We often hear people using the term “anaemic”. This prevalent health condition affects over 40% of the population in India. Anaemia is a medical condition characterised by insufficient red blood cells or impaired functionality of existing ones. Common symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Let us look at the different kinds of anaemia.
What are the Types of Anaemia?
There are many types of anaemia, but they can be broadly classified into acute and chronic.
Acute Anaemia
Acute anaemia is a swift and abrupt reduction in the amount of red blood cells (RBCs), often triggered by haemolysis or sudden bleeding. The speedy reduction in RBCs during acute anaemia can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath.
Chronic Anaemia
A gradual and prolonged decrease in RBCs marks chronic anaemia. The origins of chronic anaemia are varied and encompass factors such as nutritional deficiencies. They may include iron deficiency, chronic diseases, drug-induced influences, and other underlying contributors. This condition can manifest over an extended period.
Besides these, you will also hear people talk about other kinds of anaemia. Let’s get acquainted with those, too.
- Microcytic anaemia occurs when red blood cells have insufficient haemoglobin, leading to smaller-than-normal cell size. According to the World Health Organization, anaemia gets triggered when the haemoglobin level is lower than 13 g/dL in men and below 12 g/dL in women.
- Normocytic anaemia is characterised by inadequate red blood cells to meet the body's requirements and is often associated with certain chronic diseases.
- Macrocytic anaemia occurs when the bone marrow produces red blood cells larger than the typical size.
- Haemolytic anaemia occurs when red blood cells break down or perish faster than normal.
- Aplastic anaemia is characterised by insufficient production of RBCs following a deficiency in stem cells within the bone marrow.
- Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia occurs when your immune system targets and attacks the red blood cells.
- Sideroblastic anaemia is identified by a shortage of red blood cells alongside an excess of iron in your system.
Medical professionals can better access these different types of anaemia.
Conclusion
Now, we have adequate information about this health condition. However, only a doctor can ascertain the exact type, provide tailored interventions, and improve patient outcomes. Also, we suggest investing in health insurance to make any medical emergency, including anaemia, less stressful. Health insurance plans offer financial security and ensure that the costs associated with medical treatments and consultations are covered. So, be sure to secure your family and you with health insurance!
References: Anemia Mukt Bharat
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.