Anemia Symptoms

Table of Contents

• What is Anaemia?
• Causes of Anaemia
• Symptoms of Anaemia
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anaemia?

Anaemia, also spelled as Anaemia is the most common blood-related disorder which occurs mainly by the abnormally low levels of red blood cells. Anemia is caused due to deficiency of iron. Nutritional deficiencies—particularly iron deficiency—are the most frequent causes of anaemia; however, deficits in folate, vitamins A and B12 are also significant contributors. Anaemia can also be brought on by hemoglobinopathies and infectious conditions such as malaria, TB, HIV, and parasitic infections.

Anaemia is also referred to as the iron deficiency disorder because iron is required to produce haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that facilitates to carry oxygen all around the body. There are more than 400 types of anaemia, which are caused by blood loss, decreased in the production of red blood cells, the destruction of red blood cells, etc. Human bones from 4000 years ago have been introduced with symptoms of acute anaemia in Thailand.

Causes of Anaemia

Anaemia is a blood disorder that occurs when our blood does not have enough red blood cells. This deficiency can also be caused by:

• Autoimmune reaction
• Destruction of red blood cells
• Severe blood loss by an injury or any accidents
• Poor diet and deficiency of iron mineral in the body
• In very rare cases,  anaemia can also be hereditary, which affects infants at the time of birth.

Symptoms of Anaemia

The anaemia symptoms vary according to the type of anaemia, the severity and any other health-related issues, including haemorrhaging, ulcers, menstrual problems in women, cancer, etc.

Common Symptoms of anaemia include:

• Pica.
• Insomnia.
• Seizures.
• Jaundice.
• Vomiting.
• Pale skin.
• Leg cramps.
• Constipation.
• Abdominal pain.
• Severe joint pains.
• Shortness of breath.
• Headache and Dizziness.
• Susceptibility to infection
• Difficulty in concentrating.
• Unusual or rapid heartbeat.
• Fatigue and Loss of energy.
• Stiffness of the arms and legs.
• Dark Brown or red coloured urine.
• A tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
• Delayed growth and development in children.

Anaemia is the most common blood disorder which affects 24.8 (%) of the world’s population. Children and women are at a greater risk of developing this blood disorder and it increases as people grow older. There are many causes of Anaemia, certain factors include heredity, poor diet, deficiency of certain nutrients, and loss of blood during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, injuries, and any other internal bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

• List out the main risk factors associated with the Anaemia?

Following are the list of factors associated with the increased risk of anaemia:

1. Age
2. Loss of blood
3. Chronic and autoimmune disorders
4. Family history of an inherited anaemia
5. Kidney failure and other Intestinal disorders
6. Having a diet that is consistently low in minerals and vitamins
7. A history of certain infections, blood diseases and autoimmune disorders
8. Exposure alcoholism and other toxic chemicals, that affect the production of a red blood cell.

• What happens if the patients suffering from Anaemia is left untreated?

If the patients suffering from Anaemia is left untreated, it may result into various health problems, including, severe fatigue, heart-related disorders, caused by the lack of oxygen in the blood, Pregnancy complications like giving birth to a premature baby, acute, severe anemia, and can also lead to life-threatening complications which may result in death of a patient.

• How to prevent the cause of Anaemia?

Anaemia is the most common blood disorder which is caused by the deficiency of nutrients in the food. Having healthy and balanced diet food that includes a variety of vitamins and Iron-rich foods can prevent the loss of red blood cells in our body.

Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more about Anemia Symptoms and other related topics at BYJU’S Biology.