Anaemia occurs when the blood does not carry enough oxygen to meet the body’s needs, often because there are too few red blood cells or too little haemoglobin. It is a finding with many possible causes rather than a single disease.
Possible symptoms
Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, headache, breathlessness and a fast heartbeat can occur. Mild anaemia may cause no obvious symptoms, while rapid or severe anaemia can cause chest pain, fainting or significant breathing difficulty.
Why anaemia develops
Iron deficiency is common, but it can result from blood loss, inadequate intake or poor absorption. Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, chronic kidney or inflammatory disease, bone-marrow disorders and inherited conditions such as thalassaemia or sickle cell disease can also cause anaemia.
Diagnosis comes before treatment
The National Library of Medicine explains that evaluation commonly begins with a complete blood count and may require additional tests to identify the type and cause. Unexplained iron deficiency can require investigation for bleeding.
Iron supplements are not appropriate for every anaemia and excessive iron can be harmful. Treatment may involve correcting a nutrient deficiency, treating blood loss or underlying disease, medicines, or transfusion in selected cases. Urgent assessment is appropriate for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or active bleeding.
