carried around in the bloodstream.
What causes anemia?
The most common cause of anemia in Pakistan is iron deficiency. If you are taking a balanced diet, it contains sufficient iron to fulfill your iron needs. Other important causes in Pakistan are thalassemia, pregnancy, unexplained bleeding anywhere in the body, heavy periods, and long-term illness.
What are the signs and symptoms of anemia?
- Common symptoms are due to the reduced amount of oxygen in the body. These include tiredness, having little energy, feeling faint, and becoming easily breathless.
- Less common symptoms include headaches, a 'thumping heart' (palpitations), altered taste, feverish feeling, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- You may look pale.
How can you diagnose anemia?
Your doctor will take your complete medical and family history and perform a complete physical examination to diagnose anemia. After that, a simple full blood count with a peripheral smear can measure the amount of hemoglobin in your blood, count the number and determine the shape and size of red blood cells. This can tell you to what extent you are anemic, but it is crucial to determine the underlying cause if not evident.
When should you see a doctor?
- Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, pale skin, or any other symptoms of anemia; seek emergency care for any trouble breathing or change in your heartbeat.
- Inadequate diet
- Very heavy menstrual periods
- Symptoms of an ulcer, hemorrhoids, bloody stools.
- Hereditary anemia runs in your family, and you would like genetic counseling before having a child.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351366
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-symptoms
https://patient.info/allergies-blood-immune/anaemia-leaflet/iron-deficiency-anaemia#nav-2