Patients who suffer from anaemia can present with a variety of symptoms that affect many body systems such as fatigue, breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, palpitations, cold hands, reduced effort tolerance etc. There are also those who do not have symptoms.

The incidence of anaemia in the community also has socio-economic impacts as it affects productivity, physical capacity, health outcomes and more.
 

Broadly speaking, anaemia can be largely categorized into the following causes:
●    Anaemia due to blood loss 
This happens when there is blood loss from the body. For example, through the gastrointestinal/respiratory/urinary tracts (e.g. cancers, inflammatory disease) or through the reproductive system (e.g. heavy menses, intermenstrual bleeding).
●    Anaemia due to inadequate/defective cell production
This can be due to nutritional deficiencies (e.g. Vitamin B12/Folate/Iron), inherited conditions, bone marrow disorders, kidney/chronic diseases etc.
●    Anaemia due to increased cell destruction
 This can be due to autoimmune conditions, drugs, infections, inherited conditions etc.

The treatment of anaemia is dependent on the underlying cause. The first step is to always ensure that the patient is clinically stable. The subsequent work-up is very important as well to determine the treatment plan. The investigations of choice depend greatly on the patient’s history, comorbidities, risk factors and clinical findings.