Anemia can be a manifestation of various diseases. Based on the clinical history your doctor will order tests to identify the cause of anemia. Here are some of the most common causes of Anemia in Indian population (not all listed) (2).

• Poor dietary intake of Iron.

• Poor bioavailability of Iron taken (Iron in vegetables is poorly absorbed).

• Loss in bowels from Hook worm infestation

• Menstrual loss

• Pregnancy with poor supplementation of iron

• Chronic kidney disease caused by poor control of chronic diseases such as Diabetes and Hypertension.

2) http://www.whoindia.org/en/Section6/Section324_1467.htm

 

 

As described above in patients with anemia there is decreased oxygen supply to various organs leading to a wide variety of symptoms. Some of the common symptoms are (3)

• Generalized weakness or fatigue

• Shortness of breath with minimal activity

• Palpitations (feeling of heart racing)

• Light headedness or dizziness

• Chest pains

• Change in the color of the skin ( people become pale)

• Brittle nails (in iron deficiency anemia)

• Headaches

• Cold extremities

3) http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Blood-Disorders/Anemia/5225.aspx

When to call a doctor?

Consult your doctor if you notice:

• Persistent fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Pale skin
• Rapid heart rate
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Poor dietary intake

Red cells have hemoglobin (Iron rich protein) which helps carry oxygen. Hemoglobin can be checked to diagnose and estimate the degree of anemia. In patients with iron deficiency iron levels and various other iron binding protein levels can be measured to diagnose deficiency.

As anemia can be a manifestation of wide range of diseases, many people are at risk. In India iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. Here are some of the people who are at risk for anemia:

• Children 6-36 months (from decreased intake)

• Menstruating women (from blood loss)

• Pregnant women (increased requirement)

• People infected with hook worm (slow loss of blood in bowels)

• People with kidney problems

• Cancer

Treatment for anemia can range from simple iron pills to blood transfusion depending on the cause. Doctors do tests to identify the cause of anemia before treatment. In general Anemia is caused due to:

• Either decreased production of red cells
• Increased destruction of red cells
• Loss of blood (and therefore red cells)
• Combination of above.