Decoding the Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Anaemia
14-07-2017 | Posted By: Rajni Joshi | 3743 View(s)
Anaemia is a common blood disorder which is defined as a decrease in the total amount of Red Blood Cells(RBCs) or haemoglobin in the blood. Anaemia occurs when there is a deficiency of Red Blood Cells in the body. If the level of Red Blood Cells in your blood is lower than the normal range; it means that you have Anemia. Anaemia is a However, many people don’t tend to realise that they are anaemic. This article will provide insight into the many Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Anaemia so that you can take a proper prevention before any other health condition attacks you.
Anaemia is a condition wherein your blood lacks enough healthy RBCs or haemoglobin, and there’s lowered ability of the blood to carry the oxygen. Haemoglobin binds oxygen, and it is the main part of red blood cells. When a person has abnormal, or a few red blood cells, or the haemoglobin is low or abnormal, the cells in the body can not get the required amount of oxygen.So now Let’s find out the common causes and Symptoms of Anaemia!
The Common Causes of Anaemia may Include:
-Excessive blood loss
-Faulty Red Blood Cell Productions
-Destruction of RBCs by the Body
-Body not making enough Red Blood Cells
Other Factors may Include:
-It can be hereditary, and an infant may be affected from the time of birth
-Lack of iron in your Daily Diet
-Poor Diet and Medical conditions in older adults
-Blood loss during Menstruation and Childbirth in Women
There are many types of anaemia, the causes of anaemia and its treatment varies or may depend on the type of anaemia. Majorly, there are three main groups according to their cause including:
-Due to blood loss
-Due to decreased production of RBCs and production of faulty Red Blood Cells.
-Destruction of Red Blood Cells by the Body
Symptoms of Anaemia
Different types of anaemia have different symptoms altogether. Thus, the Signs and symptoms of anaemia differ according to the kind of anaemia, the underlying cause of anaemia and its severity and any other underlying health problems such as ulcers, menstrual problems, haemorrhage and cancer.
Some of the Specific symptoms that are common to most types of anaemia are:
-Fast or irregular Heartbeats
-Fatigue
-Paleness of skin or yellowish Skin
-Weakness
-Shortness of Breath
-Chest Pain
-Headache
-Light Headedness or Dizziness
-Cold hands and Feet
-Loss of energy
-Not able to concentrate
-Pale skin
-Unusual rapid heartbeat
-Leg cramps
In the initial stage, anaemia can be mild and unnoticeable. But if it remains untreated, the problem may worsen. But do not worry, we have come up with these home remedies that can help treat anaemia but do not stop taking your prescribed medicines. Just incorporate these remedies to recover faster. Yes, fortunately, these home remedies can at least help boost the energy and restore your vitality.
Other symptoms of this health condition are associated with specific forms and causes of anaemia such as:
1. Iron-Deficiency Anaemia
This is one of the most common types of Anaemia and occurs when there is a shortage of iron in your body. Our bone marrow requires iron to make haemoglobin, and if there is iron deficiency, our body is not able to produce enough haemoglobin for Red Blood Cells. Iron-Deficiency Anaemia is also caused by blood loss, ulcer, cancer and regular use of pain relievers such as aspirin.
People who have Iron Deficiency in the body may experience the following symptoms:
• Hunger for substances like paper, ice or dirt.
• Sore mouth
• An Upward curvature of the nails.
2. Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia
Our body needs Vitamin B-12 so that it can produce an adequate number of healthy Red Blood Cells. If your diet does not contain these vitamins and other key nutrients; it can lead to a decrease in the Red Blood Cell Production. Also, some people intake the right amount of Vitamin B-12, but their bodies are not able to process the vitamin. This is also one of the causes of Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia, which is medically termed as Pernicious Anaemia. Go for Vitamin B12 test to measure a number of vitamins in the body and ensure a healthy living.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia are as follows:
• Tingling sensation in the hands or the feet.
• Difficulty in walking
• Feeling clumsy
• Dementia
• The stiffness of the arms and legs.
3. Sickle Cell Anaemia
This is an inherited form of anaemia which is formed by a defective form of haemoglobin. In this, the haemoglobin is faulty and forces the Red Blood Cells to form into a crescent (sickle) shape. Thus, these forms of irregular RBCs die at an early stage which results in the shortage of RBCs in the body.
Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anaemia include:
• Fatigue
• Infections in the body
• Delayed growth and development in the children.
• Severe pain in joints, abdomen and limbs.
4. Anaemia Caused by Red Blood Cell Destruction
There are Certain diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, kidney diseases, Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases- these can lower the production of Red Blood Cells in the body.
Symptoms of Anaemia caused by Chronic Red Blood Destruction are:
• Yellowish skin and eyes (Jaundice)
• Red or Brown Urine
• Leg ulcers
• Not able to thrive in infancy
• Symptoms of gallstones
Many times, Red Blood Cells starts decreasing all of a sudden which can be due to the side effect of certain medications, autoimmune diseases or infections in the body.
Symptoms of Anaemia Caused by Sudden Red Blood Destruction include:
• Yellow skin (Jaundice)
• Pain in abdomen
• Red or brown urine
• Seizures
• Symptoms of kidney failure
• Bruises under the skin
Few Health Tips to Help Prevent Anaemia:
1. Consume foods which are rich in Iron such as tofu, lentils, beans, cereals, lean red meat and green and leafy vegetables.
2. Increase your intake of Vitamin C rich foods and drinks such as lemon soda, orange juice, citrus fruits, etc.
3. Reduce the intake of caffeine products.
4. Include foods which have Vitamin B12 and folic acid in your diet.
5. Drink plenty of water.
6. Exercise daily.
7. Go for a regular Health Check-Up to prevent any such health disease.
Home Remedies for Anaemia:
1. Dietary Modification:
If the cause of anaemia is a nutritional deficiency, then, you can modify your diet to treat anaemia, include an iron-rich diet so as to help alleviate the symptoms. Rich sources of iron include:
-Dark-green leafy vegetables
-Brown rice
-White and red meats
-Nuts and seeds
-Fish
-Eggs
-Iron-fortified cereals and bread
-Tofu
These are some of the good sources of iron that can help alleviate the symptoms.
2. Yoghurt and Turmeric
Yes, you heard it right! It is believed that people suffering from Kapha-type anaemia, who may experience swelling and cold and clammy skin, should have a cup of yoghurt with a teaspoon of turmeric twice a day, in the morning and afternoon. Doing so can help balance this type of anaemia in the body.
3. Reduce Stress
If you are going through an emotional imbalance, you struggle with anger, anxiety or you may even have a constant worry, these can have an adverse effect on your spleen and liver. You will be better off with ample relaxation, fun n frolic with good sleep! Doing so can help recharge your body system and can help you bust the stress.
4. Copper Water
Don’t get confused with the name; it’s pretty simple! Just store water in a copper vessel overnight and drink it every morning. This remedy can help replenish your body with natural minerals, and it’s also beneficial for treating hair loss.
5. Increase Vitamin C Intake
Anaemia can weaken your immune system, and as a result, you may become more prone to infections and inflammatory health problems. An adequate amount of Vitamin C can help fortify you from within, and at the same time, it also helps in the absorption of iron.
There can be several causes of anaemia! The symptoms of Anaemia and its treatment may also vary. Anaemia is a chronic condition, and it must be treated at the right time, or else it might lead to several other health problems. If you face any of the symptoms and signs of Anaemia as given in the blog, you must Visit a Doctor immediately. A Complete Blood Count Test (CBC Test) is generally recommended by the Doctor to see if the patient has symptoms of anaemia.
