::... GYNAECOLOGY - Anaemia

Red blood cells in blood carry oxygen around the body in a pigment called haemoglobin. Iron is the main component of haemoglobin. Other vitamins that are needed for the body to make red blood cells include folate (folic acid) and vitamin B12.

Anaemia is a condition in which the blood cannot carry enough oxygen, either because there is a low number of red blood cells or because each red blood cell is able to carry less oxygen than normal. There are many different types of anaemia with different causes. Lack of dietary iron is the world's leading nutritional deficiency and the most common cause of anaemia. Deficiency of folate and vitamin B12 in the diet can cause anaemia.

Generally an anemic patient complains of tiredness, breathlessness,dizziness,palpitation, has pallor of eyes and nails. Less common symptoms include tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and altered taste

Anemia is diagnosed by assessing haemoglobin level in blood . The normal amount of haemoglobin is at least 13g/dl (13 grams of haemoglobin per decilitre of blood) for men and 11g/dl for women. Hb level less than this is considered as a case of anemia.

Meat, green vegetables , apple are source of iron.

• Hook worm infestation
• Low dietary iron
• Increased requirement of iron such as in
  pregnancy and lactation
• Loss of blood such as in surgery, accident
• Heavy periods (menorrhagia). About 1 in 10
  women become anaemic at some time in their
  life due to heavy periods.
• Stomach ulcers, piles, ulcerative colitis
  (inflammation of colon) and bowel cancer

Iron deficiency can reduce attention span, cause behavioural and developmental problems in young children and weaken the immune system. It also leads to reduced work capacity.

A doctor will treat the underlying cause of anaemia. A haematinic containing iron, vit B12 and folic acid is prescribed. It takes 3 months to build up iron stores in liver. Once the haemoglobin level is back to normal, iron supplements may still be advised for another three months. A diet high in iron will also be recommended. Dose prescribed varies, depending upon the severity of anaemia. Hb level is checked to confirm the desired rise. Iron supplements can have side-effects. These include constipation, diarrhoea, an upset stomach or feeling sick. The stools may also turn black.