Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells (RBCs) is reduced, or there is a reduction in the level of haemoglobin in the blood. In anaemia, the transportation of oxygen through the body is impaired, and the anaemic person is underoxygenated. Anaemia is usually detected or at least confirmed by a complete blood cell count, in which the different types of cells in the blood are counted and examined.
What are Red Blood Cells?
Red blood cells are small disc-shaped cells, which are the most common type of cells in the blood. Everyone has millions of these cells in their blood. A red blood cell count is carried out in order to determine if the number of red blood cells is low (anaemia) or high (polycythaemia). The number and size of the blood cells, and a microscopic examination of their shape is determined in the blood count. The result of the test is useful in the diagnosis of anaemia, and the type of anaemia.
What is Haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin is a protein that gives red blood cells their colour. Haemoglobin is the key chemical compound that combines with oxygen from the lungs, and transports it from the lungs to tissues in the body. Oxygen is necessary for cells to produce energy. The blood also transports carbon dioxide, the waste product of this energy production process, back to the lungs, from where it is exhaled.
What are the Symptoms of Anaemia?
Symptoms of anaemia include: fatigue, headaches, pallor, palpitations, poor concentration, shortness of breath, impaired digestive functioning, weakness and lack of strength.
What Causes Anaemia?
There are a number of causes of anaemia, the main ones being dietary, or through blood loss. Other causes of anaemia include: folate deficiency; vitamin B12 deficiency, as in pernicious anaemia; certain bone marrow diseases; rupture of red blood cells caused by antibodies clinging to their surface, as in haemolytic anaemia.
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