Anaemia

There are often no symptoms in the milder or beginning stages of anaemia, and they start to develop as the condition worsens. The symptoms can also vary depending on the cause and severity. 

Fatigue and drowsiness are often the most noticeable symptoms. Other symptoms of anaemia to look out for include:

●    shortness of breath

●    weakness or feeling low in energy

●    brain fog and difficulty concentrating 

●    dizziness and feeling lightheaded

●    palpitations or arrhythmia (fast or irregular heartbeat) 

●    cold hands and feet

●    headaches

●    pale skin and mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes)

●    bruising more easily

●    chest pain or a pressing or squeezing feeling in your chest

If anaemia is left untreated, it can also lead to:

●    blueish whites of your eyes

●    brittle nails

●    cravings to eat ice or other non-foods

●    a sore or inflamed tongue

●    mouth ulcers

●    abnormal or heavy periods in females

●    low libido in males

Haemoglobin, which is mainly produced in your bone marrow, is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. It’s also what gives red blood cells their colour. If you have anaemia, it’s because something is impacting your haemoglobin production.

There are many different types of anaemia, with iron deficiency anaemia — caused by low iron levels — being the most common. 

Other causes of anaemia include:

• vitamin B12 deficiency

• folate deficiency

• certain medications

• the destruction of red blood cells and haemoglobin, often due to a problem with your immune system

• having a long-term condition, such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, ulcerative colitis, or rheumatoid arthritis

• pregnancy

• conditions that affect your bone marrow, such as lymphoma, leukaemia, myelodysplasia, multiple myeloma, or aplastic anaemia

• slow and persistent blood loss, from heavy periods or stomach ulcers, for example

• sudden heavy blood loss, caused by trauma or major surgery, for example

• genetics (sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia)

• post-bariatric surgery

To make a diagnosis of anaemia, your Welbeck consultant will meet with you for an initial consultation. During this appointment, they’ll take your medical history, ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination.

They’ll also run some blood tests to measure the concentration of red blood cells and the level of haemoglobin in your blood. The tests may also be used to check the size, shape, and colour of your red blood cells. The results will determine if you have anaemia.

If you’re given a diagnosis of anaemia, but the cause is unclear, your consultant may need to run some more tests. These simple blood tests include iron studies, ferritin and vitamin levels (B12, folate).

Once your consultant has identified the cause of your anaemia, they’ll be able to provide you with the most effective treatment.

If your anaemia is caused by genetics, you’ll be able to treat and manage it, but you won’t be able to prevent it.

However, there are steps you can take to try to prevent anaemia caused by iron deficiency:

• eat iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, dark leafy greens

• eat foods containing vitamin C, such as broccoli, oranges, and tomatoes

Most people don’t experience any complications from anaemia if they receive treatment and continue to manage the condition.

If anaemia is left untreated, it can progress to more serious health conditions, some of which can be life-threatening. These include pregnancy complications, organ damage, heart attack, and heart failure.

While some types of anaemia are mild and short-term, others can be more severe and can last for a lifetime. Whichever the case, it’s important to treat anaemia so that it doesn’t have a lasting impact on your health. 

Treatments for anaemia can include:

● making changes to your diet

● iron infusions (if your anaemia is severe)

● medication to help boost red blood cell production

● treatment for an underlying condition that is causing your anaemia

● iron supplementation (oral or intravenous injection)

● vitamin supplementation

Your consultant will talk you through your options, offering you the most appropriate and effective treatment for the type of anaemia you have.

At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.