Anaemia is a condition in which there is less than the required amount of haemoglobin in the blood, reducing the amount of oxygen it can transport. As a result, a person experiencing it often shows symptoms like tiredness, dizziness and pale skin.
Since iron is a major component of haemoglobin, the lack of the micronutrient in the body often causes the condition. However, that does not mean all anaemia is caused by iron deficiency. Yet another reason that is not linked with the lowered production of red blood cells, Dr Chawla pointed out that low haemoglobin can also be caused by RBCs being destroyed faster than they can be replaced. The condition is known as haemolytic anaemia and can be inherited genetically. Chronic kidney disease, or other chronic health conditions such as tuberculosis (TB), cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and those that trigger long-term inflammatory conditions, can also cause anaemia, cautioned Dr Chawla. The only way to deal with this is to treat the underlying health condition. In the words of Dr Chawla, “Conditions such as thalassemia and certain bone marrow disorders can cause anaemia. In these cases, simply taking iron may not solve the problem. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. Dr Rahul Chawla , MBBS, MD Medicine, DM Neurology, is a consultant neurologist at ISIC Hospital, Delhi, and the founder of HealthPil.com.
