18/11/2025
Understanding Anaemia 🩸
Anaemia is a condition where the body has too few healthy red blood cells or insufficient haemoglobin — the iron-rich protein needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. When oxygen delivery to tissues drops, the body becomes tired and weak more easily.
👉🏾 Common Causes
Anaemia may develop due to:
• Iron deficiency — the most common cause, often from low dietary intake or blood loss
• Vitamin deficiency — particularly Vitamin B12 and Folate, essential for red cell formation
• Chronic diseases — kidney disease, inflammatory conditions, infections
• Genetic conditions — such as sickle cell disease or thalassaemia
• Heavy menstrual bleeding (in women)
• Pregnancy — increased demand for iron
Understanding the cause is key to correct treatment.
👉🏾 Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms may be mild at first and slowly become more noticeable:
• Frequent tiredness and weakness
• Pale skin or pale inner eyelids
• Shortness of breath, especially on exertion
• Dizziness or headaches
• Rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Cold hands and feet
• Poor concentration
If these signs persist, a medical evaluation is recommended.
👉🏾 How is Anaemia Managed?
Management depends on the root cause:
• Iron supplementation for iron-deficiency
• Vitamin B12 or folate replacement if levels are low
• Treating underlying disease such as kidney or inflammatory conditions
• Dietary improvement — leafy vegetables, beans, red meat, eggs
• Monitoring during pregnancy to support mother and baby
• In severe or chronic cases: transfusion or specialist care
Regular screening helps detect anaemia early and prevent complications such as heart strain, reduced immunity, and poor daily functioning.
🩺 If you feel unusually tired, it might not just be stress.
A simple blood test can give answers — and better energy may be just one treatment away.
