ELIZABETH NGIGI Lifestyle, Entertainment Journalist

20 March 2022

Well, according to Better Health, anaemia is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body using a particular protein called haemoglobin.

Anaemia means that either the level of red blood cells or the level of haemoglobin is lower than normal.

When a person has anaemia, their heart has to work harder to pump the quantity of blood needed to get enough oxygen around their body. During heavy exercise, the cells may not be able to carry enough oxygen to meet the body’s needs and the person can become exhausted and feel unwell.

Anaemia isn’t a disease in itself, but a result of a malfunction somewhere in the body.

It is important to have a doctor regularly monitor your blood to make sure your red blood cell and haemoglobin levels are adequate and to adjust treatment if required.

Treatment for anaemia

Treatment depends on the cause and severity, but may include:

vitamin and mineral supplements – if you have a deficiency
iron injections – if you are very low on iron
vitamin B12 (by injection) –for pernicious anaemia
antibiotics – if the infection is the cause of your anaemia
altering the dose or regimen of regular medications – such as anti-inflammatory drugs, if necessary
blood transfusions – if required
oxygen therapy – if required
surgery to prevent abnormal bleeding – such as heavy menstruation
surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) – in cases of severe haemolytic anaemia.

Please note: Take iron supplements only when advised by your doctor. The human body isn’t very good at excreting iron and you could poison yourself if you take more than the recommended dose.