Anemia, characterized by a deficiency in healthy red blood cells, is a critical health concern with far-reaching consequences. Its symptoms include exhaustion and dyspnea that might seriously interfere with day-to-day activities. There are several types, including sickle cell anemia and iron-deficiency anemia, each with distinguished causes and therapies. Understanding the anemia causes is crucial for efficient management and general health.

What is anemia?

A disease known as anemia arises when your blood produces fewer healthy red blood cells than usual. Your body does not receive enough blood that is rich in oxygen if you have anemia. You may feel weak or exhausted from the lack of oxygen. In addition, you can get headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat.

There are numerous varieties of anemia, such as: iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12-deficiency anemia, and hemolytic anemia.

Recognizing the symptoms of anemia

Detailed information on common and lesser-known symptoms of anemia:

• Fatigue: The state of being weak or exhausted even after receiving enough sleep.
• Weakness: Not having the stamina or strength to get things done every day.
• Pale skin: A noticeable lack of pigmentation, particularly around the lips, face, and inside the lower lids.
• Breathing difficulties, especially during physical activity or exertion, are referred to as shortness of breath.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or faintish, particularly after standing up fast.
• Hands and feet that feel cold: The extremities may feel numb or cold.
• Restless legs syndrome: An uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations.
• Cravings for non-nutritive substances (Pica): A desire to eat ice, dirt, or other non-food items may occur.
• Headaches: Headaches that are frequent or persistent, frequently with accompanying nausea symptoms.
• Chest pain: Constriction or discomfort in the chest region, particularly during exercising.
• Heart palpitations or the feeling that the heart is pounding too quickly or irregularly are examples of irregular heartbeats.
• Brittle nails: When nails start to show ridges or become brittle.

Types of anemia

Discover the various forms of anemia, understanding its diversity and complexity. We will cover important classifications that will help in providing a comprehensive overview. Learn in detail about the types of anemia.

Aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia is a rare disorder where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. This deficiency affects red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. As a result, individuals with aplastic anemia may experience fatigue, frequent infections, and abnormal bleeding.

• Symptoms: Include fatigue, frequent infections, and abnormal bleeding.
• Causes: Can be acquired due to exposure to toxins, medications, radiation, or inherited.
• Treatment: Options include blood transfusions, medications to stimulate bone marrow function, and bone marrow transplantation for severe cases.

Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

• Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath.
• Causes: Inadequate dietary intake, blood loss (examples – Likely heavy menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding), or poor iron absorption.
• Treatment: Iron supplementation (as recommended by doctor), dietary changes, addressing underlying causes such as blood loss or absorption issues.

Sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells. These cells, shaped like sickles or crescent moons, can block blood flow, leading to pain, infections, and organ damage.

• Symptoms: Include pain, infections, fatigue, jaundice, and organ damage.
• Causes:

- Genetic mutation: Inherited from both parents, resulting in the production of abnormal haemoglobin.

- Haemoglobin S: This variant causes red blood cells to become rigid and assume a sickle shape under certain conditions, leading to blockages in blood vessels.

• Treatment: It focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications through medications, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplants. Additionally, lifestyle adjustments play crucial roles in managing the same.

Thalassemia anemia

Thalassemia anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production, leading to reduced red blood cells and insufficient oxygen transport.

• Causes: Thalassemia anemia happens because of changes in our genes that affect how our body makes haemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen in our blood.\
• Symptoms: Common signs include persistent fatigue, weakness, and pale skin due to reduced oxygen levels. Other symptoms may include jaundice, slow growth, and an enlarged spleen.
• Treatments: To help with thalassemia, doctors often give blood transfusions regularly to keep enough healthy red blood cells. In more serious cases, they might consider a bone marrow transplant, which replaces unhealthy bone marrow with healthy donor cells.

Vitamin deficiency anemia

Vitamin deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient vitamin B12 or folate, essential for red blood cell production. Without enough of these vitamins, red blood cells can't form properly, leading to anemia. A balanced diet rich in foods like meat, fish, dairy, and leafy greens is crucial. In some cases, supplementation may be necessary.

• Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin.
• Causes: Insufficient vitamin B12 or folate intake.
• Treatments: Dietary adjustments, vitamin supplements like B12 injections or folate tablets.

Common causes of anemia

Anemia has various causes, with iron deficiency being a common one. In the United Arab Emirates, factors like dietary patterns, including limited intake of iron-rich foods, and blood disorders prevalent in the region contribute to anemia. Additionally, conditions such as thalassemia, which affects the production of hemoglobin, are more common among certain ethnic groups in the UAE. Chronic diseases like kidney disease and inflammatory disorders can also lead to anemia.

Furthermore, infections such as Helicobacter pylori can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, leading to iron deficiency anemia. Addressing anemia requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting dietary diversity to ensure adequate iron intake, screening and managing blood disorders, and addressing underlying health conditions to effectively combat this widespread health issue.

Iron-rich foods: Dietary solutions for anemia

In addressing anemia, incorporating iron-rich foods into the diet is crucial, especially in the UAE where dietary preferences vary.

• Incorporate lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs for heme iron.
• Include plant-based sources like lentils, beans, tofu, and fortified cereals for non-heme iron.
• Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers to enhance absorption.
• Embrace traditional Emirati dishes such as "foul medames" (cooked fava beans) and "salona" (a stew with meat and vegetables).
• Ensure a balanced diet with these iron-rich options to prevent and manage anaemia effectively.

When to seek professional anemia treatments

• Aplastic Anemia: If you feel very tired, weak, or have trouble fighting infections, see a doctor. You may need treatments like medications or blood transfusions.
• Hemolytic Anemia: If your immune system is attacking your red blood cells, you might need special medication. Your primary care doctor can refer you to a specialist.
• Anemia from Blood Loss: If you're losing blood, surgery might be necessary to stop it. Iron supplements and diet changes can help with iron-deficiency anemia.
• Sickle Cell Anemia: If you have this type, treatments like oxygen therapy, folic acid, and medications can help manage symptoms. See your doctor if you have severe pain or frequent sickle cell crises.
• Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency: If you lack these vitamins, you'll need supplements. Consult your doctor for proper guidance.
• Thalassemia: Usually, it doesn’t need treatment, but in severe cases, surgery or blood transfusions might be required. If you have symptoms, seek medical advice.

Your health partner: Role of Cigna Healthcare in anemia management

With Cigna Healthcare, individuals can count on comprehensive support for managing anemia. From access to a network of skilled health care providers to personalized care plans and educational resources, Cigna Healthcare ensures that individuals facing anemia receive the attention and guidance they need to navigate their health journey with confidence and ease. Choose Cigna Healthcare as your trusted health partner and experience peace of mind in your anemia care. Explore our plans now.