What Is Anemia?

Human blood has many types of cells that perform various functions to keep the body up and running, like RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. The major function of Red Blood Cells is to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide to different parts of the body. A crucial protein in RBCs, called hemoglobin, carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. A person suffering from Anemia will have a shortage of these RBCs or very low hemoglobin levels.

Anemia can present itself in many ways. Some common symptoms include shortness of breath and excessive tiredness. Based on the causes and symptoms, Anemia can be of different types. Typically, supplements, medical procedures, and healthy diets are part of the treatment for Anemia.

Anemia often targets women. In 2019, the World Health Organisation, or WHO, reported 539 million or 30% cases of Anemia in non-pregnant women. Similarly, 32 million pregnant women, or 37% of total pregnant women in the age group of 15 to 49 years, suffered from Anemia. Unfortunately, this figure is higher in India. The government reported an increase in Anemia cases from 54.2% in 2015 to 58.9% in 2021. 21 states reported an exponential increase in Anemia cases. In India, adolescent women were the major group that suffered from Anemia.

Types Of Anemia

Anemia can be of different types, depending on its cause, symptoms, and effects. There are five major types of Anemia –

#1 Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic Anemia is a rare yet serious condition in which the patient’s body stops producing enough new RBCs. This usually occurs due to damage to the stem cells in the bone marrow. This inability leads the patient to experience more fatigue, is highly prone to infections, and also suffers from uncontrolled bleeding. The diagnosis usually involves blood tests, bone marrow exam, and biopsy.

This condition is so severe that it can present itself with practically no symptoms. When symptoms are, in fact, present, they include fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heart rate, pale skin, nosebleeds and bleeding gums, dizziness, and headache. Aplastic Anemia treatment typically includes blood transfusion, bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, and medication.

#2 Iron Deficiency Anemia

One of the most commonly diagnosed types of Anemia is iron deficiency Anemia. This is caused by an inadequate amount of iron in the body or, simply put, nutritional deficiencies. The hemoglobin in the RBCs is bound by iron as the central element. If iron is missing, hemoglobin can no longer function accurately, and the amount of healthy RBCs drops. The diagnostic tests for iron deficiency Anemia include testing hemoglobin levels, hematocrit levels, endoscopy, colonoscopy, and ultrasound.

Iron deficiency Anemia presents itself through excessive tiredness, shortness of breath, and unusual cravings for conventionally non-nutritive objects. Its most typical treatment includes iron supplements. Severe iron deficiency Anemia may lead to further health problems during pregnancy, delayed development in children, and heart problems.

#3 Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle Cell Anemia is an inherited disorder that presents itself in the progeny when both parents pass on the mutated gene that dictates the production of hemoglobin. In this, the shape of the RBCs is affected. As the name suggests, these cells have a sickle or crescent moon shape. The deformed shape reduces their ability to carry adequate oxygen. They also become rigid and sticky, which inadvertently slows down smooth blood flow.

The symptoms of sickle cell Anemia are often seen as early as 6 months of age and usually include intense pain episodes, swelling, delayed puberty and growth, or vision problems. It can also lead to several complications. The best way to prevent sickle cell Anemia in the progeny is to consult a genetic counselor and verify if you or your partner have the gene.

Once detected, sickle cell anemia can only be managed. Some means of management focus on avoiding pain, fixing the symptoms, and preventing further complications. A stem cell transplant can sometimes cure the disease completely. Blood transfusions, stem cell gene addition therapy, and gene editing therapy may also be employed to fix the disease. Additionally, doctors prescribe several medications and drugs to control the symptoms. For instance, kids might be required to take penicillin consistently to avoid infections.

#4 Thalassemia

Similar to sickle cell Anemia, thalassemia is also an inherited disorder caused by a mutated gene, which reduces the hemoglobin content in the blood. Thus, a person suffering from Thalassemia will experience regular fatigue and tiredness. The first symptoms may appear at the infant stage or during the first couple of years. Thalassemia can potentially cause complications like infections, enlarged spleen, bone deformities, and slow growth rates.

Typical symptoms include pale skin, weakness, facial bone deformities, delayed growth, abdominal swelling, and dark urine. Mild thalassemia sometimes does not need any Anemia treatment. However, severe thalassemia may require frequent blood transfusion, chelation therapy, stem cell transplant, and consistent drugs to control iron overload.

#5 Vitamin Deficiency Anemia

Vitamin B12 has the main function of keeping our body’s blood cells and nerve cells healthy. Similarly, folate or vitamin B9 helps the body in adequate production of RBCs. Thus, a lack of either of these vitamins and similar nutritional deficiencies will reduce the required RBC count and affect the patient’s blood health. The RBCs produced without these vitamins are often too large and cannot function properly. The risk of Vitamin deficiency Anemia may increase because of autoimmune diseases, like Crohn’s, celiac, and type 1 disease, alcohol abuse, and intestinal surgeries.

Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin, irregular heart rate, weight loss, numbness in the limbs, muscle weakness, and mental confusion. Vitamin deficiency may also cause increased complications in pregnant women and lead to nervous system disorders. To prevent vitamin deficiency Anemia, doctors advise maintaining a healthy diet. Adults typically need 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 and 100 mcg of folate in their daily diet, which can be procured from foods like chicken, fish, eggs, milk, broccoli, spinach, oranges, bananas, grain products, mushrooms, etc.

Symptoms Of Anemia

As elaborated in the above sections, the symptoms of Anemia depend on the specific type and severity of the anemia. Mild Anemia can often have no symptoms at all. If another disease causes Anemia, the symptoms of the former might hide those of the latter.

Despite that, we can chalk out some of the common and potential symptoms of Anemia –

1. Tiredness
2. Shortness of breath
3. Pale skin
4. Excessive weakness
5. Irregular heart rate
6. Lightheadedness
7. Dizziness
8. Chest pain
9. Numbness in the limbs
10. Headaches
11. Cold limbs

Anemia Diagnosis

The most common method of Anemia diagnosis is routine blood tests. In an average adult, the hemoglobin count should be 14 to 18 grams/decilitre for men and 12 to 16 grams/decilitre for women. Additionally, blood tests measure the count of RBCs in blood, which are called hematocrit values. They should be 40 to 52% for men and 35 to 47% for women. Typically, a complete blood count that tests the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is conducted.

In addition to these routine tests, the physician or doctor may order a study of the bone marrow to diagnose Anemia if it is too severe. When you visit your doctor, ensure to include all the symptoms, family history, personal information, and any other medical supplements that you might be taking. To accurately diagnose Anemia, the doctor will most likely ask a set of questions along these lines –

1. Are your symptoms consistent?
2. Do you often experience severe symptoms?
3. Does a specific activity seem to make your symptoms better or worse?
4. Do you consume meat or eggs regularly?
5. Do you eat fruits regularly?
6. Do you consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes?
7. Do you donate blood frequently?

In addition to the above, doctors may conduct other diagnostic tests for intermediate to advanced Anemia. These are done to identify not only the underlying cause but also the type. Here are a few examples:

1. Reticulocyte count: This test measures the number of young, immature red blood cells in the blood. A low count suggests insufficient production of RBCs.
   
2. Iron studies: This panel of tests assesses the body’s iron levels and measures stored iron, circulating iron, total iron-binding capacity TIBC, and iron transport efficiency.
   
3. Vitamin B12 and folate levels: These tests measure the levels of vitamin B12 and folate in the blood, which are essential for RBC production. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to specific types of Anemia.
   
4. Bone marrow biopsy: In more complex cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be necessary. This procedure involves taking a small sample of bone marrow to evaluate its ability to produce blood cells, helping diagnose conditions like aplastic Anemia or certain types of blood cancers.
   
5. Additional tests: Depending on the suspected underlying cause of Anemia, additional tests may be ordered, such as an endoscopy or colonoscopy to check for bleeding or malabsorption issues and urinalysis to detect hemolysis or kidney function problems.

Anemia Treatment

The treatment for Anemia differs widely depending on its type, severity, and causes. Generally, if it’s minor Anemia, it can be fixed with a healthy diet, minor supplements, and a few medications. Severe Anemia may require a blood transfusion, chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplant. Ultimately, the doctor can rightfully assess the patient’s condition and advise treatment methods.

Prognosis refers to the likely course and outcome of a disease or medical condition. Understanding the prognosis for anemia is crucial as it helps patients and doctors alike anticipate potential complications, the effectiveness of treatment options, and the overall impact on the patient’s health. The prognosis for Anemia varies widely based on its type, underlying causes, and the individual’s overall health, making it essential to assess each carefully.

• Mild forms of Anemia, such as iron deficiency or vitamin deficiency Anemia, often have a good prognosis when diagnosed early and treated with dietary changes or supplements.
  
• In cases where chronic diseases cause Anemia, the prognosis depends on managing those conditions and symptoms.
  
• For inherited types of Anemia, management focuses on symptom control and preventing complications since these can rarely be cured completely.
  
• Severe Anemia may require intensive treatment. The doctor’s overall prognosis is influenced by the patient’s response to these treatments.
  
• Regular follow-up appointments with the doctor are crucial for monitoring recovery and making necessary changes to the treatment plans.

Potential Causes Of Anemia

The causes of Anemia depend on the type of Anemia. Sometimes, Anemia can also be caused by another underlying disease or issue; in this case, it is essential to address the issue.

• Aplastic Anemia – The body fails to produce enough new RBCs.
• Iron Deficiency Anemia – Inadequate iron in the body hinders the production of hemoglobin and RBCs.
• Sickle Cell Anemia – This is an inherited condition which presents itself in the progeny when both parents pass on the mutated gene. The mutated gene causes the RBCs to be produced in a crescent shape, which reduces their ability to carry enough oxygen.
• Thalassemia – It is also an inherited condition that manifests in the progeny when parents pass on mutated genes. These genes hinder the production of hemoglobin chains and result in a reduced count of functioning RBCs.
• Vitamin deficiency Anemia – When the body does not receive enough vitamins, it can result in reduced hemoglobin in the blood level.

Other types of Anemia caused by underlying issues –

• Anemia of inflammation – Any disease that causes ongoing inflammation can also cause a hurdle for the body to produce enough RBCs.
• Anemia induced by bone marrow disease – Since RBCs are produced in the red bone marrow, any bone marrow disease can affect their production.
• Hemolytic Anemia – This is a type of anemia caused when the RBCs are depleted faster than the body can replace them. It’s usually inherited.

Other Factors That Can Affect Anemia

Other factors, like age, gender and dietary habits can affect the cause and severity of Anemia. Understanding their connection is crucial for identifying those at risk for Anemia and implementing preventive measures.

Age

Anemia can affect individuals at any age, but certain groups are more susceptible. In infants and young children, iron deficiency is common due to rapid growth and inadequate dietary intake. Pregnant women in the age group of 15 to 49 are also at a very high risk. Older adults may also be at risk due to chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, or decreased absorption of nutrients, leading to a higher prevalence of Anemia in these age groups.

Gender

Gender plays a significant role in the prevalence of Anemia, particularly iron deficiency Anemia. Women, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, may experience increased iron demands, making them more susceptible to Anemia. Men, while less frequently affected by iron deficiency, can experience Anemia related to chronic diseases or other medical conditions.

Diet

Nutritional choices significantly impact the risk of developing iron deficiency or vitamin deficiency Anemia. Diets low in iron-rich foods (like meat and leafy greens) can lead to iron deficiency. Similarly, inadequate intake of vitamins B12 and folate found in animal products contributes to specific types of Anemia. A diet high in processed foods and low in nutrition can further increase the risk.

Why Is It Important To Understand Anemia?

Understanding anemia is essential not only for public health reasons but also to maintain the well-being of you and your family. Mild Anemia can be resolved quickly. However, severe Anemia can become fatal very quickly. Find why understanding Anemia is important below –

1. Anemia is a widespread health issue affecting millions, particularly women and children. Therefore, awareness and early detection are needed.
2. If left untreated, Anemia can lead to severe complications like fatigue and immune dysfunction, thus, making timely recognition crucial.
3. Knowledge of Anemia’s symptoms can help individuals improve their daily functioning and overall well-being.
4. Understanding the role of nutrition in preventing Anemia encourages healthier eating habits and benefits overall health.
5. Awareness enables individuals to discuss screening and treatment options with doctors.
6. Understanding Anemia aids in public health initiatives aimed at reducing its incidence through education.

Prevention Of Anemia

Once you’ve understood the importance and effects of Anemia, it is equally important to look at some of its preventive measures. Here are a few general pieces of advice –

1. Incorporate iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, and dark leafy greens.
2. Ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12 from sources like eggs, dairy products, fortified cereals, and folate from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
3. Consider iron supplements after a doctor’s prescription if you’re at a high risk of iron deficiency.
4. Routine blood tests can help monitor iron levels and overall health, allowing for early detection and intervention.
5. Address any sources of chronic bleeding, such as ulcers or heavy periods, through regular medical consultations.

FAQs

Q1. Is Anemia life-threatening?

The severity of the Anemia depends on its type and how far it has progressed. Often, untreated Anemia can be life-threatening. Because it creates a scenario where the body cannot carry enough oxygen, it can cause severe complications going ahead.

Q2. How do you fix Anemia?

Iron deficiency Anemia or vitamin deficiency Anemia can be fixed through supplements, basic meds, and a healthy diet. However, more severe forms of Anemia may need regular blood transfusions, stem cell transplants, and surgery. In some forms of Anemia, like sickle cell Anemia, we can only control and manage the symptoms since it cannot be cured completely without major treatment.

Q3. How does Anemia affect your life?

The major consequence of any type of Anemia is that your body does not have adequate RBCs or hemoglobin to carry oxygen. Lack of oxygen can lead to fatigue, tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat. Some severe forms of Anemia may also cause uncontrolled bleeding.

Q4. How can I increase my hemoglobin levels fast?

To increase your hemoglobin levels, you must eat iron-rich foods, like spinach, lentils, beans, tofu, and vitamin-C-rich foods, like citrus fruits, berries, etc. Avoid drinking caffeine-rich drinks, like coffee, tea, etc.

Q5. Can Anemia cause hair loss?

Iron deficiency Anemia in its extreme stages can cause hair loss. This could be androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss.