Anaemia is the term used for a deficiency of red blood cells (RBC’s or ‘erythrocytes’
). Clinically, this results in abnormally low levels of haemoglobin (Hb)
in the blood.
Haemoglobin is the iron-containing protein, stored in red blood cells. Haemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the muscles, where it releases the oxygen load.
Tissues need oxygen to function, enabling them to convert sources of energy (such as glucose) to enable muscle contraction, production of secretions, conduction of nerve impulses, etc.
Iron is an essential part of haemoglobin and low iron levels result in a decreased inclusion of haemoglobin in red blood cells.
How is anaemia defined clinically?
- The normal concentration of haemoglobin is 16 g/dl for men and 14 g/dl for women.
- Anaemia is defined as a haemoglobin concentration below 14 g/dl for men or 12 g/dl for women.
Living with anaemia can put a strain on your daily activities and you may find your quality of life decreasing substantially. In the following section there are some encouraging tips that may provide some insight into this condition.
As tiredness is a major consequence, suffering from anaemia can have a serious impact on your everyday life. Fortunately, a broad range of treatments is at your doctor’s disposal. Read our patient portrait to understand more about the effects of anaemia and –more importantly – what you can do about your anaemia.
Patient Portrait
When you suffer from anaemia, you are probably unaware of the key facts that cause it: the lack of red blood cells. No doubt you will report feelings of extreme tiredness or fatigue. As a matter of fact, fatigue is the most common symptom of anaemia. Unfortunately, its impact on the everyday quality of your life can be devastating.
Fatigue is a word used to describe feelings of extreme tiredness that may be present at all or most of the time. It is the sort of tiredness that cannot be aided by rest and may stop you from doing the things you normally do. It may also make you feel sad and upset. People who have fatigue have no energy. You may find it difficult to perform those simple, everyday tasks that most people usually take for granted.
The effects of fatigue can also influence your relationship with family and friends. It can make you impatient and you may avoid socialising because it demands too much effort.
Some of the more common effects are described below:
- You cannot complete the smallest of chores. Brushing your hair, showering or cooking can seem impossible.
- You feel as if you could spend whole days in bed A feeling of having no energy at all.
- You have trouble thinking, speaking, or making decisions. You may find it difficult to remember things.
- You might feel breathless after only engaging in light activity. You may feel dizzy or light-headed.
- You have trouble getting to sleep.
It is important to remember that there are ways of treating your fatigue. By dealing with the causes of fatigue, your doctor can help you to reduce it. Never put off telling your doctor or nurse how you are feeling; they will be able to help you.
A broad range of medical treatments are available to you: erythropoietin or EPO-therapy, iron supplements, blood transfusion , etc… In addition to these options there is psychological support and relaxation therapy which can supplement your treatment plan. Last but not least, reorganise your household tasks and ask for help.
There is no need for you to suffer in silence. Tell your medical team and people in your environment how you are feeling and whether you experience any progress under your current treatment. If you are not satisfied with your actual therapy, communicate your thoughts to your doctor and s/he will continue to search for treatment that is suited to you.
To read more about the symptoms of anaemia,
click here.
