Do you feel always tired ? Rule out Anaemia.
Contributed by
Dr.Vipul Agarwal
MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FAGE
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
Mahatma Gandhi medical college, Jaipur
E-mail: vipul.msrmc@gmail.com
Studies suggest at least one third of the Indian population suffers from anaemia, with the prevalence being much higher in adolescents, especially girls.
Anaemia is the term for when a person does not have enough of something called “haemoglobin” in their blood. Haemoglobin helps red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. If your haemoglobin level is low, your body might not get all the oxygen it needs.
Symptoms of Anaemia : It presents as easy fatigability, irritability, headache, lethargy, loss of interest in work, poor concentration,poor academic performance or having cravings that make you want to eat ice or substances like clay or earth etc. In severe cases, it can even present as breathlessness, imbalance, tingling and numbness of limbs. A vast majority of patients suffering from mild to moderate anaemia keep blaming themselves for their underperformance, not knowing they have anaemia. Scholastic Underperformance is blamed upon the students without parents and teachers knowing their wards may be anaemic.
We, as doctors and patients, need to identify
Anaemia at an early stage and treat it.
Anaemia is largely nutritional, due to lack of iron in the routine Indian diet, worm infestations in bowel leading to blood loss and nutrient deficiencies, lack of vitamin B12 in vegetarian diet, blood loss due to menstruation or ulcer in stomach and intestine. Every anaemic patient should undergo a thorough physical examination and investigations to find out the cause of anaemia and then treat accordingly.
Is there a test for anaemia?
Yes, your doctor can test your blood for anaemia. The things they most often check is the “haemoglobin”
What are vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency?
Vitamin B12 and folate are 2 different vitamins that your body needs to work normally. A “deficiency” means that your body does not have as much of something as it needs.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency?
A deficiency of vitamin B12, folate, or both can cause low blood counts. Your doctor can check this by doing a blood test. A low blood count can affect 1 or more of the following:
- Red blood cells – Doctors use the term “anaemia” when a person has too few red blood cells.
- White blood cells – A low white blood cell count can increase your risk of infection.
- Platelets – A low platelet count might increase your risk of bleeding.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause other symptoms related to the brain and nerves. They include:
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Trouble walking
- Mood changes
- Memory problems or trouble thinking clearly
People can have vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, or both.
First step to avoid anaemia is to eat food rich in iron, vitamin b12 ,folic acid etc
Identification and treatment of anaemia is crucial for the development of society. If you notice above symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, consult your physician.
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