1. Definition of
Anemia:
Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells (RBCs)
or the amount of hemoglobin (Hb) in the blood is lower than normal,
resulting in decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
Mnemonic:
"Anemia = Less RBC = Less Hb = Less O₂"
2. Normal Hemoglobin
Levels:
|
Group |
Normal Hb (g/dL) |
|
Men |
13–18 |
|
Women |
12–16 |
|
Children |
11–14 |
|
Pregnant |
≥11 |
3. Causes of Anemia:
Mnemonic: "BLD LOSS"
|
Letter |
Cause |
Description |
|
B |
Bleeding |
Blood loss (injury, menstruation) |
|
L |
Low Production |
↓ RBC production (nutritional) |
|
D |
Destruction |
Hemolysis (RBCs break too fast) |
|
L |
Lack of nutrients |
Iron, B12, folate |
|
O |
Organ failure |
Kidney → ↓Erythropoietin |
|
S |
Sickle cell / Thalassemia |
Genetic disorders |
|
S |
Suppression of marrow |
Aplastic anemia, cancer |
4. Types of Anemia:
|
Type |
Key Feature |
Mnemonic |
|
Iron Deficiency Anemia |
Microcytic, hypochromic |
"Iron = Tiny & Pale" |
|
Megaloblastic Anemia (B12/Folate) |
Macrocytic, large RBCs |
"Mega = Big" |
|
Hemolytic Anemia |
RBCs break prematurely |
"Hemo = Hemorrhage inside" |
|
Aplastic Anemia |
Bone marrow fails |
"A = Absent marrow" |
|
Sickle Cell Anemia |
Abnormal Hb → sickle-shaped cells |
"Sickle = S for Shape" |
|
Thalassemia |
Genetic Hb disorder |
"Thal = Think Genetic" |
5. Signs and Symptoms
of Anemia:
Mnemonic: “FATIGUED”
|
Letter |
Symptom |
|
F |
Fatigue |
|
A |
Apathy / Weakness |
|
T |
Tachycardia (↑ HR) |
|
I |
Irritability |
|
G |
Glossitis (smooth tongue) |
|
U |
Unusual cravings (pica) |
|
E |
Easy bruising |
|
D |
Dizziness / Dyspnea |
6. Investigations for
Anemia:
|
Test |
What it Shows |
|
Hemoglobin estimation |
Confirms low Hb |
|
RBC count |
↓ in anemia |
|
Peripheral smear |
Shape/size of RBCs |
|
Serum iron, ferritin |
Iron status |
|
Vitamin B12, folate levels |
For megaloblastic anemia |
|
Bone marrow biopsy |
If marrow failure suspected |
7. Treatment of Anemia:
Depends on the type & cause of anemia:
|
Type |
Treatment |
|
Iron Deficiency |
Iron supplements, iron-rich diet |
|
Megaloblastic (B12/folate) |
Vitamin B12 or folic acid supplements |
|
Hemolytic Anemia |
Steroids, treat underlying cause |
|
Aplastic Anemia |
Bone marrow transplant, immunosuppressants |
|
Sickle Cell/Thalassemia |
Blood transfusions, gene therapy, folate |
|
Chronic Disease Anemia |
Treat the chronic illness, EPO injections |
Mnemonic: “FIT SMART”
- Ferrous sulfate
- Iron-rich food
- Transfusion (if severe)
- Steroids (in hemolysis)
- Marrow transplant (in aplastic)
- Add B12/folate
- Rule out causes
- Treat underlying condition
8. Diet for Anemia:
Eat iron-rich foods:
- Green
leafy veggies (spinach, methi)
- Dates,
jaggery
- Liver, red
meat (heme iron)
- Citrus
fruits (Vitamin C helps absorption)
Mnemonic: "Haem Foods" = H – Heme, A – Amla, E –
Egg, M – Meat
9. Complications of
Untreated Anemia:
- Severe
fatigue
- Heart
failure (due to overworking heart)
- Growth
retardation in children
- Pregnancy
complications
- Reduced
immunity
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is anemia?
Ans: Anemia is a condition where there is low hemoglobin or RBC count, causing reduced oxygen supply to the body.
Q2. What is the most
common cause of anemia?
Ans: Iron deficiency is the most common cause, especially in females due to menstruation or poor diet.
Q3. What is microcytic
hypochromic anemia?
Ans: Anemia where RBCs are small in size (microcytic) and pale in color (hypochromic) due to iron deficiency.
Q4. What is
megaloblastic anemia?
Ans: Anemia due to Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, where RBCs become large (macrocytic) and immature.
Q5. How is anemia
diagnosed?
Ans: By low hemoglobin levels, RBC count, and peripheral blood smear. Additional tests may be needed based on type.
Q6. Can anemia be
cured?
Ans: Yes, most types are treatable with supplements, diet, or treatment of the underlying cause.
Q7. What are signs of
severe anemia?
Ans:
- Pale skin
- Fast
heartbeat
- Breathlessness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
