Anaemia is a condition in which the blood does not contain enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein found inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues in the body. When haemoglobin levels fall, organs and tissues cannot receive the oxygen they need — leading to fatigue, weakness, and a range of other symptoms. Anaemia is one of the most common blood disorders in the world and can affect people of all ages.
What Are the Symptoms of Anaemia?
The symptoms of anaemia can range from mild to severe. The most frequently encountered include:
Fatigue and weakness: Because the body is not receiving enough oxygen, a persistent sense of exhaustion develops. Even everyday activities can feel draining.
Pale or yellowish skin: As red blood cell numbers fall, the skin, lips, and inner lining of the eyes appear paler than normal.
Shortness of breath: Becoming breathless even after light exertion is a common complaint.
Heart palpitations: The heart works harder and faster to compensate for the oxygen deficit.
Headaches and dizziness: A reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching the brain can trigger these symptoms.
Cold hands and feet: Poor circulation caused by low red blood cell counts can leave the hands and feet feeling noticeably cold.
Difficulty concentrating: When the brain does not receive adequate oxygen, focus and attention can become impaired.
What Causes Anaemia?
Anaemia has many different causes, which can broadly be grouped under three headings:
Reduced production of red blood cells: Iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency; bone marrow disorders; chronic kidney disease; and certain chronic infections can all impair the body’s ability to produce red blood cells.
Accelerated destruction of red blood cells: Inherited conditions such as sickle cell anaemia, certain medications, or autoimmune diseases can cause red blood cells to break down far sooner than they should.
Blood loss: Heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, surgery, or injury can result in significant blood loss that leads to anaemia.
What Are the Types of Anaemia?
Iron-deficiency anaemia: The most common type. When the body’s iron stores are depleted, haemoglobin production falls. Poor diet, chronic bleeding, and pregnancy are among the leading causes.
Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia: Both vitamins are essential for red blood cell production. Insufficient intake or poor absorption leads to the formation of large, dysfunctional blood cells — a condition also known as megaloblastic anaemia.
Anaemia of chronic disease: In long-term conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, or chronic kidney disease, the body’s use of iron is disrupted and red blood cell production slows.
Sickle cell anaemia: An inherited disorder in which red blood cells take on an abnormal sickle shape, blocking blood vessels and breaking down rapidly.
Aplastic anaemia: A rare but serious form in which the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells.
Haemolytic anaemia: A group of conditions in which red blood cells are destroyed far more quickly than they can be replaced.
How Is Anaemia Diagnosed?
Anaemia is usually diagnosed with a simple full blood count (FBC). This test measures haemoglobin levels, the number of red blood cells, and their size. Where necessary, additional blood tests — including iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, and reticulocyte count — are ordered to determine the type and underlying cause. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be required.
How Is Anaemia Treated?
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause:
In iron-deficiency anaemia, iron supplements are prescribed and iron-rich foods (red meat, lentils, spinach, nuts) are encouraged. In severe cases, intravenous iron infusion may be administered.
In vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, the relevant supplements are given orally or by injection.
In anaemia of chronic disease, treating the underlying condition is the primary goal. Erythropoietin injections or blood transfusions may be used where necessary.
In inherited anaemias, options depending on the type may include medication, blood transfusions, or — in advanced cases — bone marrow transplantation.
When Does Anaemia Become Dangerous?
Mild anaemia can often progress without causing noticeable complaints. Left untreated, however, it can worsen over time and pave the way for serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and organ damage. During pregnancy, anaemia can threaten the health of both mother and baby. If you are experiencing severe fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, or fainting, seek medical attention without delay.
Can Anaemia Be Prevented?
While not all types of anaemia are preventable, nutrition-related anaemia is largely avoidable:
Eat iron-rich foods regularly — red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and dark leafy vegetables. Consume vitamin C-rich foods alongside these to boost iron absorption. Women with excessively heavy periods should be evaluated by a gynaecologist. Folate and iron supplementation before and during pregnancy is important.
When Should You See a Doctor?
It is advisable to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following: unexplained, persistent fatigue; shortness of breath or palpitations; pale, yellow, or greyish skin tone; frequent dizziness or fainting; unusual cravings for ice, soil, or other non-food substances (a sign known as pica); or abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding.
This content has been prepared for general informational purposes only. Please consult a healthcare provider for your individual symptoms.