Anemia is a condition which is characterised by low levels of red blood cells in the blood. It is diagnosed by a low haemoglobin count while having a standard blood test.
Haemoglobin is the protein found in the red blood cells which transports and distributes oxygen throughout the body. So, if a person has anemia, his/her haemoglobin count will be lower than the normal range. The condition may cause low levels of oxygen supply to your body tissues and organs.
Symptoms of anaemia might vary depending on the cause:
Types of Anemia
Megaloblastic anaemia is defined by red blood cells that are larger and fewer in number than the normal range. It usually occurs when the red blood cells are not formed appropriately. The condition affects the movement of cells in the bloodstream and the oxygen supply.
Causes of Megaloblastic Anemia
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 and folate are the two most common causes of megaloblastic anaemia. The two nutrients are essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. When the body doesn’t get enough of them, the quality and number of red blood cells starts degrading.
Iron deficiency anemia is the opposite of Megaloblastic Anemia. In this, the cells are smaller and fewer in number than the normal range. As a result, there aren’t enough cells to supply oxygen to the body organs and tissues.
Causes of Iron deficiency Anemia
In aplastic anemia, the bone marrow stops generating new blood cells. Sometimes it stops producing the one type but more often it stops producing all three i.e. red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The condition is rare but it’s completely curable.
Thalassemia is a blood disorder caused by a lack of haemoglobin production. This results in the less number of red blood cells and haemoglobin than the required range. It is an inherited condition.
Symptoms of Iron and B12 deficiency
Since iron and vitamin B12 are essential for red blood cells, here are some of the symptoms to look for, in case you feel that you have deficiency of any of the mentioned nutrients.
Diagnosis can be done with the help of various methods:
Complete blood count (CBC) test, through which the count of cells, haemoglobin and other components in the body is measured . Following the test, the doctor will inquire about your family and medical history.
Peripheral blood smear examination, the test examines the size and shape of your red blood cells.
Hematocrit test measures the amount of blood and percentage of red blood cells in the body.
Hemoglobin test determines the amount of haemoglobin protein present in the blood. The count will be low, if you are anemic.
The Serum Iron test determines the amount of iron in the blood.
Reticulocyte count determines the number of new red blood cells formed in the blood.
Anemia that is inherited, cannot be prevented. However, anemia caused by deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin B9 could be cured by following a healthy diet. This includes having foods that provide iron and these vitamins, along with vitamin C food sources that will help your body with the absorption.
Keep yourself hydrated because some studies have also indicated that it will help keep hemoglobin levels up.
Haemato Oncology Care Centre (HOCC) provides comprehensive treatment for patients with blood disorders and blood cancers in Gujarat. HOCC’s team is led by one of India’s leading haematooncologists, Dr. Seema Bhatwadekar. If you have been experiencing chronic symptoms, consult the team of experts at HOCC without any delay.
Because Blood Count Matters, Count On Us.