Feeling Down? What are the signs of Anemia, and how to prevent it?

Most medical textbooks begin introduction of anemia by defining it to be the deficiency of hemoglobin. When your body produces fewer healthy red blood cells than usual, a condition known as anemia develops. It prevents you from getting enough blood that is oxygenated. Due to a lack of oxygen, you might feel weak or tired. It's also possible to experience headaches, nausea, and difficulty in breathing. Hemoglobin is a protein rich in iron present in red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs can carry oxygen throughout your body because hemoglobin binds to it in your lungs. Based on the amount of hemoglobin in your blood, anemia is assessed. An article published in The Lancet in 2015 claimed that anemia affects about one-third of people worldwide.

Signs of anemia may include health issues, such as those that affect the body's capacity to produce healthy RBCs or hasten the rate at which RBCs are lost or degraded. Anemia can cause symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. It may also indicate a more serious ailment, such as stomach bleeding, infection-related inflammation, kidney disease, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. Anemia is diagnosed by your doctor based on your medical history, physical examination, and blood test results. It can have many different forms, symptoms, and causes.

We at Pathkind Labs offer CBC test that includes hemoglobin profile. Our phlebotomists know how to handle every intricate test by maintaining hygiene. Learn about the causes and anemia symptoms and test yourself regularly for the prevention of anemia. 

Causes of Anemia

Some types of anemia can be inherited, and others can be brought on by certain chronic illnesses. However, the most prevalent type of anemia, iron-deficiency anemia, is caused by a poor diet. Additionally, a deficiency in iron in your body is the root cause of the most prevalent form of anemia. Hemoglobin secretion in your bone marrow needs iron. Your body can't make enough hemoglobin for red blood cells without enough iron.

Signs of anemia not to ignore

You might not even be aware that you have anemia because the signs of this disorder can be so subtle. As your blood cells start to disappear, symptoms frequently start to appear. The most conspicuous sign of anemia is fatigue, the feeling of being too exhausted to manage your activities. Various other signs could be:

• Dyspnea is commonly known as shortness of breath. It is the inability to breathe deeply or fully.
  
  
• Unsteadiness on your feet or a feeling of dizziness.
  
  
• Your heart palpitates or there are extra beats in your heartbeat (arrhythmia).
  
  
• Pulsatile tinnitus is a swooshing sound that may come and go in one of your ears.
  
  
• Anemias brought on by low hemoglobin levels, and iron deficiency can both result in headaches.
  
  
• Skin that is yellow or pale: You may have paler-than-normal skin.
  
  
• The pain in your chest may feel as if something is pressing against or squeezing it.
  
  

It's crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any anemia-related signs or symptoms, particularly if you feel dizzy or have chest pain because it counts as severe anemia symptoms.

When to consult a doctor?

Consult a physician if you experience symptoms associated with iron deficiency anemia. Self-diagnosis is not advised for iron deficiency anemia. Instead of self-medicating with iron supplements, reach out to a doctor or get a hemoglobin test done. The accumulation of too much iron in the body can harm your liver and lead to other complications, making it dangerous.

Can one avoid anemia?

Some types of anemia, like sickle cell, hemolytic, and aplastic anemia, cannot be prevented. People with chronic illnesses who are susceptible to anemia should keep an eye out for its symptoms. A healthy diet can also fend off nutritional anemias. The following points may help to avoid iron deficiency and for the prevention of anaemia:

Dealing with blood loss

Addressing the underlying imbalances causing blood loss can help prevent anemia in people with heavy menstrual cycles or stomach problems, such as frequent diarrhea or blood in your stool.

Consuming iron-rich foods

Consuming foods high in iron, such as beans, lean meat, chicken, dark leafy vegetables, and poultry, can raise iron levels.

Ensuring sufficient vitamin C

Vitamin C-rich foods and beverages like orange juice, strawberries, and broccoli can aid in the body's absorption of iron.

A nutritious diet

Diets that are well-balanced can guarantee adequate iron intake and help in the prevention of anemia.

Restricting consumption of certain beverages

When consumed with meals, coffee and tea can hinder the body's ability to absorb iron.

Avoid taking calcium supplements.

Consult with your doctor to determine the best method for ensuring that you consume enough calcium and iron because calcium can affect your body’s iron absorption capacity.

Low red blood cells (RBC) circulating counts in the body lead to anemia. As a result, their oxygen levels are decreased, which can cause signs and symptoms like exhaustion, pale skin, chest pain, and shortness of breath. RBC destruction, RBC production that is impaired or reduced, and blood loss are common causes. A CBC test from a trustable diagnostic center like Pathkind Labs can help a doctor diagnose anemia. We are available at your service via online bookings and physical visits, and we have highly experienced professionals to help you in your hours of need.