Anemia colloquially means anemia. It is a deficiency of red blood pigment (haemoglobin). It can also be accompanied by a reduction in red blood cells.
Anemia leads to a lack of oxygen, as the transport of oxygen to the vital organs is impaired.
It is important to note that anemia itself is not a disease in its own right, but only a symptom. This means that anemia is usually caused by other diseases.
Pale mucous membranes are a typical sign of anemia @ RFBSIP /AdobeStock
It is equally important to differentiate between the various forms of anemia.
For example, there is iron deficiency anemia. This is by far one of the most common forms. Women generally suffer more frequently from iron deficiency anemia, as a lot of iron is lost during menstruation.
Anemias can also be classified as follows:
Microcytic, hypochromic anemia: Here the erythrocytes (red blood cells) are too small and contain too little hemoglobin. The aforementioned iron deficiency anemia belongs to this category.
Macrocytic, hyperchromic anemia: In this form of anemia, the red blood cells are too large and enriched with too much haemoglobin. Although they are able to transport enough oxygen, the liver breaks it down more quickly. If there is a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12, this form can occur.
- Normocytic, normochromic anemia: This form is mainly characterized by severe blood loss, which causes the body to suffer from anaemia. The cells themselves are unremarkable.
The causes of anemia can be many and varied:
- There may be a general disorder of blood formation. This includes anemia caused by a lack of iron or folic acid.
- Kidney disease, inflammatory processes or genetic defects are also among the causes of impaired blood formation.
- Another cause is blood loss. Bleeding, but also medication, can cause this form of anemia. If anemia is present, doctors must diagnose and treat the underlying disease.
The symptoms are just as varied as the causes of anemia. Those affected often feel weak, tired and exhausted.
Headaches, dizziness and a decrease in mental performance are then added in many cases. One reason for these symptoms is not least the lack of oxygen supply to important organs.
The following signs also indicate anemia:
- Pallor of the skin and mucous membranes
- palpitations
- shortness of breath or
- The so-called lacquer tongue (smooth, red tongue)
Of course, there are also specific symptoms. Iron deficiency anemia, for example, can make hair and nails look brittle and brittle.
Jaundice or a black coloration of the stool (in case of internal blood loss) are also possible side effects of anemia.
If one or even more of these symptoms occur, you must have the cause clarified by a doctor.
Possible symptoms of anemia at a glance:
- Tiredness
- Weakened immune system
- Pallor of the skin and mucous membranes
- headaches
- nausea
- dizziness
- palpitations
- Brittle nails and hair
- Black coloration of the stool
If there are no external signs of anemia, treatment begins with a blood test.
The laboratory then determines several values from a blood sample:
- the hematocrit value
- the erythrocyte count
- the haemoglobin value
- as well as other values that provide an indication of whether anemia is present
If the initial tests confirm anemia, further examinations may be necessary to find the cause.
These include, among others:
- An occult blood test (provides evidence of blood in the stool)
- a gastrointestinal endoscopy and
- bone marrow diagnostics
Once the cause has been found, the doctor can start the appropriate therapy. If blood loss is the cause - for example after childbirth, in the case of stomach ulcers or injuries - a blood transfusion is often advisable.
If nutrients such as vitamin B12 or folic acid are missing, you can compensate for this deficiency with targeted supplementation. A balanced diet can also help to improve the values and minimize problems.
In the case of forms of anaemia in which red blood cells break down too quickly, it may be necessary to remove the spleen.
In the case of genetic defects, which include sickle cell anemia, a stem cell transplant can help.
Possible treatment methods:
- In case of nutrient deficiency: targeted administration of nutrients
- Removal of the spleen
- Stem cell therapy
- Elimination of the underlying disease
If you have too little vitamin B12 in your body, you can develop anemia @ bit24 /AdobeStock
The most suitable specialists for anemia come from the field of haematology. However, doctors from other specialties may also be involved.
As anemia can have various causes, an internist may also be helpful here.
The family doctor will refer the patient to the appropriate specialists, who will carry out the blood tests, other examinations and treatment.