What is anemia: 11 causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management

Definition of Anemia
Anemia refers to reduced oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells, which can occur due to multiple underlying causes, ranging from nutritional deficiencies to systemic problems. It may lead to a number of symptoms and signs, and must be treated before it causes complications.(Image: Canva)

Symptoms of Anemia
Common symptoms of anemia include feeling tired, dizzy, and often breathless. These could be signs your blood isn’t carrying enough oxygen. Breathlessness is one of the most common complaints of people with anemia, and they may also feel faint on suddenly standing up.(Image: Canva)

Get Blood Tests
A complete blood count along with a peripheral blood smear may be advised by your healthcare provider to confirm the presence of anemia. The blood smear may also point towards the type of anemia, and the probable causes of the same. At times, malarial parasites may be seen in the PBS, which can also cause anemia.(Image: Canva)

Understand the Type
Different anaemias need different treatments, so knowing your exact type helps avoid unnecessary or wrong remedies. One of the most common type of anemia is nutritional deficiency anemia. It can occur due to reduced levels of iron or vitamin B12 in the body. Even a reduced amount of folic acid can lead to anemia.(Image: Canva)

Boost Iron Intake
Eating iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, or red meat helps your body produce healthy red blood cells. Cooking in vessels made of iron is also recommended to some, as oil can increase the content of iron in your meals, thus aiding in prevention of reduced haemoglobin.(Image: Canva)

Don’t Forget Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is also essential, especially if you’re a vegetarian or vegan. This vitamin is crucial for the formation of haemoglobin, as it aids in maturation of the red blood cells. If your diet is unable to meet the B12 demands of your body, you may consider taking supplements after consulting your healthcare provider.(Image: Canva)

Watch for Risk Factors
Other causes of anemia include heavy periods, or any type of abnormal uterine bleeding. Pregnancy or chronic illness can also lead to anemia, and it is necessary to be extra careful with your health in such conditions. Bleeding disorders may also cause anemia.(Image: Canva)

Treat Underlying Causes
Sometimes anaemia shows a deeper problem like bleeding or illness—addressing these is vital for full recovery. For example, gastrointestinal bleeding, that presents as blood while vomiting or passage of dark coloured blood in stools, can also lead to anemia if not treated timely.(Image: Canva

Follow Treatment Plans
Keep taking supplements or medicines as prescribed, even if you feel better, to fully restore your blood. It may take three to four weeks for the haemoglobin levels to increase, and the supplements must be taken as prescribed. Iron supplements must not be taken with calcium ones, as these can interfere with the absorption.(Image: Canva)

Adopt Long-term Habits
If you are taking iron supplements, you can add sources of vitamin C to your diet, like orange juice, as it aids in enhancing the absorption of iron in the gut. Try to avoid tea while taking iron supplements. Healthy eating, regular check-ups, and staying informed help prevent anaemia from returning.(Image: Canva)
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis