Anemia

The manifestation of symptoms in cases of anemia is contingent upon both the underlying cause and the degree of anemia’s severity. It’s noteworthy that anemia can present so subtly that, initially, it may go unnoticed, causing no apparent symptoms. However, as the anemia progresses, symptoms tend to emerge and intensify with the worsening condition.

In instances where anemia is secondary to another underlying medical condition, the primary ailment may effectively conceal the symptoms of anemia. In such cases, diagnostic tests to investigate the primary disease may inadvertently reveal the presence of anemia. It is important to recognise that specific types of anemia may exhibit symptoms that offer valuable clues regarding their underlying causes.

Possible symptoms of anemia include:

Clinical manifestations of anemia may encompass the following symptoms:

• Tiredness.: An overwhelming sense of tiredness and a lack of energy, often persisting even after adequate rest.
• Weakness: A noticeable decrease in physical strength and stamina.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficult breathing or a breathlessness sensation, especially during physical activity.
• Pale or yellowish skin: Skin complexion may appear notably paler or exhibit a yellowish hue, which can be more discernible on individuals with fair skin than those with darker skin tones.
• Irregular heartbeat: Anemia can lead to palpitations or irregular heart rhythms, causing sensations of the heart beating too fast or irregularly.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Experiencing a spinning sensation or feeling faint, often upon standing up quickly.
• Chest pain: Anemia may result in chest discomfort or pain, which can vary in intensity.
• Cold hands and feet: A sensation of coldness or numbness in the extremities, particularly the hands and feet.
• Headaches: Frequent or severe headaches, often described as throbbing or pounding.

What red blood cells do

Within the human body, three distinct types of blood cells play crucial roles in various physiological processes.

• White blood cells act as defenders against infections.
• Platelets contribute to the process of blood clotting.
• Red blood cells play a vital role in transporting oxygen.

Red blood cells are characterised by their rich content of a vital iron-based protein known as hemoglobin, which imparts a distinctive red colour to blood. Hemoglobin performs a pivotal function: it enables red blood cells to efficiently carry oxygen from the lungs to all corners of the body’s tissues. Simultaneously, hemoglobin facilitates carbon dioxide transport from the body’s tissues back to the lungs, where it is exhaled.

The production of red blood cells and hemoglobin occurs within the spongy matter found in many of the body’s large bones, known as bone marrow. The body relies on a sufficient supply of essential nutrients to synthesise these critical components, including iron, vitamin B-12, folate, and other dietary elements. These nutrients are sourced from our foods and are integral to the robust production of red blood cells, ensuring the body can maintain adequate oxygen levels throughout its diverse tissues.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you’re tired or short of breath and don’t know why.

Low protein levels in red blood cells that carry oxygen, called hemoglobin, is the main sign of anemia. Some people learn they have low hemoglobin when they donate blood. If you’re told you can’t donate because of low hemoglobin, make a medical appointment.

Schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider if you experience unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath. 

Anemia is primarily identified by low haemoglobin levels, the protein responsible for oxygen transport in red blood cells. Occasionally, individuals discover their low hemoglobin levels during blood donation. If you’re disqualified from donating blood due to low hemoglobin, arranging a medical evaluation is advisable.

Anemia arises when the bloodstream lacks adequate hemoglobin or red blood cells. This deficiency can occur due to several underlying factors, including:

• Inadequate hemoglobin and red blood cell production: One possible cause of anemia is insufficient hemoglobin or red blood cells. This could be due to various factors, such as nutritional deficiencies, bone marrow disorders, or genetic conditions that impede the normal synthesis of these crucial components.
• Bleeding-Related Blood Loss: Anemia can also result from bleeding at a rate that exceeds the body’s capacity to replace lost red blood cells and hemoglobin. This may happen due to traumatic injuries, gastrointestinal bleeding, or menstrual blood loss.
• Destruction of Red Blood Cells: Another contributing factor to anemia is the premature destruction of red blood cells and the hemoglobin contained within them. Conditions like autoimmune disorders or certain inherited diseases can lead to an increased breakdown of red blood cells, thus diminishing their overall presence in the bloodstream.

Various forms of anemia stem from diverse underlying causes, which encompass:

1. Iron Deficiency Anemia

• Insufficient iron levels in the body are the primary cause.
• Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin in the bone marrow.
• Iron-deficient individuals can’t produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells.
• Potential causes include blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding, ulcers, cancer, or frequent use of certain pain relievers, especially aspirin.
• Pregnant individuals are susceptible if they don’t take iron supplements.

2. Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

• Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, including folate and vitamin B-12, leads to this type of anemia.
• These nutrients are necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells.
• A diet lacking these key nutrients can produce insufficient red blood cells.
• Some individuals may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B-12, leading to a condition known as pernicious anemia.

3. Anemia of Inflammation

• Ongoing inflammatory diseases hinder the body’s ability to produce enough red blood cells.
• Such conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and Crohn’s disease.

4. Aplastic Anemia

• This rare and life-threatening anemia occurs when the body fails to generate enough new blood cells.
• Possible causes encompass infections, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

5. Anemias linked to bone marrow disease

• Certain diseases, such as leukemia and myelofibrosis, can disrupt the normal blood production process within the bone marrow.
• The effects of these diseases on the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood can range from mild to life-threatening.

6. Hemolytic anemias

• Hemolytic anemias result from red blood cells being destroyed faster than the bone marrow can replenish them.
• Some blood diseases can increase the rate of red blood cell destruction.
• Certain types of hemolytic anemia can be inherited and passed down through families.

7. Sickle cell anemia

• Sickle cell anemia is an inherited and sometimes severe condition categorised as hemolytic anemia.
• This condition is characterised by an unusual hemoglobin variant that causes red blood cells to assume an abnormal crescent shape known as a sickle.
• These misshapen blood cells have a shortened lifespan, leading to a chronic shortage of red blood cells in the bloodstream.

Various factors can elevate the risk of anemia, including:

• Inadequate diet: A diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, vitamin B-12, and folate, promotes the risk of anemia.
• Minor intestine issues: Conditions affecting nutrient absorption in the small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, increase the susceptibility to anemia.
• Menstrual periods: Women with heavy menstrual periods are at a heightened risk of anemia because menstruation leads to the loss of red blood cells.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals who do not take multivitamins containing folic acid and iron are at an increased risk of anemia.
• Chronic conditions: Chronic diseases like cancer, kidney failure, and diabetes can lead to a type of anemia known as anemia of chronic disease, as they often result in a reduced red blood cell count.
• Chronic blood loss: Slow and persistent blood loss from sources like ulcers or other internal conditions can deplete the body’s iron stores, leading to iron deficiency anemia.
• Family history: A family member with an inherited type of anemia, like sickle cell anemia, can increase the risk of inheriting such conditions.
• Other factors: A history of specific infections, blood disorders, and autoimmune conditions can elevate the risk of anemia. Excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to toxic chemicals, and certain medications can also interfere with red blood cell production and lead to anemia.
• Age: Individuals 65 and older are at an increased risk of developing anemia.

While some types of anemia can’t be prevented, certain dietary practices can help prevent iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias.

A healthy diet includes:

• Iron: Incorporate iron-rich foods such as beef, other meats, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits into your meals.
• Folate: Include fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, green peas, kidney beans, peanuts, and enriched grain products (bread, cereal, pasta, and rice) in your diet. Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, can also be beneficial.
• Vitamin B-12: Consume foods rich in vitamin B-12, such as meat, dairy products, fortified cereals, and soy products.
• Vitamin C: Incorporate vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and juices, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, melons, and strawberries into your diet. Vitamin C also enhances iron absorption.

If you are concerned about getting enough vitamin and mineral requirements through your diet alone, consult your healthcare provider about the benefits of taking a multivitamin supplement.