Understanding Anaemia
Understand anaemia, its types, symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Learn how early diagnosis and proper care can help manage and prevent complications.
Written by Dr. Siri Nallapu
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 5th Sep, 2025
Do you feel constantly drained, out of breath after minor tasks, or notice an unusual paleness? While everyone feels tired sometimes, these could be signs of anaemia, a common blood condition affecting over 1.6 billion people worldwide. Anaemia occurs when you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues, leaving you feeling weak and exhausted. It's not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying issue.
This guide will demystify anaemia, breaking down its common causes from dietary gaps to chronic illnesses and outlining the clear symptoms you shouldn't ignore. We'll walk you through the diagnostic process, explore effective treatment options, and provide practical tips for prevention. Understanding what’s happening inside your body is the first powerful step toward reclaiming your energy and health.
Recognising the Signs: Common Symptoms of Anaemia
The symptoms of anaemia can be subtle at first, often mistaken for a busy lifestyle or simple stress. However, as the condition progresses, the signs become more pronounced as your body struggles to get the oxygen it needs.
The Most Frequent Warning Signs
The most universal symptom is fatigue and a persistent lack of energy. This isn't just ordinary tiredness; it's a deep exhaustion that isn't relieved by sleep. Other common signs include:
Pallor: A pale complexion, particularly noticeable in the face, nail beds, and inside the eyelids.
Shortness of breath: Finding yourself winded after activities you could previously handle, like climbing stairs.
Heart palpitations: A feeling of a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat (tachycardia) as your heart works harder to pump oxygen-rich blood.
Dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when standing up.
Cold hands and feet.
Headaches.
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Symptoms in Specific Groups
In children, anaemia can manifest as irritability, poor appetite, and slowed growth and development. In the elderly, symptoms can be mistaken for ageing or other conditions but may include cognitive fog, confusion, and an increased risk of falls. A unique insight often missed is pica, a craving for non-nutritive substances like ice, dirt, or clay—which is a classic but lesser-known sign of iron deficiency anaemia.
The Root of the Problem: What Causes Anaemia?
Anaemia isn't a single disorder but a result of one of three fundamental problems: your body is losing blood, it isn't producing enough red blood cells, or it is destroying them too quickly.
Blood Loss: The Obvious Culprit
This is the most common cause, particularly of iron deficiency. Blood loss can be acute, like from surgery or trauma, or chronic and slow, which is trickier to detect. Sources of chronic blood loss include heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal conditions like ulcers, gastritis, or colon cancer, and the regular use of NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen).
Faulty Red Blood Cell Production
Sometimes, the body has the raw materials but can't make enough cells (as in some chronic diseases), but often, it lacks the essential nutrients required.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia: The Global Leader
This is the most prevalent type worldwide. Iron is a crucial component of haemoglobin. Without it, production stalls. Causes include a diet lacking in iron, an inability to absorb iron (e.g., from Coeliac disease), or the chronic blood loss mentioned above.
Vitamin Deficiency Anaemias (B12 and Folate)
Vitamin B12 and folate are just as critical for red blood cell production. A deficiency in either can lead to large, malformed cells that can't function properly (megaloblastic anaemia). This can stem from a poor diet (lack of leafy greens or animal products) or pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune condition that prevents B12 absorption.
High Rates of Red Blood Cell Destruction (Haemolytic Anaemia)
This less common type occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can replace them. It can be inherited (like sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia) or acquired later in life due to infections, autoimmune diseases, or toxins.
Getting a Diagnosis: How Anaemia is Identified
If you suspect anaemia, a simple blood test is the first step. Your doctor will likely order,
Complete Blood Count (CBC). This test measures several components, but the key ones for diagnosing anaemia are:
Haemoglobin (Hb): The main oxygen-carrying protein. Low levels are the primary indicator of anaemia.
Haematocrit (Hct): The percentage of your blood volume made up by red blood cells.
Further tests, like checking ferritin levels (which reflect your iron stores), vitamin B12 levels, or performing additional tests on the size and shape of your red blood cells, will help pinpoint the exact type and cause.
Finding the Right Path: Treatment Options for Anaemia
Treatment is entirely dependent on the cause. Simply taking an iron supplement is not the answer for every type of anaemia and could be harmful if misused.
Dietary Changes and Iron-Rich Foods
For nutritional deficiencies, dietary modification is the cornerstone. To increase iron levels, focus on:
Haem iron (better absorbed): Red meat, poultry, fish.
Non-haem iron: Lentils, beans, spinach, nuts, and iron-fortified cereals. Pairing these with a source of Vitamin C (like citrus fruits or bell peppers) can significantly boost absorption.
Supplements and Medications
Iron supplements are common for iron deficiency, but they can cause constipation, so it's important to take them as directed. For B12 deficiency, high-dose oral supplements or injections may be used. In cases of chronic disease, treating the underlying illness is paramount. For some aplastic anaemias, immunosuppressant drugs are necessary.
Medical Procedures for Severe Cases
In severe or life-threatening situations, treatments may include blood transfusions to quickly replace lost red blood cells or erythropoietin injections to stimulate your bone marrow to produce more cells. In rare cases, a bone marrow transplant may be considered.
Conclusion
Understanding anaemia empowers you to take an active role in your health. While the fatigue and other symptoms can be debilitating, it's crucial to remember that it is often a highly manageable condition. The journey begins with recognising the signs and seeking a professional diagnosis to uncover the root cause. Whether the solution involves enriching your diet with iron-rich foods, taking supplements, or treating an underlying condition, effective strategies are available. By addressing anaemia, you're not just raising a number on a blood test; you're reclaiming your energy, improving your quality of life, and investing in your long-term well-being. If this article resonated with you, don't hesitate to take that first step—schedule a conversation with your GP to discuss your concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anaemia
Below are a few FAQs,
1. Can anaemia cause weight gain or weight loss?
A. Anaemia itself doesn't directly cause weight gain. However, the profound fatigue can lead to reduced physical activity, which may contribute to weight gain. Conversely, if the anaemia is linked to an underlying condition like cancer or a thyroid disorder, unintended weight loss might occur.
2. What's the difference between iron deficiency and anaemia?
A. Iron deficiency means your body's iron stores (ferritin) are low. Anaemia is a more advanced stage where those low iron stores have begun to impair red blood cell production, leading to a low haemoglobin count. You can be iron deficient without yet being anaemic.
3. Are there specific iron-rich foods for vegetarians?
A. Absolutely. While plant-based (non-haem) iron isn't absorbed as efficiently, you can still get plenty. Excellent sources include lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, spinach, kale, nuts, seeds, and iron-fortified cereals. Remember to pair them with Vitamin C-rich foods to enhance absorption.
4. How long does it take to recover from iron deficiency anaemia?
A.With appropriate treatment like iron supplementation, you may start to feel better within a few weeks. However, it can take several months to fully replenish your body's iron stores. It's vital to continue treatment as long as your doctor recommends, even after you feel improved.
5. Can you exercise if you have anaemia?
A.It's generally safe to do light to moderate exercise, but listen to your body. The low oxygen-carrying capacity will likely reduce your endurance and performance. It's best to discuss an appropriate exercise plan with your doctor until your anaemia is under control.
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