Overview
Anemia means the blood has fewer healthy red cells or less hemoglobin than normal, so it carries less oxygen to the body. In India it is extremely common, especially in women and children, and iron deficiency from diet or menstrual blood loss is the usual reason. It builds slowly — tiredness and pale looks get dismissed for months. A simple blood test detects it and treatment usually works well.
Symptoms
- Tiredness and weakness out of proportion to activity
- Pale skin, inner eyelids or nail beds
- Breathlessness on climbing stairs or routine work
- Dizziness or headaches
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Craving to eat ice, clay or chalk in some people
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if tiredness, paleness or breathlessness persists — a hemoglobin test is quick and cheap. Black stools or heavy periods alongside anemia need specific evaluation.
Causes
Iron deficiency from poor diet, heavy periods, pregnancy or gut blood loss is the leading cause; vitamin B12/folate deficiency, worm infestation and chronic disease also cause anemia.