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What is Severe Anaemia?

Anaemia occurs when your body produces insufficient red blood cells or the ones it does have aren’t working correctly. Severe anaemia refers to a more serious condition that can significantly impact your health. Symptoms of low haemoglobin, such as fatigue and shortness of breath, are often indicators of anaemia severity.

Haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells made in the bone marrow, is in charge of carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Severe anaemia occurs when there is insufficient haemoglobin or red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen supply. Timely iron deficiency treatment and anaemia supplements can help manage this condition.

Causes of Severe Anaemia

1. Iron Deficiency

Iron is crucial for haemoglobin production. A lack of dietary iron or poor absorption can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, the most common cause of severe anaemia.

2. Vitamin Deficiency

Anaemia can result from insufficient vitamin B12 or folic acid, nutrients essential for red blood cell production.

3. Blood Loss

Acute or chronic blood loss, from heavy periods, internal bleeding, or injuries, can cause severe anaemia.

4. Chronic Diseases

Conditions like kidney disease, cancer, or rheumatoid arthritis can impair red blood cell production, leading to anaemia.

5. Bone Marrow Disorders

Disorders such as leukaemia or aplastic anaemia affect the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy red blood cells.

6. Haemolysis

The breakdown of red blood cells, triggered by infections, medications, or autoimmune diseases, can result in anaemia.

Symptoms of Severe Anaemia

Severe anaemia often manifests with noticeable symptoms such as:

  • Fatigue: Feeling persistently tired or weak.
  • Paleness: Pale skin, lips, or nails due to low haemoglobin levels.
  • Shortness of Breath: Breathing difficulties, even with little effort.
  • Dizziness or Light-headedness: Often caused by reduced oxygen supply to the brain.
  • Cold Hands and Feet: A symptom linked to poor circulation.
  • Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Your heart works harder to deliver oxygen.
  • Chest Pain: Can occur in severe cases and requires immediate medical attention.
  • Headaches: A frequent symptom of low haemoglobin.
  • Brittle Nails or Hair: Severe anaemia may weaken nails and hair.
  • Restless Leg Syndrome: An uncomfortable urge to move your legs, particularly at rest.

Diagnosis of Severe Anaemia

  1. Physical Exam – A doctor may look for signs like pale skin or nails.
  2. Blood Tests –
    • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures red blood cells and haemoglobin levels.
    • Iron Studies: Assess iron levels to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia.
  3. Additional Tests –
    • Bone Marrow Biopsy: Checks red blood cell production.
    • Kidney Function Tests: To identify chronic conditions impacting anaemia.

Treatment for Severe Anaemia

Iron Supplements

Essential for iron deficiency treatment. Foods like spinach, red meat, and beans can also boost iron intake.

Vitamin Supplements

Supplements for vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies are effective.

Blood Transfusions

For immediate relief, blood transfusions can quickly increase red blood cell counts.

Medications

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may be prescribed for chronic anaemia.

Address Underlying Conditions

Managing diseases like kidney disorders or cancer is vital.

Surgery

To stop significant blood loss, surgical intervention may be required.

Prevention of Severe Anaemia

  1. Balanced Diet – Include iron-rich and vitamin-rich foods to prevent deficiencies.
  2. Regular Use of Anaemia Supplements – Taking iron or vitamin supplements as advised by your doctor can help maintain healthy haemoglobin levels.
  3. Monitor Chronic Conditions – Proper management of chronic diseases reduces anaemia risk.
  4. Routine Check-ups – Regular doctor visits help detect anaemia symptoms early and ensure timely treatment.

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The right foods can help treat or prevent anemia, especially if it is caused by iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiencies. Some essential foods include:

  • Iron-rich foods: Iron is crucial for making hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells.
    • Heme iron (from animal sources): Red meat, chicken, turkey, liver, fish, and seafood.
    • Non-heme iron (from plant sources): Lentils, beans, tofu, fortified cereals, spinach, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruits (e.g., apricots, raisins).
  • Vitamin B12-rich foods: Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production and nerve function.
    • Animal-based foods: Eggs, dairy (milk, cheese, and yogurt), meat, fish, poultry, and fortified cereals.
  • Folate (Vitamin B9)-rich foods: Folate helps in red blood cell production and the proper formation of DNA.
    • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens), citrus fruits, beans, lentils, asparagus, avocado, and fortified cereals.
  • Vitamin C-rich foods: Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (plant-based iron).
    • Strawberries, broccoli, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), bell peppers, and tomatoes.
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