Anaemia – Various types and their symptoms

Red blood cells are the transport system of your body that carries oxygen to all of the tissues. However, if you have anaemia, your body either does not produce enough red blood cells or the ones produced are of poor quality. As a result, the oxygen supply to the tissues gets hampered, and you end up experiencing anemia symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Depending on the root cause, there are many types of anaemia, with iron deficiency anaemia being the most common.  If you are anaemic, understanding the type of anaemia you have can help you manage your condition better. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of anaemia, their causes and symptoms, and how they affect your health.

Iron-deficiency anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. It occurs when your body lacks sufficient iron to produce haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. Common anemia causes and symptoms include blood loss, a diet low in iron, difficulty absorbing iron, and pregnancy. 

What are the symptoms of anemia caused by iron deficiency?

Check symptoms here.

• Extreme fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle nails
• Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances such as ice, dirt or starch
• Poor appetite

To prevent this, include iron-rich foods like red meat, seafood, beans, and dark leafy greens in your diet. Pair these with vitamin C-rich foods to enhance iron absorption.

Aplastic Anaemia

Aplastic anaemia occurs when the body stops producing enough red blood cells due to damaged stem cells in the bone marrow. This leads to chronic anemia symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and frequent infections. Causes may include immune system disorders, exposure to toxic chemicals, or certain medications. 

Severe anemia symptoms of aplastic anaemia include:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Pale skin
• Easy bruising
• Prolonged infections
• Bleeding gums or frequent nosebleeds
• Skin rash
• Dizziness and headaches

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial as aplastic anaemia is a rare but serious condition.

Sickle cell anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited disorder where red blood cells assume a crescent shape, becoming rigid and sticky. This abnormality can block blood flow and oxygen delivery. Symptoms range from episodes of pain to delayed growth, frequent infections, and swelling in the hands and feet.

Unlike mild anemia symptoms, the complications here can be life-threatening, including stroke and organ damage. While there’s no cure, treatments focus on managing pain and preventing further issues.

The symptoms of sickle cell anaemia include:

• Episodes of pain
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Frequent infections
• Delayed growth or puberty
• Vision problems

Thalassemia

Thalassemia, another inherited blood disorder, results in reduced hemoglobin levels. The condition can vary from mild to severe. Symptoms of anemia due to thalassemia may include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Facial bone deformities
• Slow growth
• Abdominal swelling
• Dark urine

Vitamin deficiency anaemia

Vitamin deficiency anaemia occurs when your body lacks essential nutrients like folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. Poor dietary intake or absorption issues often lead to this type of anaemia. Symptoms of anemia caused by vitamin deficiency include:

• Fatigue
• shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Pale skin
• Irregular heartbeat
• Weight loss
• Numbness or tingling sensation in hands and feet
• Muscle weakness
• Unsteady movements
• Mental confusion

This condition is often manageable through dietary changes and supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the symptoms of anemia that indicate a severe condition?

Ans. Severe anemia symptoms include extreme fatigue, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, and persistent dizziness. If you notice these, seek medical attention immediately.

Q2. How can I differentiate between mild anemia symptoms and chronic anemia symptoms?

Ans. While mild anemia symptoms might include occasional tiredness or pale skin, chronic anemia symptoms are persistent and often worsen over time, including shortness of breath and frequent infections.

Q3. Are anemia disease symptoms reversible?

Ans. Most anemia disease symptoms are manageable with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, including dietary changes, supplements, or medicines.

Anemia is a condition that can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated. Recognizing anemia symptoms early and consulting with a doctor can help with the management of the health issue. Talk to your doctor now.