Anaemia

There are several types and classifications of anaemia. This is a condition in which the body
lacks the amount of red blood cells to keep up with the bodys demand for oxygen.
Understanding the different classifications can help to recognise the symptoms and also to
avoid anaemia in the first place

Iron deficiency anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition in which the body has too little iron in the bloodstream.
This form of anaemia is more common in adolescents and in women before menopause.
Blood loss from heavy periods, internal bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, or donating
too much blood can all contribute to this disease. Other causes can be from poor dietary
habits or from chronic intestinal diseases.
The signs and symptoms of this disease are:
1. Paleness
2. Headache
3. Irritability
Symptoms of more severe iron deficiency anaemia include:
1. Dyspnea
2. Rapid heartbeat
3. Brittle hair and nails
Treatment usually takes the form of oral iron supplements and dietary modifications.

Folic Acid Deficiency Anaemia

This form of anaemia is characterised by a lack of folic acid, one of the B group of vitamins, in
the bloodstream. This is usually caused by an inadequate intake of folic acid, usually found in
vegetables or by the overcooking of the vegetables. Alcoholism can also be a contributing
factor in this form of anaemia. During pregnancy when the folic acid is used more or in
infancy, this disease can also manifest itself. It can also be caused as a side effect of other
blood disorders.
Symptoms of the disorder include:
1. Weakness
2. Fatigue
3. Memory lapses
4. Irritability
This condition can be avoided by including foods with folic acid in the diet. Such foods include
beef liver, asparagus, and red beans.

Pernicious anaemia
Pernicious anaemia usually affects people between the ages of 50 and 60 and is a result of a
lack of vitamin B12. The disease can be hereditary but some forms of the condition can be
autoimmune diseases. People who have any autoimmune diseases are more likely to
contract pernicious anaemia.
Symptoms of this form of anaemia may include:
1. Fatigue
2. Dyspnea

3. Heart palpitations
4. Numbness or tingling in extremities

Aplastic anaemia
Aplastic anaemia is caused by an absence or reduction of red blood cells. This can happen
through injury where the blood forming tissue in the bone marrow is destroyed. Because of
this, the sufferer is unable to fight infection and is likely to be a heavy bleeder.
Symptoms include:
1. Lethargy
2. Paleness
3. Purpura
4. Bleeding
5. Rapid heartbeat
6. Infections
7. Congestive heart failure
There is no definite known cause for aplastic anaemia but it is thought to be caused by
exposure to certain toxins and also to the hepatitis virus.

Sickle Cell Anaemia

This form of anaemia is of a hereditary nature and is a result of an abnormal type of red blood
cells. Sickle cell anaemia is a life threatening disease and there is no prevention.
Symptoms of this condition include:
1. Painful attacks in arms, legs and stomach
2. Jaundice in whites of the eyes
3. Fever
4. Chronic fatigue
5. Rapid heartbeat
6. Paleness
Complications include leg ulcers, shock, cerebral hemorrhage, and orthopedic disorders.

Polycythemia Vera
This disease is more common in middle aged men and is characterised by an increase in red
blood cells, leucocytes, and thrombocytes. There is a very fast and intense reproduction of
cells and the bone marrow cells mature more rapidly than usual. The cause of this condition is
unknown.
Symptoms are:
1. Purplish coloured skin
2. Bloodshot eyes
3. Headache
4. Dizziness
5. Enlarged spleen
Although the signs and symptoms of anaemia may seem overwhelming, the good news is
that most forms can be effectively controlled with medication and dietary changes.