Topics
Anaemia is a common condition that affects millions worldwide. It occurs when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin, which limits your body’s ability to deliver oxygen efficiently. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and other symptoms that affect your quality of life.
At Gleneagles Hospitals, our dedicated specialists provide comprehensive evaluations and personalised treatment plans for anaemia and related conditions. This article explains what anaemia is, the causes, the treatment, and the steps you can take to regain your health.
Anaemia: What Is It?
Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin. Since haemoglobin is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body, its deficiency can leave you feeling exhausted and weak (World Health Organisation, 2025).
Understanding the Condition
Haemoglobin, a component of red blood cells, binds oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to tissues and organs. If you have low levels of red blood cells or haemoglobin, your organs receive less oxygen, making it harder for them to function properly.
Symptoms of Anaemia
Typical symptoms include tiredness, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, headaches, and in severe cases, chest pain or cold extremities. Anaemia can also affect your mental clarity and mood.
Why It is Important to Treat Anaemia
Untreated anaemia can cause long-term health issues, such as heart complications, reduced immunity, and poor developmental outcomes in children. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial.
The Causes of Anaemia
Anaemia can develop for many reasons. Understanding its underlying causes is key to finding the most effective treatment (Sheikh, 2023).
Nutrient Deficiencies
Iron, folate, and vitamin B12 are critical for red blood cell production. A deficiency in any of these can impair your body’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells, leading to various types of anaemia.
Blood Loss
Significant blood loss, whether from trauma, surgery, menstruation, or internal bleeding (e.g. ulcers or colon cancer), can result in anaemia. Chronic bleeding, even if small, can deplete your red blood cell count over time.
Genetic and Inherited Disorders
Conditions like sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia alter the shape or production of haemoglobin, affecting oxygen transport and increasing the risk of complications.
Chronic Diseases and Inflammation
Diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and autoimmune disorders can interfere with red blood cell production. Chronic inflammation can also hinder the bone marrow’s ability to produce red cells.
Infections and Medications
Some infections can destroy red blood cells or affect bone marrow function. Additionally, certain medications may impair nutrient absorption or damage blood cells.
If You Are Anaemic: What Can You Do
If you are diagnosed with anaemia, your recovery plan should be guided by a healthcare professional. Treatment depends on the severity and type of anaemia, but it often includes lifestyle changes, supplements, medications, or even transfusions.
Consult a Doctor
Consulting your doctor is the first and most crucial step. Blood tests such as Complete Blood Count (CBC), iron studies, and vitamin level assessments will help identify the root cause of your anaemia.
Adjust Your Diet
Boost your intake of iron-rich foods like red meat, poultry, legumes, tofu, and dark green leafy vegetables. Combine these with foods high in vitamin C (like oranges and bell peppers) to enhance iron absorption.
Take Supplements if Prescribed
Iron supplements are common for iron deficiency anaemia, while folate or vitamin B12 supplements are used for other types. Always follow your doctor’s dosage instructions.
Consider Medications and Therapies
For some anaemia types, medication may be prescribed to stimulate red blood cell production. People with chronic diseases or inflammation may need tailored therapies.
Blood Transfusions
In severe cases, or when anaemia leads to complications, a blood transfusion may be necessary to quickly restore red blood cell levels.
Lifestyle Modifications
Stay hydrated, sleep well, and exercise moderately. A strong immune system and healthy lifestyle support blood health.
Long-Term Considerations with Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition that can affect long-term health if not properly managed.
Monitor for Complications
Chronic or untreated anaemia can lead to heart failure, impaired cognitive development in children, or pregnancy complications. Regular monitoring helps prevent these risks.
Special Populations
Pregnant women, children, older adults, and individuals with chronic conditions are at higher risk and may require more frequent screening and preventive care.
Ongoing Support
Some individuals may need lifelong management. In such cases, continuous evaluation of diet, medications, and underlying conditions is essential for quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anaemia (FAQ)
1. Can anaemia be cured completely?
It depends on the type and cause. Nutritional anaemia can often be fully reversed, while anaemia caused by chronic illness or genetic factors may require long-term management.
2. How quickly do iron supplements work?
You may start feeling better within a few weeks, but full recovery can take several months. Your doctor will guide how long you need to continue supplementation.
3. Where can I get tested for anaemia in Malaysia?
Gleneagles Hospitals offers full diagnostic services, including blood tests.
Book an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
Anaemia is a signal that your body needs help. Whether it is due to iron deficiency, chronic disease, or inflammation, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid long-term complications. The good news is that most types of anaemia are treatable, especially when detected early.
Making the right dietary choices, taking prescribed supplements, and managing any underlying conditions are all part of a successful recovery. And you do not have to do it alone. At Gleneagles Hospitals, our team of expert physicians and dietitians are here to guide you every step of the way—from testing to treatment and recovery.
Do not wait—Book your appointment today and start your journey toward better health. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. You may also book an appointment via our website or download the MyHealth360 application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
