What are the treatment options for anaemia?

Anaemia means the blood cannot carry oxygen as effectively as it should. It may relate to low iron, vitamin deficiency, blood loss, inflammation, inherited conditions or another illness. A clinician may use a blood test to check haemoglobin and the size and features of red blood cells, then choose further tests based on your history. Iron supplements help when iron deficiency is confirmed, but taking them without assessment can delay recognition of bleeding or another cause.

Your plan may include iron, vitamin B12 or folate replacement, dietary advice, treatment for heavy bleeding, or care for kidney, inflammatory or gastrointestinal problems. Some people need tablets; others may need treatment through a vein when tablets are unsuitable or the deficiency is substantial. Follow the prescribed dose and tell the clinician about constipation, nausea, dark stools, other medicines and pregnancy. Do not stop treatment early simply because you feel better; follow-up testing helps show whether blood counts and stores are recovering.

Arrange medical assessment for ongoing tiredness, breathlessness on ordinary activity, dizziness, paleness, headaches or a racing heartbeat. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, confusion, marked weakness, or bleeding that will not stop. Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or very heavy menstrual bleeding also need prompt assessment because blood loss can worsen anaemia.

Ask what type of anaemia you have, which results support that explanation, whether blood loss needs investigation, how long treatment is expected to continue, and when repeat testing is needed.