Anaemia
Anaemia is a problem of not having enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Haemoglobin is a protein found in red cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all other organs in the body. Having anaemia can cause tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath.
Causes
Anaemia occurs when the blood doesn’t have enough haemoglobin or red blood cells.
This can happen if:
- The body doesn’t make enough haemoglobin or red blood cells.
- Bleeding causes loss of red blood cells and haemoglobin faster than they can be replaced.
- The body destroys red blood cells and the haemoglobin that’s in them.
Symptoms
Possible symptoms of anaemia include:
- Tiredness.
- Weakness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pale or yellowish skin, which might be more obvious on white skin than on Black or brown skin.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Dizziness or light-headedness.
- Chest pain.
Prevention
Many types of anaemia can’t be prevented. But eating a healthy diet might prevent iron deficiency anaemia and vitamin deficiency anaemias. A healthy diet includes:
- Iron. Iron-rich foods include beef and other meats, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, and dried fruit.
- Folate. This nutrient, and its human-made form folic acid, can be found in fruits and fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables, green peas, kidney beans, peanuts, and enriched grain products, such as bread, cereal, pasta and rice.
- Vitamin B-12. Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include meat, dairy products, and fortified cereals and soy products.
- Vitamin C. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits and juices, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, melons, and strawberries. These also help the body take in iron.
If you’re concerned about getting enough vitamins and minerals from food, ask your health care provider about taking a multivitamin.
Treatment
- Identify the cause and treat.
- Iron supplementation
- Folic acid supplementation
Conclusion
Anaemia happens when you don’t have enough red blood cells or your red blood cells aren’t working as well as they could. Some people are born with forms of anaemia, but most people who have anaemia develop the condition over time. That’s why it’s important to keep track of changes in your body. For example, we all have days when we feel worn out. But if you’re feeling very tired for several days despite getting rest, consider talking to your healthcare provider.
