What is anemia?
Anemia occurs when red cells or hemoglobin are insufficient to meet oxygen-carrying needs.
Symptoms, causes and assessment
Fatigue, pallor, breathlessness or palpitations may occur. Iron deficiency is only one cause; B12, folate, bleeding, chronic disease and inherited conditions can contribute. Blood count and targeted tests investigate the cause.
Care and when to seek help
Taking iron or vitamins without identifying the cause may delay diagnosis. Significant bleeding, chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness needs urgent assessment; treatment targets the cause.
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