ANEMIA - What is Anemia?

Anemia occurs when there aren't enough red blood cells 

or oxygen-carrying protein haemoglobin in the blood

Anemia is a shortage of red bloods cells or haemoglobin in the body which means not enough oxygen is being carried around the body. Typically people with anaemia appear pale and feel tired and weak.

Anemia can result from a number of factors but iron deficiency is the most common cause.

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ANEMIA - What causes anemia?

Anemia occurs when there aren’t enough 

red blood cells or not enough of the 

oxygen-carrying protein haemoglobin in the blood

Anemia is often a symptom of an underlying medical problem. In a person with anaemia, the heart has to work harder to pump the quantity of blood needed to get enough oxygen to the body.

There are various types of anaemia but the most common type is iron deficiency anemia - when there’s not enough iron in the body. Iron from your diet is needed to produce haemoglobin. A spare store of iron is kept in your liver. Your body will draw on these reserves when iron is low but they can become depleted. If you have anaemia your bone marrow produces smaller red blood cells that don’t carry enough oxygen to your organs and tissues.

Anemia can be caused by the following factors:

• Blood loss through injury – leads to iron-deficiency anaemia
• Lack of iron, B12 or folic acid in the diet or problems absorbing iron, for example, coeliac disease
• Pregnancy
• Heavy periods
• Growth spurts in children and adolescents
• Inherited disorders, autoimmune disorders or chronic diseases, hormone and bone marrow disorders
• Drugs and medications
• Infections

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ANEMIA - Symptoms and diagnosis of anemia

Anemia may not always be obvious but there are 

some signs and symptoms to look out for.

Iron-deficiency anaemia, the most common type of anemia, affects more women than men and is also more likely in babies, teens, pregnant women or those with heavy periods and people on restrictive diets such as vegans. Athletes and people with cancer, stomach ulcers or some chronic diseases are also at risk.

Anemia may not always be obvious but some of the symptoms include:

• Pale skin
• Feeling very tired and weak
• A rapid pulse
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Problems concentrating

To diagnose anaemia a doctor will examine you and will discuss your symptoms and medical history. Other tests may include:

• A full blood count test to check iron and B12 levels
• Urine tests to check for blood in the urine
• Checking faeces for the presence of blood

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ANEMIA - Prevention and treatment of anemia

Simple adjustments to your lifestyle and eating habits 

may help prevent and treat anemia.

 

In order to prevent anemia, it is important to:

• Eat a balanced healthy diet rich in iron.
• Reduce tea and coffee intake as they make it harder for your body to absorb iron.
• Increase vitamin C intake as it may help iron absorption.

Depending on the type and severity of anemia, your doctor may suggest the following treatments:

• Iron or vitamin supplements
• Changing medication dosages
• Surgery to prevent abnormal bleeding (e.g. heavy periods)
• Surgery to remove the spleen (in relevant cases)

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