Anaemia: symptoms, causes and treatment

Anaemia is a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen, often causing tiredness, breathlessness or dizziness.

Haemoglobin inside red blood cells transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues. Anaemia can develop when the body has too few red cells, too little haemoglobin, or red cells that do not work as expected. It is a finding with an underlying cause, rather than one single disease.

Fatigue, generalised weakness, pale skin, dizziness and shortness of breath are very common presentations of anaemia. Some people also notice palpitations, daytime sleepiness, cold hands and feet, or cold intolerance. Symptoms can build gradually, so everyday tasks may feel harder before the change is obvious.

Seek urgent assessment for fainting, severe breathlessness, chest discomfort, confusion, or a fast heartbeat that does not settle. These signs need prompt clinical assessment whatever their cause.

Blood loss, low iron stores, vitamin B12 deficiency, long-term inflammation, kidney problems and inherited blood conditions can all contribute. Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding from the stomach or bowel may gradually lower iron stores. Dietary restriction can matter, but it is not the only explanation.

The pattern of blood results and your history help distinguish between poor red-cell production, loss of blood and increased red-cell breakdown.

Useful details include menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, recent surgery, stomach or bowel symptoms, diet, alcohol intake, medicines and family history. Chronic conditions can affect red-cell production or how the body uses iron. People with a previous deficiency may need follow-up even after symptoms improve.

A clinician usually starts with a full blood count, which measures haemoglobin and examines red-cell features. Further tests may check iron stores, vitamin levels, kidney function or inflammation. Depending on the suspected cause, they may discuss tests for bleeding or refer you to another specialist.

Bring a list of medicines and supplements to the appointment. Iron tablets can change some test results and should only be started or changed with clinical advice when the cause has not been established.

Treatment targets the cause. This may include replacing a confirmed nutrient deficiency, managing bleeding, treating an underlying condition or changing a medicine when appropriate. Iron is not suitable for every type of anaemia, so treatment should follow assessment rather than symptoms alone.

Blood transfusion may be considered in selected urgent situations, alongside investigation and treatment of the cause. Your care team can explain the expected plan, monitoring and possible side effects.

Pace demanding activities while symptoms are active and plan rest around tasks that bring on breathlessness or light-headedness. A balanced diet supports recovery, but supplements should match the deficiency identified. Attend follow-up blood tests so the response and the cause can be reviewed.

Addressing persistent bleeding and maintaining a varied diet can lower the chance of some deficiencies. If you have a condition that affects blood production or absorption, an individual monitoring plan is more useful than self-treating whenever tiredness returns.

Arrange a medical review for persistent fatigue, pale skin, dizziness or unexplained shortness of breath. A primary-care clinician can organise initial blood tests and coordinate referral to a specialist when the results or your history suggest a more complex cause.