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Haemoglobin is a protein that is found in our red blood cells. It plays a vital role as it has the responsibility of transporting oxygen, which is vital to the functioning of our bodies. Haemoglobin acts as the carrier of oxygen to our tissues and organs, helping them carry out their functions in the proper manner. Having such a vital role, it is obvious that a deficiency of haemoglobin in our bodies will lead to various complications in our health as it will reduce the capacity of the blood to provide oxygen to our organs and tissues. Decreased haemoglobin symptoms, a condition also referred to as anaemia, include weakness, fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath.
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), anaemia is a serious problem impacting global health which mainly affects young children, adolescent girls and women who are menstruating, pregnant women and women in the post-partum stage. WHO estimates on the propensity of anaemia as per groups are as below:
WHO figures also point to half a billion women being affected by anaemia worldwide.
In India, as per the findings of the National Family Health Survey 6 (NFHS-6) carried out in 2019 – 21, the incidence of anaemia has increased from the time the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5) was carried out in 2015 – 16 as below:
So the causes and reasons for low haemoglobin and haemoglobin deficiency treatment assume significant importance.
The deficiency of haemoglobin in your blood hampers the ability of your blood to transport oxygen. As a result of this reduction in the supply of oxygen to your body tissues and vital organs, the functioning of your body’s tissues diminishes which naturally has a number of adverse consequences on your health. Although you may not directly suffer from a disease caused by deficiency of haemoglobin, such consequences may be affecting you on the physical plane or may result in further, severe, complications:
Anaemia or deficiency of haemoglobin causes may be several and varied in nature, with each cause uniquely affecting our health negatively. The most common reasons for low haemoglobin include the following:
1. Deficiency of Iron: A deficiency of iron in your body is a major cause as it hampers the production of haemoglobin in your body. Such deficiency may arise from the insufficient intake of foods and nutrients rich in iron or from the poor rate of absorption of iron in your body.
2. Deficiency of Essential Vitamins: You may be suffering from a deficiency of vital vitamins like Vitamin B12 or Vitamin B9. These vitamins are referred to as folates and their deficiency disrupts the formation of red blood cells in your body worsening the condition of haemoglobin deficiency in your body.
3. Genetic Disorders: You may be suffering from certain genetic disorders like thalassemia which have the effect of affecting the structure of haemoglobin or the production of haemoglobin in your body. This leads to the development of conditions such as anaemia in your body.
4. Chronic Diseases: In case you are suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer, diseases of your kidneys, rheumatoid arthritis or from autoimmune disorders, such conditions may shorten the lifespan or hamper the production of red blood cells in your body.
5. Pregnancy: When you are pregnant, the volume of blood in your body increases. This causes the dilution in the concentration of haemoglobin in your body and hampers its normal functioning.
In order to understand if you are suffering from a deficiency of haemoglobin, the ability to understand and interpret the decreased haemoglobin symptoms is critical. Laboratory-based diagnostics play a crucial role in the clinical identification of lack of haemoglobin symptoms. The tests that are mainly recommended are as below:
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test: The complete blood count (CBC) test is a comprehensive test which provides crucial information about parameters such as the count of red blood cells, level of haemoglobin in your blood and haematocrit levels, the specific percentage by volume of red blood cells in your blood. The CBC test helps doctors understand the reasons for the deficiency of haemoglobin in your blood and the severity of anaemia. The CBC test gives a broad picture of the overall health of your blood.
2. Iron Test: This test is used to measure the levels of iron in your blood and body. In case your doctor feels that your haemoglobin deficiency is caused by low levels of iron, then this test helps to pinpoint the reason for your anaemia.
>> Also Read: Everything you need to know about Anemia and its Symptoms
The treatment of anaemia depends on the type and severity of the deficiency of haemoglobin in your body. Treatment is geared to address and take care of the underlying cause of the deficiency.
The common ways to treat haemoglobin deficiency are as follows:
While you will realise that the deficiency of haemoglobin in your blood is a serious condition and may lead to a number of conditions, some very severe, you may also lead a normal life by timely detection and following the doctor’s instructions and through regular follow-up. Along with the necessary precaution, don’t forget to cover yourself with a comprehensive health insurance plan to manage the treatment expenses and keep your savings protected.
Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
Published on 7 Sep 2024
Published on 7 Sep 2024
Published on 5 Sep 2024
Published on 5 Sep 2024
Published on 5 Sep 2024
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