Anaemia is a condition where your blood lacks enough of healthy red blood cell to carry oxygen to your body’s tissues.

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A person with anaemia will have a few or abnormal haemoglobin; the main protein in red blood cells;  that its main function is to bind oxygen and delivers it throughout your body.

If your haemoglobin level is to low, your body won’t get enough oxygen. Then you will experience fatigue because your organs are not getting what they need to function properly.

Types of Anaemia

There are many types of anaemia, each with its own cause. It can be temporary or long term, and range from mild to severe.

These are common types of anaemia you should know.

1. Reduction of red blood cell production

This type of anaemia can happen because there’s something wrong with your blood cells. This anaemia also can be cause of you don’t have enough vitamins and minerals to make your red blood cells form normally.

Conditions associated with this type of anaemia include of iron-deficiency, Vitamin-deficiency (especially B12 or folate), bone marrow and stem cell problems.

2. Blood loss

This type of anaemia can happen throught bleeding. You might won’t even notice it because it usually happen over a long period of time. The causes can include gastrointestinal conditions (haemorrhoids, gastritis, and cancer), consumption of NSAIDs medicines, a heavy period in women, post-trauma and post-surgery.

3. Aplastic anaemia

This is a rare, life-threatening anaemia occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. Its causes include infections, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and exposure to radiation and chemotherapy.

4. Sickle cell anaemia

This type of anaemia is herited. It is caused by a defective form of haemoglobin that forces red blood cells to assume an abnormal crescent (sickle) shape.

5. Hemolytic anaemia

This type of anaemia develops when red blood cells are destroyed faster than bone marrow can replace them. You can inherit this anaemia or developed it later.

Symptoms of Anaemia

There are broad range of anaemia symptoms that can be vary from person to person.

But, some of the most common symptoms of anaemia include:

  • Fatigue or lightheadedness
  • Energy loss
  • Dizziness
  • Dry and pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Body cramp
  • Unusual or rapid heart rate
  • Insomnia
  • Headache
  • Cold hands and feet

Anaemia Complications

If left untreated, anaemia can cause many health problems, such as:

  • Severe fatigue
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Heart problems, like arrhythmia and heart failure
  • Death

Prevention

Most types of anaemia can’t be prevented, but you can avoid iron deficiency anaemia which is the most common form of anaemia, by eating a healthy diet to help increase iron absorption, include:

  • Iron-rich foods
  • Folate
  • Vitamin B-12
  • Vitamin C

See your doctor if you suspect that you have anaemia. It can be a warning sign of a more serious illness. You can find and book a doctor appointment easily with Okadoc. Search your doctor based on your preference; both for in-person or virtual consultations.