Understanding the Different Types of Anaemia and How They’re Diagnosed

Anaemia is a condition marked by a lack of healthy red blood cells. This guide explores the various types of anaemia, their causes, symptoms, and how doctors diagnose each form through blood tests and medical evaluations.

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1. Understanding the Different Types of Anaemia and How They are Diagnosed A Simple Guide for Better Health Awareness Visit our Clinic: MD.co.uk
2. What is Anaemia? Definition: Anaemia is a condition where you don9t have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen to your body9s tissues. How common is it? Around 1 in 10 women in the UK are anaemic, with iron deficiency being the most common type. Common Symptoms: Fatigue, paleness, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath.
3. Why Anaemia Matters Anaemia can lead to constant tiredness, poor concentration, and reduced physical performance, affecting daily life significantly. Untreated anaemia may cause heart problems, pregnancy complications, and in severe cases, organ damage. NHS data shows approximately 334 million people in the UK experience anaemia-related symptoms annually.
4. Main Types of Anaemia Iron Deficiency Anaemia: Caused by a lack of iron, leading to fewer red blood cells. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia: Due to poor absorption or dietary lack of B12. Folate Deficiency Anaemia: Caused by lack of folate (vitamin B9), often from poor diet or medical conditions.
5. Less Common Types Aplastic Anaemia: A rare condition where the body stops producing enough new blood cells. Haemolytic Anaemia: The body destroys red blood cells faster than it can replace them. Sickle Cell Anaemia: An inherited form, more common in Black African and Caribbean communities in the UK.
6. Causes of Anaemia Poor diet: Low iron, B12, or folate intake Heavy periods: A leading cause in menstruating women Chronic illnesses: Kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease Genetic conditions: Sickle cell, thalassaemia Teenage girls and women under 50 are most affected due to menstruation and dietary habits.
7. Symptoms Checklist c v Fatigue * Pale or yellowish skin g Shortness of breath Ö Cold hands or feet palpitations Headaches or heart
8. How Anaemia is Diagnosed Blood Tests: Full Blood Count (FBC), iron studies, B12 and folate levels GP Consultation: Initial symptom and test assessment Specialist Referral: Haematologist consultation for complex or severe cases Testing Locations: NHS clinics or private GP services like MD.co.uk
9. Treatment Options Iron supplements in tablet or liquid form Vitamin B12 injections or oral tablets Dietary changes: intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, leafy greens, and beans Treating underlying causes such as bleeding or chronic disease Hospital treatment for severe cases like aplastic or sickle cell anaemia
10. Key Takeaways Anaemia is common but treatable. Watch for signs such as tiredness and paleness. Early testing and diagnosis improve outcomes. Book a consultation or blood test today. Visit: https://md.co.uk/blood-tests/anaemia-profile Call: 020 7183 2362