Anaemia
Anaemia occurs when your blood does not carry enough oxygen to your body's tissues — most commonly due to low iron levels. It causes fatigue, breathlessness, and pale skin. A simple blood test confirms the diagnosis and treatment is usually straightforward.
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This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
What is anaemia?
Anaemia is a condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells — or haemoglobin — to carry adequate oxygen to its tissues. The most common form is iron-deficiency anaemia, though it can also be caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, chronic disease, or less commonly, inherited conditions.
It is particularly common in women of reproductive age, pregnant women, vegetarians, and older adults — and is frequently underdiagnosed because symptoms develop gradually and are often attributed to stress or a busy lifestyle.
Symptoms
- Persistent fatigue and low energy, even after adequate sleep
- Pale or yellowish skin, gums, or inner eyelids
- Shortness of breath on exertion
- Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
- Headaches, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle nails or hair loss in iron-deficiency anaemia
Causes
- Iron deficiency — the most common cause, often due to diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, or poor absorption
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency — common in vegetarians, vegans, and older adults
- Chronic disease — conditions such as kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer can impair red blood cell production
- Blood loss — from heavy periods, gastrointestinal bleeding, or surgery
- Inherited conditions — such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have persistent, unexplained fatigue, breathlessness, or pallor. Do not self-treat with iron supplements without a blood test — too much iron can be harmful, and it is important to identify the underlying cause of your anaemia.
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Treatment options
- Iron supplements — oral or intravenous, depending on severity and tolerance
- Vitamin B12 injections or oral supplements for B12-deficiency anaemia
- Folate supplements for folate-deficiency anaemia
- Dietary guidance — increasing iron-rich and vitamin-rich foods in the diet
- Treatment of the underlying cause — managing heavy periods, GI bleeding, or chronic disease
Our doctors can request and interpret blood tests, prescribe supplements, and refer you for further investigation if an underlying cause needs to be identified.
How eMedClinic can help
Our doctors provide online consultations for anaemia, arrange blood test requests, and create personalised treatment plans. We will identify the type of anaemia, address the underlying cause, and monitor your recovery — all without you needing to navigate a foreign healthcare system alone.
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