Feeling sluggish? Tired all the time? It could be anemia!

Do you also feel so tired that you can't do your daily tasks? Do you feel dizzy even if you move around a little? Do you sometimes feel dizzy, your chest feels heavy, and your skin looks pale? These are not just normal tiredness, but they could also be signs of a condition called anemia, or what we medically call anemia . Today, we will talk about what anemia is, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and how to take care of it.

What is anemia? Simply put...

Simply put, anemia is when the number of red blood cells in your body decreases, or the red blood cells that you have do not function properly . These red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. So when they decrease or their function decreases, the cells in your body do not get the oxygen they need. That's when you start feeling tired and lethargic, as mentioned earlier.

Some types of anemia are inherited . That is, they are caused by genetic factors that are passed down from generation to generation. However, anemia can also develop during our lifetime for various reasons (acquired) .

Anemia can affect your life in many ways. Some types of anemia are not very severe and can be treated quickly. However, some types, such as congenital anemia, can cause lifelong health problems. Severe anemia can be life-threatening . Also, sometimes anemia can be a symptom of a serious disease like cancer. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.

Is this anemia common?

Yes, this is actually a more common condition than you might think. Experts say that about a third of the world's population has anemia. So, if you have any of these symptoms, know that you are not alone.

What are the symptoms of anemia? Do you have these too?

The main symptom of anemia is extreme tiredness and fatigue . This means that you feel so tired that you can't even do your daily activities. In addition, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Frequent infections (due to decreased immunity)
• Heart palpitations - a feeling like your chest is pounding.
• Headache
• Pallor - The skin appears paler and paler than normal.
• Pulsatile tinnitus (ringing sound in the ears)
• Shortness of breath / dyspnea - feeling short of breath even with a little exertion.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it's best to see a doctor for advice.

Why do we get this anemia? What are the causes?

There are many causes of anemia. As we have discussed before, these can be divided into two main categories: acquired anemias and inherited anemias .

Acquired Anemias

These are the most commonly seen.

• Iron-deficiency anemia: This is the most common type of anemia. It can occur due to a lack of iron in the diet, or due to bleeding from an injury or illness.
• Anemia of chronic disease: If you have a long-term illness, especially one that causes chronic inflammation (e.g. arthritis), you may develop anemia because your body has difficulty using iron.
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: This is when your own immune system attacks and destroys your red blood cells .
• Macrocytic anemia and megaloblastic anemia: In these types, the bone marrow produces abnormally large red blood cells. Some diseases and vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamin B12 and folic acid) can cause this. This is also called vitamin deficiency anemia .
• Normocytic anemia: This is a condition in which the number of red blood cells is lower than normal. This can have many causes.
• Pernicious anemia: This is also a cause of vitamin B12 deficiency . This is an autoimmune condition that prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12.

In addition, people with chronic diseases such as:

• Autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus)
• Cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (e.g. Crohn's disease)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Thyroid disease

Inherited Anemias

These are genetically inherited from parents to children.

• Diamond-Blackfan anemia: In this, the bone marrow is unable to produce enough red blood cells.
• Fanconi anemia: This is a rare blood disorder. People with this condition are at increased risk of developing blood-related diseases, including anemia.
• Sickle cell anemia: This is a condition in which the red blood cells change shape. Instead of the normal round, flexible cells, they become hard, sticky, sickle-shaped cells. These cells get stuck in the blood vessels and obstruct the flow of blood.
• Thalassemia: In this condition, the body's production of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells, decreases. As a result, the red blood cells become smaller, causing anemia. This condition can also be seen in Sri Lanka.

Other types of anemia (which can occur at birth or later)

There are some types of anemia that can be inherited or develop later in life.

• Aplastic anemia: In this, the stem cells in the bone marrow do not produce enough blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets).
• Hemolytic anemia: In this, red blood cells break down or die faster than normal.
• Microcytic anemia: This is when red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin, making them smaller than normal. It can also be seen in people with iron deficiency, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, and some chronic diseases.
• Sideroblastic anemia: This is caused by abnormal use of iron during the formation of red blood cells.

Now you probably understand how many causes there are for anemia.

How do you know for sure if you have anemia? (Diagnosis)

If you have symptoms of anemia, a doctor will first ask you about your symptoms. Then, to determine if anemia is caused by a lack of red blood cells, the doctor will order several blood tests . The main ones are:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test looks at all the types of cells in your blood, especially red blood cells. It can tell you things like the number of red blood cells, their size, and shape. It can also be used to check your vitamin B12 or B9 (folate) levels.
• Hemoglobin test: Hemoglobin is the main component of red blood cells. This test is often done to detect anemia.
• Hematocrit test: This measures what percentage of your blood is made up of red blood cells.
• Peripheral blood smear: This involves looking at your red blood cells under a microscope to check their size and shape.
• Reticulocyte count: Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells. This test checks whether your bone marrow is producing enough healthy red blood cells.

Based on the results of these tests, the doctor will determine exactly what type of anemia you have and what the cause is.

Can anemia cause other complications?

Yes, if anemia is not treated properly, or if it persists despite treatment (chronic anemia), some health problems (complications) can occur. For example:

• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Organ damage

That's why it's important to see a doctor and get treatment as soon as possible if you suspect you have anemia.

What are the treatments for anemia?

Treatment for anemia varies depending on the type of anemia you have and its cause. Sometimes, if anemia is caused by another underlying condition, your doctor will treat that condition. In addition, there are treatments that are specific to anemia. These may include dietary supplements , medications, and even some medical procedures .

Dietary Supplements

Your doctor may recommend supplements like these:

• Iron supplements: These come in the form of capsules or tablets that you take by mouth. You can take them with a glass of water.
• Folic acid supplements: Vitamin B9, or folate, is an essential vitamin for our body. It helps in the formation of red blood cells and DNA, the basic building block of our body.
• Vitamin B12 supplements: Vitamin B12 helps produce healthy red blood cells.

Important: Do not take this supplement on your own without consulting a doctor. Take it exactly as directed by your doctor, in the amount and for the duration of time prescribed.

Medications

Doctors may prescribe medications like these for some types of anemia:

• Erythropoietin: This medicine helps the bone marrow make more blood stem cells.
• Immunosuppressants: If you have anemia due to an autoimmune disease, these medications help stop your immune system from attacking your red blood cells.

Medical Procedures

In some cases, the doctor may also recommend things like:

• Blood transfusion: Giving new blood to replace depleted red blood cells.
• Stem cell (bone marrow) transplant: This is a procedure to replace unhealthy blood stem cells with healthy ones. This is done in very severe cases.
• Surgery: If there is internal bleeding, surgery may be performed to stop it.

Can't I cure anemia on my own?

Most of the time, the symptoms of anemia are not severe, and it can be a short-term problem. Once a doctor has confirmed that anemia is the cause of your symptoms, you may be able to manage it by changing your diet or taking the supplements mentioned above .

But, here's the thing. The symptoms of anemia can be similar to the symptoms of other diseases. For example, if you're tired no matter how much you rest, it may not be anemia at all.

So, if you have fatigue or other changes in your body for more than two weeks and it doesn't go away , definitely see a doctor. A doctor is the one who can find the real cause of your symptoms and give you the right treatment.

Can someone with anemia live a normal life?

It really depends on your situation. Treatment can help control the symptoms of anemia. However, as we've discussed before, there are many causes. Some conditions, such as congenital conditions and chronic illnesses, cannot be cured. Untreated, persistent anemia (chronic anemia) can lead to serious complications, including organ damage . So, if you have anemia, it's best to talk to your doctor about it.

Can anemia be prevented?

Iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type of anemia, can be prevented by including iron-rich foods in your daily diet. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, red meat, dried beans, lentils, and soy are all good sources of iron.

However, we cannot prevent other types of anemia, especially those that are congenital.

How do I take care of myself? (Self-care)

Some types of anemia are short-term and not very serious, while others can affect you for life. However, there are a few things you can do to manage your symptoms:

• Follow a healthy diet: Poor eating habits are often the main cause of anemia. Ask your doctor or nutritionist about iron-rich foods and what else you should eat to get the nutrients your body needs.
• Take the supplements prescribed for you exactly as your doctor tells you.
• Drink plenty of water: Keep your body hydrated.
• Exercise: Exercise is essential for a healthy life. However, since you have anemia, consult your doctor about how to exercise safely. Don't suddenly go to extreme exertion.
• Protect yourself from infections: Wash your hands often and thoroughly. Ask your doctor about vaccines that can protect you from viral and bacterial infections.

When should I seek medical advice?

If you have anemia, if your symptoms get worse during treatment, or if you feel like you're developing new symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER)?

Anemia can increase the risk of a heart attack. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room :

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping / insomnia
• Nausea or stomach discomfort - Sometimes a heart attack can feel like gastritis or an upset stomach.
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiety or a feeling of “impending doom”
• Sweating
• Feeling lightheaded , dizzy or passing out (Note: This is a Georgian translation of the phrase "feeling lightheaded, dizzy or passing out" ) - Correction: Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or passing out

What questions should I ask my doctor?

Anemia can affect your body in many ways. And it can have many causes. If you have anemia, you can ask your doctor questions like these:

• What kind of anemia do I have?
• What is the reason for that?
• What treatments do you recommend?
• When will I start feeling better?
• How long will I have to receive treatment?
• Can this be cured completely?

In addition to these questions, ask your doctor for any doubts or questions you may have.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body doesn't have enough red blood cells, or when they don't work properly. While some people are born with it, many develop it later in life. That's why it's important to keep an eye on your body's changes. For example, we all feel tired some days. However, if you're tired for a few days, no matter how much rest you get, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.

Remember, a healthy diet, taking supplements as directed by your doctor if necessary, and proper medical treatment can help control anemia and prevent its complications . Take care of your health!

` Anemia, anemia, fatigue, red blood cells, iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency