Anemia: what kind of disease is it, is it dangerous, and how does it manifest

The word "anemia" comes from Greek and literally means "without blood," and in everyday speech it is called poor blood. Behind this word lies not one specific disease but a condition in which there is less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells in the blood than needed. Let us calmly break down what this means, where it comes from, and at what point it is time to see a doctor.

What anemia is and why it is called poor blood

Anemia is a clinical and hematological syndrome: hemoglobin and red blood cells in the circulating blood become fewer, the blood carries oxygen less well, and tissues experience oxygen starvation — hypoxia. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color and carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.

"Poor blood" is a colloquial synonym, and it is a bit misleading: the volume of blood may remain the same, but its composition changes. Hydremia, or pseudoanemia, is distinguished separately — for example, during pregnancy, when the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin is the same but the liquid part of the blood is greater.

And one more thing: "anemia" without clarification does not name a specific disease; it is a symptom in a wide variety of conditions. It is one of the most common blood diseases, more often in women, children, and older adults.

What types and causes of anemia exist

Anemia has three main mechanisms: blood loss, insufficient production of red blood cells, and accelerated destruction of them. Hence the groups: posthemorrhagic, dyshemopoietic (for example, iron deficiency and B12 deficiency), and hemolytic.

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type: iron is needed to build hemoglobin. Common causes are heavy menstruation and pregnancy, bleeding in the stomach and intestines: due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin, ulcers, inflammation of the intestines or esophagus, hemorrhoids. Next are hereditary disorders, an iron-poor diet, blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.

The causes of anemia are blood loss, a lack of iron or vitamins, and bone marrow dysfunction; stress is not named among them.

Symptoms of anemia and anemic syndrome in adults

Anemic syndrome is a set of complaints and signs associated with a lack of oxygen. Often anemia does not manifest in any way and is found by chance, in a test taken for another reason.

• fatigue and lack of energy, rapid fatigability;
• shortness of breath with little exertion, noticeable heartbeat and palpitations;
• pallor of the skin, visible mucous membranes, and nail beds;
• headache, dizziness, noise or ringing in the ears, irritability;
• less often — a painful tongue, a craving to eat nonfood items (paper, ice), difficulty swallowing, cracks in the corners of the mouth, spoon-shaped nails, restless legs.

Is anemia dangerous? Possible complications

Anemia is not a separate verdict but a condition whose danger depends on the cause and severity. Without treatment, iron deficiency anemia increases the risk of becoming ill and catching an infection: a lack of iron affects the immune system. Next, the heart and lungs suffer — a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and heart failure are possible, especially with severe anemia. In pregnant women, the risk of complications before and after childbirth is higher.

How anemia is diagnosed

The doctor asks about lifestyle and illnesses and usually orders a complete blood count: it shows the number of red blood cells and other blood cells. No preparation is needed. This same test helps detect B12 and folate deficiency anemia.

In numbers: the color index is normally 0.86–1.1 in men and women; below 0.86 — hypochromic anemia (iron deficiency, thalassemia), above 1.1 — hyperchromic (B12 and folate deficiency). Reticulocytes are normally 0.5–2%. Serum ferritin is looked at separately — it is used to judge iron stores; there are tests for iron, vitamin B12, and a blood smear. If the cause is unclear, the doctor may check stool for occult blood and refer you to a specialist.

When to see a doctor

The reason is the very suspicion of anemia: constant fatigue, shortness of breath, pallor, a strange craving for nonfood items. This is not a matter of minutes, but a visit to the doctor.

Anemia itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if the condition is life-threatening, for example with signs of a heart attack or stroke.

The material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: only the doctor can look at your tests and say what is happening specifically with you.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer