Your Consulting Pathologists | ampath.co.za
What is Anaemia?
Anaemia is a condition where there are too few healthy red blood cells to meet the body’s oxygen demands.
Key Facts:
- May be temporary or chronic
- Can be mild or severe
- Iron deficiency is the most common global cause
- Red blood cells carry haemoglobin, which transports oxygen and carbon dioxide
Types of Blood Cells
Produced in the bone marrow, there are three main types:
🩸 Red Blood Cells
- Carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues
- Return carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation
🛡️ White Blood Cells
- Defend the body against infection
- Key part of the immune system
🩹 Platelets
- Essential for blood clotting
- Form plugs to stop bleeding when vessels are injured
Who is at Risk of Anaemia?
- Infants and elderly individuals
- Menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding women
- People with insufficient diets or vegetarian/vegan lifestyles
- Those with intestinal disorders (e.g. Crohn’s, coeliac disease)
- People with chronic illnesses (e.g. cancer, kidney disease)
Symptoms of Anaemia
The most common symptom is fatigue, but other systems can be affected:
🧠 Brain:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
❤️ Heart:
- Rapid heart rate
- Palpitations
- Low blood pressure
- Chest pain
🫁 Lungs:
- Shortness of breath
💪 Muscles:
- Weakness
🧍 Skin:
- Paleness
- Coldness
- Yellowing
🧠 Nerves:
- Pins and needles
When Should I See My Doctor?
Consult a medical professional if you:
- Experience any of the symptoms above
- Have unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Are informed of anaemia while attempting to donate blood
Mild anaemia may go unnoticed — don’t ignore subtle signs.
Types of Anaemia
There are three main causes of anaemia:
1. Reduced Production of Red Blood Cells
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
- Chronic illness
- Medications/toxins
- Malignancies (e.g. leukaemia)
2. Excessive Loss of Red Blood Cells
- Heavy menstruation
- Digestive tract bleeding (e.g. peptic ulcer)
- Urinary tract bleeding (e.g. infection, kidney stones)
- Recent trauma or surgery
3. Increased Destruction of Red Blood Cells
Inherited causes:
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Thalassaemia
- Enzyme deficiencies
Acquired causes:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infections
- Certain medications or toxins
Tests for Anaemia
The Full Blood Count (FBC) is the primary screening test.
Other helpful tests include:
- Iron studies
- Vitamin B12
- Folic acid
In rare cases, your doctor may request further specialised tests.
Treatment Options
Depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid supplements
- Blood transfusions
- Treatment of underlying medical conditions
Prevention & Diet Tips
- Maintain a balanced diet with:
- Meat, eggs, leafy greens, and dairy
- If vegetarian or vegan, consider long-term supplements
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding, temporary supplementation is often needed
Blood Donation – Give the Gift of Life
Blood transfusions are life-saving in cases like:
- Trauma (e.g. motor vehicle accidents)
- Major surgery
- Post-childbirth bleeding
- Oncology care
💉 Consider donating blood regularly.
📍 Contact your nearest blood bank for details.
📍 Ampath National Laboratory Services
🌐 www.ampath.co.za