What is anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition where the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. This can result in symptoms like fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and pale or yellowish skin. The severity of anaemia can vary from mild to severe and may affect individuals of all ages.

What are the different types of anaemia?

Anaemia can be classified based on its underlying causes, which are generally grouped into three categories:

Reduced production of red cells

• Iron deficiency anaemia: This is the most common type and occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce haemoglobin. It can result from poor diet, chronic blood loss (such as heavy periods or ulcers) or certain chronic diseases.

• Vitamin deficiency anaemia: This type occurs when the body lacks essential vitamins like B12 or folate, which are crucial for producing red blood cells. For example, pernicious anaemia is caused by the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12 properly.

• Anaemia of chronic disease: Chronic illnesses such as kidney disease or chronic infections can impair the body's ability to produce enough red blood cells.

Increased red cell destruction or breakdown

• Haemolytic anaemia: Occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can replace them. Causes include autoimmune diseases, inherited disorders like sickle cell anaemia or reactions to certain medications.

• Sickle cell anaemia: A genetic disorder where red blood cells are abnormally shaped, causing blockages in blood flow, pain and other complications.

Blood loss

• Acute blood loss anaemia: Results from a sudden and significant blood loss, such as from injury or surgery, leading to a rapid decrease in red blood cells.

• Chronic blood loss anaemia: Results from long-term, slow bleeding, often due to conditions like ulcers or heavy menstrual periods, which gradually deplete the body's iron stores.