Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. But, she is not the only one. Indeed, anemia can be indicative of an inflammatory or chronic kidney disease, hemorrhage, cancer, or even bone marrow dysfunction. This is why it is important to consult your doctor in the event of anemia, and to know how to recognize the signs. Find out what to do in case of anemia.
1. Definition of anemia
Anemia is defined by an insufficient level of hemoglobin (protein present in red blood cells) in the blood. However, red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen in the body, via hemoglobin. Insufficient oxygenation will then lead to severe fatigue. Anemia is often associated with iron deficiency. Although this cause is the most common, it is not the only one. In this respect, we distinguish between peripheral anemia and central anemia. Peripheral anemia is caused by the loss or destruction of red blood cells for digestive reasons (ulcerative colitis, ulcers, etc.), gynecological reasons (fibroids, heavy periods, etc.) or even urological reasons (bladder cancer, etc.), specifies the MSD Manual. .
Central anemia, informs the regional union of liberal doctors of Normandy (URML), refers to the insufficient production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. It can result from iron deficiency, cancer (invasion of the bone marrow by diseased cells), chronic inflammatory disease, chronic kidney disease, or even an infectious pathology. The causes of anemia can therefore be benign or serious. This is why you should consult your doctor if you notice any signs of anemia. This requires knowing how to recognize the signs of anemia.
2. Signs of anemia that should lead you to see a doctor
Anemia can be asymptomatic when it is mild, then give rise to clinical signs when it intensifies. According to the World Health Organization, common, nonspecific symptoms of anemia are persistent fatigue, dizziness (especially if you get up suddenly), headache, dyspnea (shortness of breath on exertion), and shortness of breath. cold hands and feet. More serious symptoms may appear if the anemia is severe, such as excessively pale mucous membranes (conjunctiva, lips), pale skin, rapid breathing to compensate for the lack of oxygen (polypnea), an increase in heart rate (tachycardia). ) with discomfort, edema of the lower limbs, or even an attack of angina pectoris (angina). If you notice these symptoms of possible severe anemia, then you are advised to consult your doctor urgently. Blood tests will allow him to diagnose possible anemia, before investigating the cause through additional medical examinations.
Sources
- Anemia, National Cancer Institute
- Overview of Anemia, The MSD Manual – Consumer Version, July 2022
- Anemia, definitions and characteristics, Regional Union of Private Physicians of Normandy
- Anemia, World Health Organization, May 1, 2023
Read also :
⋙ Macrocytic anemia: causes, consequences, symptoms, treatment
⋙ Low hemoglobin: what causes and consequences?
⋙ Iron deficiency anemia: causes, symptoms and treatments for this drop in red blood cells