Anaemia: Types, Symptoms, Treatment - Assam Hospital

According to the National Family Health Survey, the prevalence of anaemia is 52% in India, and Assam is the worst affected, with 72% of women being anaemic. The numbers are much higher in India as compared to other developing countries. Anaemia can be mild or severe, and proper treatment must curb this problem. According to WHO, anaemia is a severe global health disease that particularly affects young children and pregnant women.

We have curated this guide to help you know everything about anaemia and the treatment available.

What is Anaemia?

We have curated this guide to help you know everything about anaemia and the treatment available.

Anaemia is a condition in which a person lacks enough healthy red blood cells to provide adequate oxygen to their body’s tissues. Anaemia is also referred to as low haemoglobin, which can make you feel tired and weak. Haemoglobin is known to be the primary protein in your red blood cells that carry oxygen and delivers it throughout your body. If any person is suffering from anaemia, their haemoglobin will dip to a low level, due to which the tissues or organs may not get enough oxygen.

Symptoms

The symptoms of anaemia can be so mild that people may not easily notice them. However, based on the cause and severity of anaemia, the symptoms might include:

  • Weakness 
  • Fatigue 
  • Irregular heartbeat 
  • Fast, unusual or Shortness of breath 
  • Chest pain 
  • Cold hands and feet 
  • Headaches 
  • Yellowish or pale skin 
  • Growth problem among kids and teens  
  • Dizziness

Types

There are more than 400 types of anaemia, each of which decreases the number of red blood cells in the body. However, the common types of anaemia include:

  • Aplastic Anaemia – It is a condition that occurs when the body stops producing enough new blood cells. This condition leaves you tired and more prone to infections. 
  • Iron Deficiency Anaemia – In this condition, the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells. This condition leaves you tired and short of breath. 
  • Thalassemia – It is a disorder that leaves your body with less haemoglobin than usual. You may feel fatigued due to thalassemia. 
  • Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia – It is a condition in which the body lacks healthy red blood cells due to the lower than usual amounts of vitamin B-12 and folate. You may feel dizziness and shortness of breath due to vitamin deficiency. 

Causes

Some of the possible causes of anaemia include:

  • Iron deficiency 
  • Folate deficiency 
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency 
  • Loss of red blood cells 
  • Long-term diseases like kiney, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. 
  • Pregnancy 
  • Sudden heavy blood loss

Treatment available

Depending upon the type of anaemia a person is suffering from, there are many treatments available. People who have mild anaemia might not need the treatment. However, if a person is suffering from severe anaemia, which is caused by medication or other health conditions, the doctor may change the treatment to curb anaemia.

At Assam Hospital, we have a team of qualified and professional doctors who can treat any anaemia you’re suffering from. Connect with our doctors to book your appointment.