Diagnosis in Anemia

Anemia is a common blood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor nutrition, chronic diseases, inherited conditions, and blood loss. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests are important to identify the cause and accordingly the treatment In this article, we will understand the different diagnostic parameters so, whether you have been diagnosed with anemia or are simply interested in learning more about this condition, read on to discover why understanding the diagnostic parameters of anemia is so important.

Common symptoms associated with anemia:

Fatigue and weakness

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Pale skin, especially around the fingernails and lips and conjuctiva

Fast or irregular heartbeat, Headache

Cold hands and feet

Chest pain or angina pectoris

Cognitive problems, such as difficulty concentrating or memory loss ect.

It's important to know that not everyone who has anemia will have all of these symptoms and that the severity of symptoms can vary depending on the type and cause of the anemia. If you experience any of these symptoms or are concerned about your health, you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment

Anemia can also be classified by red blood cell size

The three main types of anemia based on red blood cell size are:

Microcytic anemia: this type of anemia is characterized by small red blood cells that typically have a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of less than 80 femtoliters (fL) The most common cause of microcytic anemia is iron deficiency, but it can also be caused by thalassemia or other genetic disorders.

Macrocytic anemia: this type of anemia is characterized by large red blood cells, typically with an MCV greater than 100 fL The most common cause of macrocytic anemia is vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, but it can also be caused by alcoholism, liver disease, or certain medications