What are the Consequences of Deficiency of Haemoglobin?

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.

WHO’s Data on Anaemia

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:

• Children in the age group of 6 months – 59 months of age: 39.8 per cent
• Pregnant women: 37 per cent
• Women in the age group of 15 years – 49 years of age: 29.9 per cent

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:

• Anaemia in children in the age group of 6 months - 59 months has increased by 8.4 per cent to 67 per cent from 58.6 per cent
• Anaemia in women in the age group of 15 years – 49 years has increased by 4 per cent to 57 per cent from 53 per cent.

So the causes and reasons for low haemoglobin and haemoglobin deficiency treatment assume significant importance.

Signs of Haemoglobin Deficiency and their Consequences

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:

• Fatigue and Weakness: The deficiency of haemoglobin in your body deprives your body of oxygen, a critical requirement, leaving you to feel weak and fatigued persistently. If you have low levels of haemoglobin, you will feel lethargic, suffer from low levels of energy and will find even the carrying out of your daily activities to be challenging.
• Shortness of Breath: As lower levels of haemoglobin mean that the oxygen required for the proper functioning of your respiratory system is limited in supply, you may feel out of breath or shortness of breath after carrying out even the minimum level of exertion physically.
• Impairment in Cognitive Functions and Concentration Levels: As the deficiency of haemoglobin in your blood means that the oxygen supply to your brain is not at adequate levels, you may suffer from impairment in carrying out cognitive functions. You may suffer from decreased levels of mental awareness, and problems in your memory and face difficulty in concentrating on things.
• Decreased Levels of Physical Performance: Less than the required amount of oxygen being carried to the organs and tissues of your body implies that your levels of physical performance, be it physical exercise or any other physical activity get hampered. You will find it difficult to take part in any physical activity and will get tired easily.
• Complications of the Cardiovascular System: A deficiency of haemoglobin in your blood means that less oxygen is carried by your blood and your heart has to work harder to compensate and may be straining itself. Such strain on the heart may result in you contracting diseases of the cardiovascular system such as rapid heartbeat and may, in severe cases, lead to heart failure.
• Impaired Functioning of the Immune System: A deficiency of haemoglobin interferes with the smooth working of your immune system and thus you are more susceptible to various infections as a result.
• Developmental Problems in Children: Chronic cases of deficiency of haemoglobin in children, in conditions such as thalassaemia, may lead to delay in the overall development and growth of the affected child. The insufficiency of oxygen in the body may cause hindrance in the normal process of growth in children and negatively affect development in the cognitive and physical spheres.
• Increase in Risk during Pregnancy: Haemoglobin deficiency may cause increased levels of risk during pregnancy. Typical complications which may arise are birth before completion of the term, low weight of the baby at birth or fatigue in the mother.

Causes of Haemoglobin Deficiency

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.

How to Know if You Have Low Anaemia Haemoglobin Levels?

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

What is the Treatment of Haemoglobin Deficiency?

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:

• Take iron as supplements or include iron in the form of leafy green vegetables, legumes and lean meat in your diet. This will help add iron to your diet and in the long run, increase the level of haemoglobin in your body.
• Taking supplementary vitamins for deficiencies like Vitamin B12 or folate.
• Generic disorders may require medical intervention in the form of bone marrow transplants or blood transfusions.
• You need to add regular exercise and physical activity to your routine.
• Manage the stress in your life.
• You need to sleep adequately.
• You need to monitor your health regularly and follow up on it. This is especially required if you are pregnant and are suffering from a deficiency of haemoglobin.

In Conclusion

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.

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