
26/09/2025
Anaemia: When Your Body Runs Low on Energy.
What is Anemia?
Anaemia happens when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells (or they don’t work properly). Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around your body – so without enough, you feel weak, tired, or out of breath.
Did you know that many people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) also struggle with anaemia?
Here’s why: our kidneys don’t just clean our blood – they also produce a special hormone called erythropoietin (EPO). This hormone acts like a signal to your bone marrow, telling it to make red blood cells. These red cells are the ones that carry oxygen to every corner of your body, giving you energy and strength.
When kidneys are damaged, they produce less EPO → which means fewer red blood cells → which leads to anemia.
Symptoms of Anemia in CKD may include:
😴 Constant tiredness and weakness
🫁 Shortness of breath, even after light activity
🤯 Dizziness or feeling faint
🧠 Trouble concentrating
👩 Pale or washed-out skin
The good news? 🙌 Anaemia can be treated and managed! Doctors may use:
💉 EPO injections to replace what kidneys no longer make
💊 Iron supplements to help build red blood cells
🩸 Blood transfusions in severe cases
👉 If you or someone you love has CKD and feels unusually tired, it’s worth asking about anaemia. Early treatment can make a big difference in energy, mood, and overall quality of life.
Our kidneys may be small, but they play a huge role in keeping us strong. Let’s spread awareness and look after them! 💙