What are the significant symptoms of anaemia, and how to confirm it?

The initial symptoms of anaemia are usually mild and not always noticed due to the decrease in the levels of haemoglobin in the blood. 

So the main symptoms of anaemia include:

• Frequent tiredness;
• Paleness of the skin, gums and inner part of the eye;
• Lack of willingness;
• Constant headache;
• Weak nails and hair;
• Lack of appetite;
• Memory problems or difficulty concentrating;
• Dizziness;
• Change in a heartbeat in some cases.

Anaemia can be due to a decrease in haemoglobin levels caused by factors such as a low iron diet, difficulty absorbing iron or excessive menstruation. 

symptom test

If you think you may have anaemia, select the following signs and symptoms to know your risk:

1. Lack of energy and excessive tiredness

2. Pale skin

3. Lack of willingness and low productivity

4. Constant headache

5. Easy irritability

6. Inexplicable urge to eat something strange like brick or clay

7. Memory loss or difficulty concentrating

Calculate

In the presence of signs and symptoms of anaemia, it is crucial to consult the general practitioner so that blood tests are carried out to help identify the possible cause of anaemia and indicate the most appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

How to confirm anaemia

 A blood test is needed to assess haemoglobin levels to confirm anaemia. The doctor may also suggest some trials to evaluate the blood’s iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels, as well as tests that help assess the functioning of the liver and kidneys.

Haemoglobin values ​​that indicate anaemia vary according to age and whether or not the woman is pregnant. For example, anaemia is considered when haemoglobin levels in the blood are less than 12 g/dL in women, less than 13 g/dL in men and below 11 g/dL in pregnant women.

Eight tests that confirm anaemia

It is necessary to do a blood test to evaluate the number of red blood cells and haemoglobin; 

However, the haemoglobin concentration is not the only parameter for diagnosing anaemia. However, other tests are usually requested to identify the cause of low haemoglobin and initiate the most appropriate treatment. 

Since iron deficiency anaemia is the most commonly occur, the doctor starts by evaluating the amount of ferritin in the blood because when this substance is low, it means that there is little iron in the body. However, if ferritin values ​​are regular, further tests such as haemoglobin electrophoresis or a count of vitamin B12 and folic acid levels may be necessary, which help identify other types of anaemia.

1. Blood count

The blood count is the primary test to diagnose anaemia, mainly observing the haemoglobin levels. In general, anaemia is considered when the levels of haemoglobin in the blood are:

In men: less than 14 g/dL of blood;

In women: less than 12 g/dL of blood;

In addition to evaluating the amount of haemoglobin, the amount, size and characteristics of red blood cells are also assessed in the blood count. Despite being the primary test for diagnosing anaemia, it needs to be complemented by other blood tests to identify the type of anaemia and, thus, be able to start the most appropriate treatment.

2. Blood smear

A blood smear is usually done with a blood count. It is intended to evaluate the appearance of blood cells, including red blood cells, under a microscope to determine their size, shape, number, and appearance. Thus, it is possible to assist in diagnosing sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, megaloblastic anaemia and other haematological alterations.

3. Haemoglobin electrophoresis

This test aims to identify the different types of haemoglobin found circulating in the person’s blood, helping identify sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia, for example, which is also known as Mediterranean anaemia.

The result of the haemoglobin electrophoresis must be evaluated by the doctor and complemented by the impact of the CBC and blood smear, the result of other blood tests. 

4. Reticulocyte count

The reticulocyte count is a type of test that can be ordered together with the blood count and aims to identify the presence of reticulocytes in the blood, which is the “young red blood cells”. 

5. Iron, ferritin and transferrin

The dosage of iron, ferritin and transferrin is essential for diagnosing iron deficiency anaemia, also known as iron deficiency anaemia. These tests are usually ordered together with the blood count since iron deficiency is one of the leading causes of decreased haemoglobin concentration and anaemia.

6. Vitamin B12

The doctor may request the dosage of vitamin B12 in the blood to investigate pernicious anaemia, as a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to anaemia. This test is mainly indicated when the blood count shows a decrease in haemoglobin, a reduction of the number of red blood cells and a larger-than-normal size, in addition to changes in the shape of the red blood cells.

7. Bone marrow biopsy

Bone marrow biopsy is a test that can be performed when there are changes in the blood count and blood smear that suggest that anaemia is related to changes in this organ. Because it is a more invasive test, bone marrow biopsy is only indicated after performing other main tests capable of identifying anaemia.

8. Other exams

Some other tests may be indicated by the doctor to identify anaemia and the type and to investigate the cause, such as:

• stool examination;
• Bilirubin dosage;
• Measurement of copper levels in the blood;
• Tests to assess liver and kidney function.

The doctor must evaluate the results of the exams because only then is it possible to start the appropriate treatment for the situation. Having only the haemoglobin concentration below the reference value is not enough to determine anaemia, and complementary exams are crucial.