WHAT DOES ANAEMIAMEAN TO YOU?
My Weekly’s favourite GP from TV and radio writes for you
Most of my patients know anaemia makes you tired and can be caused by heavy periods. But there’s lots more to it than that.
The red colour of blood comes from red blood cells – doughnut-shaped cells which float in clear plasma around your body. They’re perfectly designed to pick up oxygen from your lungs and carry it round your body to supply your vital organs. Blood in your arteries is full of oxygen, making it look bright red. Once it’s lost its oxygen and is on the way back to your heart and lungs via your veins, it takes on a bluish tinge.
Red blood cells only live for about 3 months before they’re naturally broken down and removed from your system, so your body needs a constant new supply. This is made in your bone marrow, and three
AS WELL AS ANAEMIA, OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS LIKE UNDERACTIVE THYROID, TYPE 2 DIABETES, KIDNEY OR LIVER PROBLEMS CAN MAKE YOU TIRED
of the vital constituents of red blood cells are iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin – the chemical in red blood cells that locks on to oxygen. You’ll be diagnosed as being anaemic on the basis of a low haemoglobin count.
You can develop anaemia for several reasons: ◆ You’re short of the vitamins and minerals you need to make enough red blood cells ◆ There’s a fault with the blood-making process in your bone marrow ◆ You have other chronic diseases (such as kidney problems) that stop your body making red cells efficiently ◆ Your body is breaking down blood cells too fast. This most commonly occurs in childhood because of inherited blood disorders, or occasionally due to infection or problems with your liver or spleen
◆ You’re losing too much blood to replace red blood cells fast enough.
In women, having periods is by far the most common cause of anaemia is iron deficiency – usually because you are losing more in blood during your periods than you’re getting in your diet. If you’re losing blood, you’re more likely to be short of iron than vitamin B12 or folic acid. After the menopause, iron deficiency is less likely. It can be due to a limited diet or not absorbing food well, but it’s important not just to assume this and buy iron tablets. It’s possible to have too much iron in your system if you’re taking supplements.
Anaemia means it’s harder for your body to get the oxygen it needs. You’re likely to look pale and may feel tired, light-headed or breathless. You can also get palpitations (as your body pumps blood faster to get more blood cells to where they’re needed), headaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and swollen ankles. If you get these symptoms, do see your GP. A blood test will tell if you’re anaemic, and can hint at causes.
After menopause, one of the most common reasons for iron-deficiency anaemia is bleeding from your gut. You may get no symptoms, but it can cause black, tarry poos, tummy pain and weight loss.
With age, your kidneys work less efficiently. This is known as “chronic kidney disease” or CKD – though for older people it’s more a natural part of ageing than a disease. In severe cases, as well as in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, you can become anaemic. In many cases it’s mild and needs no treatment.
Cancer, and sometimes treatments for cancer, can cause anaemia. Cancers affecting the blood or bone marrow, such as leukaemia or myeloma, may first be spotted on the basis of anaemia. However, other causes are much more likely. Next week: Best foot forward
VEGANS CAN STRUGGLE TO GET ENOUGH VITAMIN B12 TO MAKE RED BLOOD CELLS. MARMITE IS A GREAT VEGAN-FRIENDLY SOURCE, WHETHER YOU LOVE IT OR HATE IT!
A BLOOD TEST WILL TELL IF YOU’RE ANAEMIC, AND CAN ALSO HINT AT POSSIBLE CAUSES’’