Anemia is a medical condition that refers to a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood, which leads to a reduced capacity to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. This condition can range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause and how quickly it develops.
The anemia meaning goes beyond just low iron—it may result from nutritional deficiencies (like iron, folate, or vitamin B12), chronic diseases (such as kidney disease or cancer), or inherited disorders (like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia).
Understanding the early signs of anemia—such as fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness—is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. Once identified, anemia is typically diagnosed through blood tests and treated based on its root cause using dietary changes, supplements, or medical interventions.
Recognising the meaning of anemia and addressing it early can significantly improve energy levels, immune function, and overall quality of life.
What is Anemia disease?
Anaemia disease refers to a condition where the body lacks healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin.
It reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, causing fatigue and weakness.
It can result from iron deficiency, blood loss, or chronic illness.
Anaemia can be temporary or long-term, depending on its cause.
Is Anemia a common disease?
Yes, anaemia disease is one of the most common blood-related disorders globally.
It affects people of all age groups, especially women, children, and those with poor diets.
Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anaemia.
Lifestyle, diet, and existing health conditions impact anaemia risk.
What are the types of Anemia?
Iron-deficiency anaemia – due to low iron intake or blood loss
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia
Aplastic anaemia – when bone marrow fails to produce RBCs
Hemolytic anaemia – when red blood cells are destroyed too early
Sickle cell anaemia – a genetic form of anaemia disease
What are the symptoms of anaemia?
The most common and noticeable symptom of anemia is fatigue, where you may feel too exhausted to carry out daily activities. Other signs can include:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Frequent infections
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Pale skin (pallor)
- Pulsatile tinnitus (hearing a heartbeat in your ears)
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
These symptoms may vary in intensity depending on the severity and cause of anemia.
What are the causes of anaemia?
Anaemia disease can be caused by a wide range of factors. The most common form is iron-deficiency anaemia, which may develop if your body doesn’t get enough iron from food or loses blood due to an illness or injury. Anaemia is generally classified as either acquired or inherited, based on how it develops.
Acquired Anaemias
These occur due to conditions or events in your lifetime. Common types include:
- Anaemia of chronic disease – Linked to long-term illnesses causing inflammation, which interferes with iron usage.
- Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia – Where the immune system mistakenly destroys red blood cells.
- Macrocytic & megaloblastic anaemia – Caused by vitamin deficiencies or certain health issues; results in abnormally large red blood cells.
- Normocytic anaemia – Characterised by a reduced number of normal-sized red blood cells; can stem from many underlying health conditions.
- Pernicious anaemia – An autoimmune condition that hampers the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12, leading to deficiency-related anaemia.
Chronic health issues may also trigger anaemia, including:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Kidney, liver, or thyroid disorders
Inherited Anaemias
These are genetic forms of anaemia disease present from birth. Common inherited types include:
- Diamond-Blackfan anaemia – A rare disorder where the bone marrow produces fewer red blood cells.
- Fanconi anaemia – A genetic blood condition that increases the risk of bone marrow failure and anaemia.
- Sickle cell anaemia – Causes red blood cells to become misshapen and sticky, blocking blood flow.
- Thalassemia – Reduces haemoglobin production, resulting in smaller, inefficient red blood cells and chronic anaemia.
Understanding the root cause of anaemia disease is essential for effective treatment and long-term health management.
How is anaemia diagnosed?
To diagnose anaemia disease, your healthcare provider will begin by asking about your symptoms and medical history. Since anemia is caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells, several blood tests are typically used for confirmation and evaluation:
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
This is the most common test used to assess all blood components, especially red blood cells. It checks their count, size, and shape. It can also help identify vitamin B12 or folate (B9) deficiencies.Hemoglobin test:
Measures the amount of hemoglobin—the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Low levels usually indicate anemia.Hematocrit test:
Determines the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. A lower-than-normal value suggests anemia.Peripheral blood smear:
A blood sample is examined under a microscope to observe the size, shape, and number of red blood cells, helping identify the specific type of anemia.Reticulocyte count:
This test measures the number of immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) in your bloodstream to assess if your bone marrow is producing enough healthy cells.
These tests help pinpoint the type, severity, and cause of anaemia, allowing for more targeted treatment.
What are the complications of anemia?
If left untreated, chronic anemia can lead to serious health complications such as heart failure, heart attacks, and even organ damage. This occurs when anemia goes undiagnosed, is not properly managed, or persists despite treatment. Over time, the lack of healthy red blood cells puts extra strain on vital organs, reducing oxygen supply and increasing the risk of long-term damage.
