Anemia

Description

Anemia is a condition in which your blood has fewer healthy red blood cells or less haemoglobin than normal. Haemoglobin carries oxygen to your organs, so when it is low you may feel tired, weak, short of breath, dizzy, or have pale skin. In India, iron deficiency is the most common cause, often due to a diet low in iron, menstruation or pregnancy, and sometimes parasitic infections. Other causes include deficiencies of vitamin B12 or folate, chronic illnesses, or certain inherited conditions. If you have symptoms or belong to a group at risk, consult a qualified doctor or your nearest primary health centre or government hospital for a proper check, which may include a blood test.

Common Symptoms

- Fatigue and weakness, especially with daily activity
- Pale skin, including pale lips and inside of the eyelids (conjunctival pallor)
- Shortness of breath or dizziness with routine tasks
- Headache or lightheadedness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Cold hands and feet, and brittle nails
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- In children, irritability, poor appetite, or slower-than-normal growth

If you notice these symptoms, please consult a qualified doctor or local healthcare provider in India for a proper assessment.

Causes

Anemia occurs when you have too few healthy red blood cells or not enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen around the body.

In India, iron deficiency from low-iron diets is a common cause, especially among women of reproductive age and young children.

Blood loss from heavy periods, pregnancy, childbirth, or internal bleeding can lead to anemia; intestinal parasites like hookworm can also cause iron loss.

Other causes include deficiencies of vitamin B12 or folate, chronic diseases (such as kidney disease or inflammatory conditions), and genetic conditions like thalassemia or sickle cell disorders.

Nutritional problems, malabsorption, infections such as malaria, and factors like low socioeconomic status can raise risk; if you have concerns, consult a healthcare provider in India for evaluation.

Treatment Options

In India, anemia treatment usually focuses on correcting iron and nutrient deficiencies while treating any underlying cause, often starting at a primary care center or district hospital. Diet and lifestyle changes include iron-rich foods (green leafy vegetables, legumes, fortified cereals, eggs, meat where available) with vitamin C to boost absorption, and avoiding tea/coffee with meals; some households use cast-iron cookware. Medications may include iron and folic acid tablets, and sometimes vitamin B12 if deficient; in cases of poor absorption or severe deficiency, intravenous iron or other micronutrients may be used, along with treatment of infections or parasites. Procedures can involve a blood transfusion in severe cases, plus regular blood tests to monitor hemoglobin and iron status and investigations to find underlying causes (such as heavy menstrual bleeding or GI issues). In India, care is often provided through government programs and PHCs under national anemia initiatives; always follow your doctor’s advice and local guidelines.