Image by frimufilms on Freepik
Anaemia is when haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) numbers are lower than expected and insufficient to meet the amount you need to function effectively. This means that the RBCs will not be able to carry enough oxygen.
- Anaemia affects roughly one-third of the world’s population, with more than 60% of them in Africa
- It’s often a sign of nutritional deficiency and ill health
- Anaemia is also associated with death and disease in women and children.
Anaemia symptoms
Anaemia is subtle at the earliest. The body tries to compensate for the inadequacy initially, but symptoms may appear as the anaemia continues or worsens. The symptoms may include:
- Pale skin (pallor)
- Cold hands and feet
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Fast or unusual heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Pain
- Poor growth
The severity of the symptoms depends on the level of anaemia, the persistence of the cause, and how well the body compensates for the inadequacy.
What are the causes of anaemia in Africa
Anaemia occurs either because:
- the body does not produce enough blood or
- an excess number of red cells are destroyed, or
- the body is losing blood at a faster rate than it produces
These three mechanisms result from many causes. The common causes of anaemia in Nigeria include
- genetic conditions (e.g., thalassemia in parts of the Mediterranean, sickle cell in Africa)
- nutritional deficiencies other than iron deficiency (i.e., folic acid, vitamins A and B-12)
- factors related to reproduction (e.g., high fertility, obstetric complications, contraceptives)
- infections (e.g., HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diarrhoea) that increase requirements for iron and other micronutrients
- parasitic infections such as malaria and worm infestation
Malaria is a leading cause of anaemia in Sub-Saharan Africa, as is iron deficiency.
Risk factors
The following factors place you at increased risk of anaemia, they include:
- Nutritional deficiency: low intake of minerals and vitamins, such as iron, copper, vitamin B-12, and folate
- Intestinal disorders: intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease affect the absorption of nutrients in your small intestine and increase your risk of developing anaemia
- Menstrual disorders: excess blood loss during menstruation is a risk factor
- Pregnancy: Increased energy and nutrient demands and fluid retention during pregnancy can lead to anaemia
- Chronic conditions: Chronic conditions like cancer or longstanding infections deplete your iron stores, while kidney failure can affect the release of the hormone that controls blood production.
Chronic blood loss from an ulcer or other sources within the body can deplete the body's store of iron, leading to iron deficiency anaemia.
- Family history: inherited conditions, such as sickle cell anaemia, make you vulnerable to becoming anaemic due to increased destruction of red cells
- Old age: People over age 65 are at increased risk of anaemia
Other factors include blood diseases like haemophilia, autoimmune disorders, alcoholism, exposure to toxic chemicals like camphor, and the use of some medications can affect red blood cell production and lead to anaemia.
