25/04/2022
Anaemia = Low haemoglobin
When the body lacks healthy RBCs and the oxygen requirement of the body's tissues is not met, the condition is medically referred to as Anaemia.
Anaemia can be temporal, long-term, mild, and severe. Treatment for Anaemia will therefore vary owning on the types discussed below.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Signs: Headache, cold hands & feet, extreme fatigue. Brittle nails, swelling of tongue, weakness & fast heartbeat.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia is the most common type of Anaemia reported by women. From heavy menstruation to pregnancy stomach ulcers, various reasons can cause iron-deficiency Anaemia. However, a good iron-rich diet or supplement use can help restore the haemoglobin count.
Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia
Signs: Pale/ yellowish skin, weight loss, pins and needles in Limbs, & muscle weakness.
Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia is triggered when the body is deprived of other necessary vitamins such as folate and Vitamin B-12. A diet lacking in these can reduce RBC production. Also, if an individual cannot absorb Vit B 12 supplements, it can lead to pernicious Anaemia.
Anaemia of Inflammation.
Signs: Heart palpitations, light-headedness, exhaustion, shortness of breath and body aches.
Diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney damage, or any chronic inflammatory disease can bring down the RBC count and lead to Anaemia of Inflammation.
Hemolytic Anaemia
Signs: Paleness of skin colour, jaundiced eyes, fever, fatigue, dark urine, confusion.
Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or ulcerative colitis are some of the many issues that causes Hemolytic Anaemia, a condition where RBCs are destroyed faster than they can be produced.
Sickle Cell Anaemia
Signs: Episodes of extreme pain, swelling of limbs, frequent infections, delayed growth, & vision problems.
Sickle Cell Anaemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal, sickle-shaped red blood that dies prematurely, leading to RBC shortage.
Blood tests can help diagnose Anaemia easily, so consult a doctor and get checked in time.