Up to five percent of Australians have iron deficiency anaemia, according to the Better Health Channel. Low iron levels in the body are the primary reason for anaemia, which can be caused by different factors. If you think you may be at risk of iron deficiency, keep reading to find out if you have anaemia or are at risk.
What is Anaemia?
Anaemia is a condition rather than a disease itself that results from a dysfunction in the body resulting from a lower-than-normal red blood cell count. Low levels of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the body cause extreme weakness because the cells in the body do not receive enough oxygen. Red blood cells use haemoglobin (a protein) to carry oxygen around the body, which in turn performs its various duties. Low levels of haemoglobin and RBCs cause the blood to supply insufficient amounts of oxygen to the tissues, thus forcing the heart and lungs to work harder to pump additional oxygen to where it is needed.
Different Types of Anaemia
There are various types of anaemia, but they all result in a significant decrease in RBCs.
- Iron deficiency anaemia: This occurs when the body runs low on iron, mainly due to inadequate dietary intake, diseases such as gastritis and stomach cancer, and menstruation.
- Pernicious anaemia (B12 deficiency anaemia): This is caused by inadequate absorption of vitamin B12 from the diet. B12 is most commonly sourced from animal meat, thus placing vegetarians and vegans at a higher risk of developing pernicious anaemia. It may also be caused by diseases that affect absorption, such as stomach cancers, ulcers and small intestine disease.
- Megaloblastic anaemia (Folic acid deficiency anaemia): This type of anaemia is usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption and inadequate intake of dietary folic acid.
- Sickle cell anaemia: This type of anaemia is caused by an abnormal type of haemoglobin that causes the red blood cells to become misshapen and sticky, which can block small blood vessels and prevent oxygen from being properly transported around the body.
- Aplastic anaemia: This is a condition where the body produces inadequate new blood cells. Aplastic anaemia can be caused by a number of things, including certain viruses, autoimmune disorders and exposure to certain chemicals or drugs.
Blood disorders, such as thalassaemia, can also cause anaemia and other health conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, heart and other organs.
Source: Jessica Wilson
Causes of Anaemia
Anaemia can be congenital or acquired. Inadequate RBCs can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic conditions, insufficient iron from food, or medical conditions. People with a family history of anaemia or blood diseases have an increased risk of developing the condition, as do people with the following:
- Autoimmune disorders, such as autoimmune hemolytic anaemia, cause cells of the immune system to target the red blood cells, thus reducing their quality and lifespan.
- Blood loss caused by heavy menstruation, trauma, surgery, peptic ulcers, cancer, bowel cancer or frequent blood donations may cause a reduction and abnormal levels of RBC/haemoglobin.
- Bone marrow disorders, including infection or cancer.
- Chronic diseases, such as TB, may lead to a slow metabolism and poor absorption of iron.
- Dietary deficiency. Low levels of RBCs and haemoglobin may occur with low intakes of dietary iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid.
- Drugs and medications. Certain drugs may affect RBC and haemoglobin levels. Some of these include alcohol, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and anti-coagulant drugs.
- Hormone disorders, including hypothyroidism.
- Infection: Certain infections affect RBC quality, thus reducing their lifespan. Some of these include septicaemia and malaria.
- Inherited disorders, including sickle cell disease or thalassaemia.
- Malabsorption issues may cause lower than normal RBC/haemoglobin levels as the body is unable to efficiently absorb nutrients (such as iron) from foods.
- Rapid growth periods. High energy requirement and high growth periods, such as pregnancy and puberty, may affect RBC and haemoglobin levels.
Symptoms of Anaemia
The symptoms of anaemia vary according to the cause or nature of the condition. Some people may not even manifest any symptoms. However, symptoms of iron deficiency are one of the primary indicators of anaemia, such as the following:
- Abnormal food cravings
- Angina
- Appetite loss
- Difficulties with concentration
- Dizziness
- Fatigue & weakness
- Fainting
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Irritability
- Orthostatic hypertension (rapid drop in blood pressure upon standing from a lying/sitting position)
- Pale skin
- Reddened/ cracked tongue
- Shortness of breath
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle nails
Those at High Risk of Anaemia
Anyone who is iron deficient is at risk of developing anaemia, though the following are more susceptible:
- Athletes
- Babies (particularly if premature)
- Cancer, stomach ulcers and some chronic diseases patients
- Extreme dieters (fad diets)
- Women with excessive menstrual blood loss
- Pregnant/breastfeeding women
- Teenagers going through puberty
- Vegetarians
How is Anaemia Diagnosed?
A doctor reviews the patient's medical history and performs a physical exam to diagnose anaemia. They may also conduct additional tests to rule out gastrointestinal conditions, such as coeliac disease, which may be causing the same symptoms as anaemia. The following is what you can expect from a diagnostic procedure for anaemia:
- Blood tests, including complete blood count and blood iron levels, vitamin B12 and folate levels
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Faecal occult blood test
- Gastroscopy or colonoscopy
- Kidney function tests
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Urine tests
Traditional Treatment Options for Anaemia
A patient's treatment plan will be determined by the cause of their condition as determined by the results of their diagnosis. One of the medical care approaches listed below may be prescribed, but in severe cases, constant monitoring of treatment should be done. This means the patient's treatment plan may be changed every now and then if the doctor deems it necessary.
- Alteration of medication regimen that may be affecting RBC/ haemoglobin levels
- Antibiotics (if infection has caused the anaemia)
- Blood transfusions
- Injections of iron
- Injections of vitamin B12
- Oxygen therapy
- Splenectomy (surgery to remove the spleen)
- Supplementation of deficient vitamins and minerals.
- Surgery to control heavy, abnormal bleeding
Natural Treatments for Anaemia
There are a number of natural remedies that people can use to help treat anaemia. Some of the most popular include eating iron-rich foods, drinking beet juice and taking iron supplements, as well as other dietary supplements that contain vitamin B12 and folate. These treatments can be effective in many cases, but it is important to speak with a doctor before starting any kind of treatment plan. The following natural therapies have also been found to be beneficial to anaemia patients:
If left untreated, anaemia can lead to a number of complications, including heart failure, stroke, cognitive decline and bone marrow failure. However, with the right treatment, it can be managed effectively and improve the quality of life.
Originally published on Aug 05, 2010
