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Anaemia - an overview Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, October 2008.

Answers to questions about anaemia

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

How will I know if I have anaemia?

Symptoms of anaemia can often be quite vague and non-specific, so it can be difficult to know that you have it until you have a blood test to confirm this. However, there are signs you can look out for.

Explanation

People can often be anaemic for a long time without realising that there is anything wrong. Symptoms can be vague and non-specific, for example, feeling tired or looking pale. However, there are signs that you can look for, including:

  • being breathless after very little exercise, when you wouldn't normally be
  • having a rapid pulse
    • palpitations, this is when you can feel your heart beating rapidly in your chest or, sometimes, pounding in your ears
  • headaches

You may also find that the nail beds on your fingers look pale. And, the inside of your lower eyelids, which are usually red, are pale.

There can also be specific symptoms that indicate the type of anaemia you have:

  • brittle nails or "spoon nails", where the middle of your nails are pushed inwards and the edges raised, are, signs of iron-deficiency anaemia
  • soreness at the edges of your mouth may also occur in iron-deficiency anaemia
  • sore mouth and tongue, pins and needles in the hands or feet and decreased sensitivity to touch, vibration or pain may be symptoms of severe vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia
  • muscle weakness and depression, or other emotional changes, can be associated with folate-deficiency anaemia
  • jaundice (a yellow tinge to your skin and the whites of your eyes) may indicate a haemolytic anaemia

These specific symptoms will appear alongside general symptoms of anaemia.

It's important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by many conditions, not just anaemia. But if you have any of them or any concerns about anaemia, it's important to see your GP.

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:234
  • Anaemia. GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 5 August 2008
  • Hoffbrand AV, Moss PAH, Pettit JE. Essential haematology. 5th ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2006
  • Anaemia - B12 and folate deficiency. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 7 August 2008
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What is a blood transfusion and how is it carried out?

A blood transfusion is when blood from one person (a donor) is given to another. This is normally carried out by inserting a needle directly into a vein, usually in your arm, which is connected to a bag of blood via a drip. The drip allows the blood to slowly run into your arm.

Explanation

Blood transfusions are given if you don't have enough of your own red blood cells. This may be because you have lost a large amount of blood in an accident or during an operation, or because you have severe anaemia which cannot be treated by other means (eg iron tablets).

Before being given a blood transfusion, a small sample of your blood is taken so that your blood group can be determined. Suitable bags of donated blood are then tested against your own sample in a process called cross-matching. This is extremely important - if you are given blood that isn't compatible with your own, it can make you very ill and can be fatal.

Blood from donors is collected through a national blood donor programme and stored in bags, often referred to as units. Each bag, or unit, holds about 300ml of blood.

The blood is given through a fine plastic tube called a cannula which is inserted into a vein in your arm and connected to a drip which controls the flow of blood into your body. The bag of blood is connected to the drip and hung on a stand beside you. It normally takes two to four hours for one bag of blood to be given. However, it can be given more quickly if needed.

While you are having the transfusion, a nurse will check on you regularly to make sure you are feeling well, and to measure your blood pressure, temperature and heart rate.

During a blood transfusion, you may get a slight temperature, chills or an itchy rash. If this happens, you may be given paracetamol to lower your temperature, an antihistamine or steroid medicine to relieve the rash. Also, the rate at which the blood is being transfused may be slowed or even stopped.

If you have any questions or concerns about having a blood transfusion, talk to your GP, doctor or hospital staff.

Further information

Sources

  • Blood transfusion. The National Blood Service. www.blood.co.uk, accessed 5 August 2008
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I'm a vegetarian, how can I prevent myself from becoming anaemic?

Vegetarians can miss out on vital nutrients in their diet that could cause them to become anaemic. But by following a healthy, balanced diet this is simple to avoid.

Explanation

There are many different kinds of vegetarian diet - the most commonly followed is a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. This excludes meat, poultry and fish, but includes animal products such as milk, milk products and eggs.

By following a vegetarian diet, you may miss out on vital nutrients that could lead to anaemia. This includes iron which is needed to prevent iron-deficiency anaemia, particularly in young women. Vitamin B12 can also be lacking from a vegetarian diet, especially if you don't eat or drink milk, milk products and eggs (vegan diet). This can lead to vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia.

The amount of iron you need in your diet each day is 8.7mg for men and 14.8mg for women. The required daily intake of vitamin B12 for both men and women is 0.0015mg.

Rich sources of iron include meat, fish and poultry. These foods, as well as animal produce (for example, cheese and eggs), also contain vitamin B12. If you are missing these foods from your diet, there is a danger that you could develop anaemia.

However, this is simple to prevent. By following a healthy, balanced diet and ensuring that you include plenty of alternative sources of iron and vitamin B12, your body will get all the nutrients it needs.

Good non-meat sources of iron include:

  • beans
  • nuts
  • dried fruit (for example, dried apricots)
  • whole grains (for example, brown rice or wholegrain bread)
  • fortified breakfast cereals (the packaging will state if it's fortified with iron)
  • dark green leafy vegetables (for example, watercress and curly kale)

Good non-meat sources of vitamin B12 include:

  • milk
  • cheese
  • eggs
  • yeast extract
  • fortified breakfast cereals (the packaging will state if it's fortified with vitamin B12)
  • seaweed

If you don't eat any of these foods, because you are vegan, you may need to take vitamin B12 supplements.

If you have any questions or concerns about anaemia and vegetarian diets, talk to your GP.

Further information

Sources

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: October 2008

 

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