Types of Anaemia

• Iron deficiency anaemia is associated with low iron levels. Iron is required for the production of haemoglobin. Low levels of iron in the body lead to low levels of hemeoglobin. This is known as iron deficiency anaemia. 
• Megaloblastic anaemia: A deficiency of vitamin B12 and folate leads to improper DNA production due to red blood cells growing as large, mature, and weak. These cells get destroyed early. And leads to megaloblastic anaemia. 
• Sickle cell anaemia: This leads to the formation of moon-shaped cells, causing a disturbance in blood flow due to the abnormal structure. Hence, due to their improper functioning, the condition leads to anaemia. 
•  Hemolytic anaemia: The red blood cells, which are present in the body, carry oxygen all over the body. The lifespan of a Red blood cell is approximately 120 days, but in this condition, their lifespan is reduced, and the body cannot replace blood cells at the rate they are being destroyed. Due to these abnormal mechanisms, haemoglobin levels drop, causing anaemia.  
• Secondary anaemia: It is not caused by a blood problem but by a Chronic illness, which leads to blood loss, abnormal iron absorption, and other issues, ultimately causing anaemia. For instance, if a person is suffering from bleeding piles, the blood loss can cause a low haemoglobin level in the blood, leading to anaemia. To treat these kinds of anaemia, treating the chronic illness is crucial. 

Risk Factors and Causes of Anaemia 

• Aging
• Family History or Genetic predisposition
• Blood loss 
• Lack of iron, Vitamin B12, and folate 
• Unhealthy Diet
• Other Medical conditions, Such as cancer, piles, Hypersplenism, and Renal failure, Menorragia: Excessive menstrual bleeding leads to anaemia

General Symptoms of Anaemia 

You may notice the symptoms of anaemia immediately or later, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Anaemia is often not detected in time because its symptoms, such as weakness and poor concentration, are frequently overlooked unless they become severe. 

Consider visiting a doctor when these symptoms are observed. 

• Pale, Dull Skin

• Weakness, fatigue, difficulty in performing mental and physical tasks due to weakness

• Headaches

• Swelling of feet and hands

• Shortness of breath

• Cold hands and feet

• Dizziness

• Irregular heartbeat 

• Brittle nails or hair loss

• Poor concentration

Grades of Anaemia 

Normal Haemoglobin Level

Males – 13- 17 g/dL

Female – 12- 16 g/dL

Teen boys – 13+ g/dL

Teen girls – 12+  g/dL  

Mild Grade – Haemoglobin level is around 10

• A person might not feel anything.
• I feel tired, and my skin looks a little pale.
• Usually found during routine checkups or blood tests, as some people do not understand that these symptoms are linked to anaemia. 
• A dietary adjustment may help alleviate the condition. 
• However, a prolonged state of mild anaemia requires treatment from professionals to determine the cause. 

Moderate Grade – Haemoglobin is around 7 to 9 

• A person feels Tired all the time.
• Fatigue and Weakness
• Fast heartbeats
• A person feels difficulty in breathing.

Severe Grade – Haemoglobin is around 6 to 7 

•  A person feels very tired.
• Dizziness, extreme fatigue, and weakness
• Difficulty in breathing 
• Fast heartbeats 
• Can not focus or do standard stuff
• This condition requires immediate medical treatment. 

Life-threatening- Haemoglobin is below 5

• A person might become unconscious or Faint.
• Chest pain
• A person can go into Shock. 
• Risk of heart failure or death 
• A person requires emergency care and hospitalisation. 

Diagnosis of Anaemia

• Anaemia is diagnosed through clinical symptoms and physical examination by healthcare professionals.
• CBC – Complete Blood Count
• Peripheral blood smear
• Iron studies
• Vitamin B12 and folate levels 
• Reticulo counts   

Treatment of Anaemia

Generally, the treatment of anaemia includes

• Oral Supplements
• Blood transfusion in a severe condition 
• Intravenous Iron or B12 treatment 
• Intramuscular Iron or B12 
• Dietary changes 
• Immunosuppressive therapy in a genetic type of anaemia 
• Treatment of underlying primary diseases. 

Anaemia in Women

Menstrual Blood Loss

Blood loss during the menstrual cycle is a common phenomenon, but heavy blood loss can be the reason behind the occurrence of anaemia in women more commonly than in men. When women suffer from menorrhagia, which is heavy blood loss during their period, it reduces iron levels in the blood.

Due to reduced iron levels, it led to Anaemia. 

Pregnancy and Childbirth 

• During pregnancy, a woman requires extra nourishment for herself and her baby.
• The baby receives nutrition and iron from the mother.
• If Mother does not get enough iron through her food, she develops Anaemia. 
• During childbirth, a woman undergoes blood loss, which leads to a low level of red blood cells, causing Anaemia. 

Dietary Gaps

Many girls and women do not eat enough iron-rich food. Many women often ignore their meal times due to their work priorities and busy work schedules. 

Lifestyle and Diet Management for Anaemia 

• Eat an iron-rich diet by adding green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beetroot to your meals.
• Eat your meal on time, and have a balanced meal.
• Avoid Excessive consumption of tea and coffee. Have it in a moderate amount.
• Adequate hours of sleep 
• Moderate physical Exercise and Yoga.
• Avoidance of smoking and alcohol consumption 

Early detection of Anaemia and proper treatment, including a balanced diet, reduces further complications.

Timely detection of symptoms, diagnostic tests, and consultation with a doctor are key factors in maintaining a healthy life. Our platform offers home blood testing, doctor consultations, and a platform to understand and educate oneself about common symptoms.