Feeling unusually tired and lethargic lately? While these symptoms can be conveniently overlooked as part and parcel of a ‘hectic lifestyle’, do you know that it could potentially be a sign of anaemia? Iron deficiency anaemia is a blood disorder that occurs when there is a lack of red blood cells or when red blood cells don’t function as they should. It is quite a common condition, with medical experts estimating that it affects 1 in 3 people in the global population. In Singapore, it is more prevalent among women; a 2016 report claimed that 22% of non-pregnant women between the ages of 15-49 had anaemia in Singapore. In addition, among pregnant women, 31% had anaemia.
Certain types of anaemia, like chronic anaemia, can cause serious medical issues like heart attack, heart failure and organ damage, so, it’s important to be vigilant of anaemia symptoms, and what you can do to protect yourself against it. This blog article will give you a clearer idea of what anaemia is, its causes and symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and the available treatment options so you can be better equipped to take care of yourself.
What is Anaemia?
As mentioned earlier, anaemia is a blood disorder, which comes in numerous forms. Furthermore, it can range from short-term to long-term and also hint at a more serious illness, such as cancer. Anaemia occurs when there is a lack of haemoglobin or red blood cells, which can happen if:
- The body doesn’t make sufficient haemoglobin or red blood cells
- The body destroys red blood cells and the haemoglobin in them
- Bleeding causes the loss of red blood cells and haemoglobin faster than they can be replaced
- The body has an iron deficiency
Interestingly, doctors categorise anaemia depending on these causes, as such, there are two main types: acquired and inherited.
Types of Anaemia
Acquired anaemia is defined as an anaemia that is caused by something that has happened during your lifetime. In contrast to these acquired anaemia, inherited anaemia suggests that you are born with the condition.
Now that you understand the causes, you will also need to keep an eye out for the warning signs of anaemia.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia Symptoms
While fatigue and lethargy are the two most common iron deficiency symptoms, those alone will not be a clear indicator of whether you suffer from anaemia. However, a combination of lethargy with the following signs could indicate that you have the condition:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Frequent infections
- Headache
- Pale skin
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, increased heart rate
- Painful, red, and swollen tongue
- Brittle nails
- Pica (eating disorder) — cravings for ice, paper, soil, or other non-nutritious substances
If a majority of these symptoms persist, it might be time for you to see a doctor. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms before conducting a few blood tests. Let’s explore a few of these tests so you can know what to expect.
How is Anaemia Diagnosed?
There are a few blood tests you can undergo to confirm if you have anaemia including a full blood count (FBC), haemoglobin test, hematocrit test, etc. In addition to these, your doctor may perform a few other tests to identify the underlying cause of your anaemia, which could include tumours and ulcers. These tests include but are not limited to:
- Endoscopic ultrasound:
An endoscopic ultrasound utilises an endoscope (a thin flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it) to scan the abdomen and the pelvis to check if there is any gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Colonoscopy:
A gastroenterologist will typically use this method to identify any ulcers, bleeding, or abnormal masses suggestive of an underlying cause for the anaemia. The procedure is conducted by inserting a flexible tube with a camera at one end into the rectum and guiding it upwards into the colon.
If you go through these tests and are diagnosed with anaemia, there are various treatment options that your doctor will recommend for you to go through. Let’s delve into a few of those options.
How is Anaemia Treated?
Treatments for anaemia typically involve replenishing the iron stores in your body and treating any underlying causes for the iron deficiency.
A few iron deficiency treatments include:
- Taking iron supplements on an empty stomach. But if it causes stomach aches, you can take it with your meal.
- Taking iron in combination with Vitamin C or Vitamin C-containing food/drinks, as it increases iron absorption.
- Eating iron-enriched foods
When undergoing these iron deficiency treatments, it is important to note that you should not take iron at the same time as antacid medications, as they decrease iron absorption. If you require antacids, take them two hours before or four hours after you take the antacid.
If you present with the aforementioned symptoms and want to consult a gastroenterologist for the appropriate screening and treatments, consider contacting us at Alpha Digestive and Liver Centre.
Alpha Digestive and Liver Centre — Personalised Care and Treatments
Leaving anaemia untreated can adversely affect your health, therefore, consulting a doctor is important. If you are looking for treatment options you can consult our gastroenterologist, Dr Benjamin Yip, for a treatment solution suited for your condition. Our services include screening tests such as endoscopic ultrasounds, colonoscopies, and various other abdominal scans.
If you have any further enquiries, do not hesitate to contact us — your health is our top priority.
References
1. Anaemia. SingHealth. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/anaemia.
2. Anemia. Cleveland Clinic. May 1, 2024. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3929-anemia.
3. Iron-deficiency anemia. Hematology.org. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency#:~:text=Iron%2Ddeficiency%20anemia%20is%20diagnosed,capacity%2C%20and%2For%20transferrin.
