Anemia is characterised by a lack of red blood cells.

The major protein in your red blood cells is haemoglobin. It transports and distributes oxygen throughout your body. If you have anemia, the amount of haemoglobin in your body will be below average. Anemia is diagnosed by low haemoglobin or hematocrit level on a standard blood test.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of anemia might vary

• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or like you’re about to pass out
• Heartbeats that are too fast or abnormal
• Headache
• Pain in your bones, chest, belly, and joints
• Growth issues in children and teenagers
• Breathing problems
• Pale or yellow-tinged skin
• Cold hands and feet
• Weakness or exhaustion

Diagnosis

Your red blood cells, haemoglobin, and other components of your blood will be measured in a complete blood count (CBC) test. Following the CBC, your doctor will inquire about your family history and medical history. A doctor may conduct certain tests, including,

• Count your white blood cells, assess the shape of your red blood cells, and look for atypical cells with a blood smear.
• Check for newly formed red blood cells with a reticulocyte count.

Megaloblastic Anemia

Megaloblastic anemia is a condition defined by the presence of RBCs that are larger in size and fewer in number than normal.

Megaloblastic anemia occurs when RBCs are not formed properly. The blood cells may not be able to escape the bone marrow and reach the bloodstream to give oxygen because they are too big.

Causes of Megaloblastic Anemia

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency are the two most common causes of megaloblastic anemia.

These two nutrients are required for the production of healthy red blood cells. When you don’t get enough of them, your RBCs’ makeup changes. As a result, cells fail to divide and replicate as they should.

Iron-deficiency Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common kind of anemia in which red blood cells (RBC) are smaller and fewer in number than normal. As a result, there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.

Symptoms of Iron and B12 deficiency

• Weakness or exhaustion
• Pale or yellow skin
• Breathing problems
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Aches and pains
• Irregular heartbeats
• Pain in the chest
• Cold Hands and feet
• Brittle Nails, cracked Nails that are flat or spoon-shaped
• Hair loss
• Cracks near your mouth’s side
• Pica (cravings for non-food items such as dirt, starch, clay, or ice)
• A tongue that is sore and swollen
• Restless legs syndrome (a strong need to move your legs) is a common ailment.

Causes

Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors:

• Blood loss
• Abnormal red blood cell production
• Vitamin deficiency (diet, megaloblastic anemia)
• Chronic conditions (old age, kidney disease)

Keeping track of your blood health is essential. HOCC provides comprehensive treatment for patients with blood disorders and blood cancers. If you’re showing any symptoms, consult the team of experts at HOCC without any delay.

Because Blood Count Matters, Count On Us.