PharmEasy Blog

Understanding Anaemia in Women: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What is Anaemia? 

Anaemia is a medical condition wherein a person’s red blood cells (RBCs) and oxygen-carrying ability falls short of meeting the body’s physiological needs. The RBCs’ function is to deliver oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and also carry carbon dioxide to the lungs from the tissues. This is achieved with the help of haemoglobin (Hb), which is a tetramer (a structure with four subunits) protein made from haem and globin. 

Anaemia can occur if there are too few red blood cells, if there are abnormal RBCs or if the haemoglobin level of the RBCs is below the normal range. Anaemia can range from mild to moderate to severe and can be a temporary or permanent (chronic) issue. The World Health Organisation has stated that the estimated global anaemia prevalence is around 56%

Anaemia in Women 

Women, especially, are highly susceptible to developing anaemia because of nutritional deficiencies, poor absorption and other chronic conditions.- They also lose blood during menstruation every month. Worldwide, the most common type of anaemia affecting women is iron deficiency anaemia. According to a report conducted by the National Family Health Survey, it was found that anaemia was prevalent in about 57% of women aged between 15-49 years in India. 

To understand what causes anaemia in women and how to identify and manage it, let us keep reading below. 

Symptoms of Anaemia in Women

While it is common to feel tired after a long day, women who are anaemic usually feel extremely fatigued post shorter periods of exertion. This happens because there is enough blood carrying oxygen to different parts of the body. As your condition aggravates, you are likely to experience other symptoms, such as breathlessness and pale skin. So, some possible signs of anaemia that you need to look out for are:

If the cause of anaemia is iron deficiency, some other symptoms are:

What are the Causes of Anaemia?

Not all forms of anaemia in women can be attributed to the same cause. Therefore, the different reasons include:

The body’s iron needs are fulfilled from dietary sources or through supplements. Iron deficiency can occur due to –

  1. Insufficient intake of dietary iron
  2. Poor absorption of iron from the digestive system

Ongoing inflammation caused by diseases such as autoimmune disorders, HIV/AIDS, kidney disorder, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease suppresses the body from making sufficient red blood cells in women. This condition is also known as anaemia of chronic disease. 

A diet not rich in vitamin B-12 and folate aside from iron keeps the body from making healthy red blood cells. 

This is caused due to disorders of bone marrow. This type of anaemia is often associated with a reduced count of other blood cells like WBCs and platelets. , 

Disorders such as myelofibrosis and leukaemia affect how the bone marrow makes blood. There can be a reduction of healthy blood cells or an overproduction of abnormal blood cells.

This is a serious and inherited condition where the red blood cells attain an unusual crescent shape like that of a sickle. The irregular blood cells die sooner than usual and this sets into motion continuous red blood cell insufficiency. The prevalence rate for sickle cell anaemia is particularly high amongst tribal women in India. 

This is caused when the red blood cells are destroyed faster than the rate at which they can be replaced by the bone marrow in women. 

What are Some Complications Associated with Severe Anaemia in Women?

Severe and often unaddressed iron deficiency anaemia in women causes the following health problems:

Treatment for Anaemia 

Treatment for anaemia first begins with an accurate diagnosis. Once your condition is identified, the doctor will prescribe medications and suggest lifestyle changes, mainly in the form of dietary measures to stabilise your health. 

Diagnosis:

This will involve undergoing a string of blood tests which includes a complete blood count (CBC). To evaluate if an individual is anaemic due to iron deficiency, additional tests may also be ordered. These are: 

In the event that iron deficiency anaemia is diagnosed by the healthcare provider, they will suggest some additional testing which can be as follows:

Medication:

Prescribed medications include iron and other vitamin supplements. 

In severe cases, doctors may prescribe medications to promote red blood cell production, such as immunosuppressants or erythropoietin injections. If the haemoglobin level is abnormally low, then the doctor may also suggest blood transfusions to treat anaemia. 

Dietary Measures 

To treat iron deficiency anaemia in women, the doctor can suggest the following dietary measures:

Importance of Identifying and Managing Anaemia in Women 

Conclusion:

Untreated anaemia can adversely affect a woman’s productivity and quality of life. Proper awareness with respect to symptoms coupled with regular visits to the doctor (haematologist) with a complete blood count profile is a necessity. Additionally, you must ensure to strictly adhere to a healthy diet rich in protein, iron and vitamin C. Keep a tab on your haemoglobin levels and iron profiles if you have been diagnosed with any type of anaemia. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

1

7 Things You Need to Avoid in Anaemia!

Anaemia is a condition in which your body does not produce enough red blood cells. It occurs due to the destruction of red blood cells or your body’s inability to create enough healthy red blood cells.

It’s a serious global public health problem that occurs at any stage of life. In fact, it’s one of the most common nutritional deficiencies. Anaemia can be a temporary or long-term condition and can range from mild to severe. It can also be a sign of a serious illness and must not be ignored. But did you know it is treatable and preventable?

Consult a doctor and follow the treatment advised to keep your haemoglobin and other CBC parameters in check.

Signs and Symptoms of Anaemia

There are a lot of signs and symptoms that point towards a possible cause of anaemia. Keep a lookout for the following:

Non-iron deficiency Anaemia (Types and Causes)

There are many cases of anaemia that are brought about not because of an iron deficiency. These include:

Patients suffer from this type of anaemia when they lack something called an intrinsic factor that helps absorb Vitamin B12. Without the vitamin, healthy red blood cells cannot be produced. If the body lacks vitamin B9, the person can get something called folic acid deficiency anaemia, but more often than not, any anaemia related to any vitamin B deficiency is clubbed with this.

This type may be a genetic or an acquired condition wherein your body produces deformed red blood cells, which die off very quickly.

This genetic form of anaemia happens as the shape of the RBCs is faulty. They are sickle-shaped, which clogs the blood vessels. This results in damage, and the haemoglobin may not work properly as a result.

It is a rare blood disease that can be genetic or acquired. The bone marrow does not create enough red blood cells, and it is diagnosed within the first year of 90% of people who are suffering from it.

This is caused due to damaged bone marrow which cannot produce enough amount of red blood cells. Another name for it is bone marrow aplasia.

Even here, anaemia is caused due to lack of enough red blood cells. Moreover, people suffering from it develop physical conditions like abnormal bone structure and skin colour.

Also known as Cooley’s anaemia, this disease refers to beta-thalassemia major. These are inherited conditions in which the body cannot create enough haemoglobin. Additionally, the red blood cells produced have a very short lifespan.

If you are suffering from anaemia, you should take care to avoid the following foods and must follow a specific diet plan to treat this disease quickly. In short, a healthy diet is your first line of defence.

The following checklist can undoubtedly be of great help for anaemic patients to prevent it from getting worse.

1. Avoid Tannins 2 hours before and after meals

Tannins are plant-based, naturally occurring substances. The tea and coffee you drink also contain tannins. They are also present in fruit juices, berries, pomegranates, nuts, legumes, herbs, and spices.

Iron absorption occurs predominantly in the duodenum and upper jejunum of the small intestine. These substances then bind iron molecules and interfere with iron absorption in the body. Due to this interference, iron is not completely absorbed from your body.

2. Say No to Gluten

Food items rich in gluten must be avoided in people with gluten intolerance as it can worsen Anaemia. Gluten may damage the intestinal wall and prevent iron and folic acid absorption, which are required to produce red blood cells.

In celiac disease (a disease in which the small intestine is damaged as the patients are allergic to gluten), folate and iron are not entirely absorbed in the body. As a result, this malabsorption can lead to anaemia. However, gluten must only be avoided if you are allergic to it and not otherwise.

3. Avoid Phytates

Phytates, also termed phytic acid is present in legumes, whole grains, nuts, and brown rice. The phytic acid binds with the iron present in the digestive tract and inhibits its absorption. Hence, Anemic patients must avoid foods containing phytates.

4. Beware of Calcium-Containing Foods

The mineral hinders iron absorption, and therefore consuming calcium-containing food products in combination with other iron-rich foods can affect how much iron is being absorbed by your body. Dairy foods like milk, yoghurt and cheese should be spaced at definite intervals if you are taking iron supplements. Therefore, it is advisable to take calcium-containing foods at different time slots.

Also, Read Foods That Are Good For Anaemia

5. Polyphenols

These are significant inhibitors of iron absorption. Various foods like cocoa, coffee, apples, spices, walnuts, etc. contain polyphenols or phenolic compounds; hence, they should be taken at a gap of 2-3 hours from iron supplements. 

6. Avoid Alcohol Consumption

Not only anaemia but alcohol can also cause or worsen several other health problems and must be avoided. Drinking too much alcohol can result in anaemia, it can impact red blood cell production and maturation. This causes abnormality or dysfunction of the cells. Alcohol may also affect how nutrients are absorbed from food and lead to iron and folic acid deficiencies, which are responsible for the proper formation of haemoglobin. 

7.  Certain Medications

In some cases, a drug may sometimes mistake your own red blood cells for foreign substances. The body responds quickly by making antibodies that attack the red blood cells and causes them to break down too early. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medications.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase the risk of anaemia:

Read More: 9 Anaemia Symptoms & Signs To Watch Out For

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation

References

https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/iron-deficiency-anaemia#complications-of-iron-deficiency-anaemia

https://www.nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/child-health/guidelines/Control-of-Iron-Deficiency-Anaemia.pdf

4

The Basic Things You Should Know About Anaemia!

Anaemia is a common condition which is characterised by reduced quality or quantity of healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Reduced haemoglobin percentage or lesser number of red blood cells may lead to an inadequate supply of oxygen to different parts of the body. Anaemia widely affects children, women, and men at any stage of life.

The prevalence of anaemia among six groups, as per the National Family Health Survey 5 (2019-21), is 25.0 percent in men (15-49 years) and 57.0 percent in women (15-49 years). 31.1 percent in adolescent boys (15-19 yrs), 59.1 percent in adolescent girls,52.2 percent in pregnant women (15-49 years) and 67.1 percent in children (6-59 months). 

What is anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition in which there is a  lack of healthy red blood cells that carries oxygen to all body tissues, and a low red blood cell count shows a lower level of oxygen in your blood than normal levels. It can be mild to severe.  

The severity of anaemia depends on the level of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of the body. Haemoglobin formation requires iron, so most of the people who have anaemia have a shortage of iron.

There are various types of anaemia depending upon the underlying cause.

What are the causes of anaemia?

Many conditions lead to anaemia, including nutritional deficiency to major underlying causes. Common causes of anaemia are as follows –

What are the types of anaemia?

1: Iron-deficiency anaemia – It is one of the common types of anaemia that often affects more women than men and is more common during pregnancy. In this anaemia, your body does not have enough iron to form haemoglobin that helps to carry oxygen through your blood to all parts of your body. Symptoms of iron-deficiency anaemia can be –  

2: Aplastic anaemia – In this anaemia, your body cannot produce enough red blood cells because of bone marrow-related disorders.

3: Hemolytic anaemia – This anaemia occurs when your body itself damages your red blood cells.

4: Pernicious anaemia – Because of the deficiency of vitamin B12, pernicious anaemia occurs.    

5: Sickle-cell anaemia – This is a genetic disorder that affects your red blood cells.

What are the symptoms of anaemia?

If you have mild anaemia, you may not have many symptoms. The sign and symptoms depend on the cause and level of haemoglobin in the body. Signs and symptoms of anaemia might include:

Anaemia treatment depends on its underlying cause. There are many treatment options based on the type and severity of anaemia.

In iron or vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia, you need to eat healthy foods and sometimes need nutritional supplements.

In some other cases, if anaemia is severe and caused because of some pathology, then the doctors may prescribe some medications and injections to treat anaemia, like Erythropoietin injections, hormonal medicines, or some antibiotics.

Other forms of anaemia may require intense treatment, like surgery to stop blood loss or blood transfusion.

What should be your diet if you are anaemic?  

If you are experiencing any symptoms of anaemia, consult your doctor (preferably a haematologist), but there are things which you can do on your own, mainly to improve your diet. The best diet plan for anaemia includes food rich in iron and other vitamins. Here we enlisted some essential foods which can help you deal with anaemia –

1: Green leafy vegetables: Green, dark vegetables are the best source of iron. They may include –

Some of them, Swiss chard or collard greens, are also rich in folate and can be useful in folate deficiency anaemia. You can have vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges while eating these green vegetables, as vitamin C may increase the absorption of iron.

2: Nuts and seeds

Many nuts and seeds are nutritious dense foods that contain a tremendous amount of iron. You can eat them raw or roasted as they have the same amount of iron. You can eat them as a snack or sprinkle them on a salad. Nuts and seeds may include –

3: Lean meat and poultry foods 

Lean meat and chicken breast contain a high amount of iron, almost 22% of your recommended dose. To enhance iron absorption, pair it with vitamin C-rich vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, and red peppers.

4: Seafood 

Seafood such as oysters is one of the best ways to supplement your diet if you are anaemic. Most of the fish contain iron, especially shellfish such as oysters, clams, and crabs. Other types of fish –

5: Beans 

Beans are the most inexpensive and best source of iron for vegetarians. Some iron-rich beans are as follows –

Anaemia can be a mild to severe form of blood disorder. It should not be ignored. A doctor can help diagnose and manage the condition well depending upon the types of anaemia you are suffering from.  

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Ref

  1. https://www.who.int/health-topics/anaemia#tab=tab_1
  2. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1795421
  3. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency
1
1

What You Must Know About Anaemia & Stress?

What is Anaemia?

Anemia can be defined as a disease where the patient’s body lacks red blood cells (RBC) or more accurately – haemoglobin. The term ”poor ability of the blood to carry oxygen” can also be used for the definition of anaemia. The main three reasons which explain why you might suffer from anaemia are –

Some symptoms of anaemia are listed below:

These symptoms that are mentioned above are not only the symptoms of anaemia but also the symptoms of anxiety. Apart from anxiety, some other disorders that also show the same symptoms are:

The diseases mentioned above are all a cause of stress. This now raises the question of whether anaemia and anxiety are related or not.

Did you know?

  • Anaemia can be diagnosed through a blood test called a full blood count. source: Healthdirect
  • Iron supplements may be recommended as a treatment for anaemia. source: Healthdirect
  • Long-term stress may worsen asthma and is linked to depression and anxiety. source: NCCIH
  • There is no drug to cure stress, but relaxation techniques can counteract its effects. source: NCCIH

The Relation between Anaemia and Stress

There are many explanations that state that stress can be a cause of anaemia. Stress is the reaction that your body produces when faced with any demand or threat. A little stress is good for you as it might be beneficial, but when it becomes excessive, the pressure that you are under has chances of becoming unhealthy for you and harms your life.

Stress Causing Anaemia

Anxiety, hyperventilation and even panic disorders are the reactions that your body produces against stress. When we are under stress, our body undergoes specific chemical changes which might cause anaemia. Some explanations regarding this point are:

Also Read: What is Hyperventilation: Understanding the Medical Definition and Symptoms

Lastly, from the above points of how stress causes anaemia, it becomes clear that controlling stress can also help you control anaemia. Taking time to relax and getting enough sleep will help you a lot to deal with stress. These two steps will aid you in getting the required energy for your body and mind to deal with everything without feeling anxious or stressed. You can follow some simple breathing techniques like Pranayama and also meditation which have proven to be very useful in stress control.

Studies have persistently demonstrated higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress and decreased spatial memory scores in females with iron deficiency anemia.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

The Importance Of Diet with Stress And Anaemia  

If you begin to experience anaemia due to stress, you’ll need to manage your diet to help support recovery from both of them. Stress management techniques like mediation, counselling, exercise and more are important but even your diet can aid in this process. Additionally, since anaemia is directly connected with your biological processes, a nutritious and balanced diet can help to eliminate your deficiencies.  

Anemia especially iron deficient anemia is strongly correlated with depression and anxiety. You may experience frequent food swings and irritability if you suffer from anemia. Treatment is surely a good way to tackle this.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Here are some dietary choices to make when you are trying to reduce stress and improve anaemia:

There are plenty of other healthy diet options to research, but be sure that your dietary choices do not negatively affect either stress or anaemia. For example, eggs may benefit a stress management diet, but excessive amounts can block iron absorption. Keep these kinds of issues in mind when preparing your diet to manage both stress and anaemia.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

87
3

Understanding Anaemia: Know All About Its Symptoms & Types

Anaemia is often labelled as the silent killer or worse, the national disease of India. According to research and recent statistics, it is said that every second woman in the country is anaemic. In fact, anaemia is the cause of every five deaths among pregnant women.A person is said to be suffering from anaemia when the body’s blood is unable to carry oxygen efficiently. It is a must that patients get their haemoglobin levels checked often. Haemoglobin is the pigment that carries oxygen in the body and it is also a protein, predominantly found in the red blood cells.Patients with anaemia have very little or an abnormal amount of red blood cell count, i.e. their haemoglobin level is very low, an indication that the body cells are not getting enough oxygen.The most common cause of anaemia is iron deficiency. The other probable causes are folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin deficiencies, chronic inflammation, parasitic infections and inherited disorders.Fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness and overall weakness are common signs of severe anaemia. Symptoms as such are prevalent in pregnant women and children as they are prone and vulnerable to the disease than the rest.

Symptoms of Anaemia

Types of Anaemia

Over the years, as per research, anaemia has over 400 types and all of these can be categorized into three groups:Anaemia caused by loss of blood: This is a common occurrence in women who experience pregnancy and menstruation. Other causes may range from ulcers and inflammation in the stomach to cancer.Anaemia caused by the decrease in red blood cells: This type of anaemia is caused due to sickle-shaped red blood cells in the body or due to bone marrow or iron deficiencies or vitamin deficiency. Lifestyle is a major indicator of this type of anaemia.Anaemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells: This is a type of anaemia that is passed on from generation to generation. It can be caused by severe hypertension, tumours, infections or reaction to skin burns or even a chemical attack.Also Read: Blackstrap Molasses: Uncovering Its Health Benefits and Uses

Coping with Anaemia

It is important to get a thorough diagnosis and know the type of anaemia a person is suffering from to make changes in their lifestyle, food habits and medication. It is important to visit a doctor and seek clarity. Lifestyle modification and a healthy diet may help to manage anaemia.Results aren’t immediate, so if one feels like napping often, it is a normal phenomenon.A patient with anaemia needs to rest to heal. They must avoid any kind of exertion. In severe conditions, anaemic patients will be required to take iron supplements and injections. Even if their condition improves, they should consult their doctor before stopping their medication.Patients suffering from severe anaemia, might be suggested to undergo the following: Read More: 7  Home Remedies for AnaemiaDisclaimer:  The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
10
2