Many are familiar with the term “anemia,” yet surprisingly, few prioritize getting tested for it. Anemia arises when the blood lacks an adequate number of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Typical symptoms include persistent fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness. Anemia is often an indicator of other issues in the body such as a vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, sickle cell disease, or certain chronic diseases. Regardless, common forms of anemia can often be identified via a simple blood test.
Anemia is a widespread condition, impacting 40% of children and 30% of reproductive-age women. A study analyzing years lived with disability (YLD) rates, per 100,000 population in 2019, which reflects the impact of an illness on a person’s quality of life, revealed that the international YLD rates for anemia were approximately 672.4 per 100,000 individuals in that year. Notably, the study identified females aged 15-19 as one of the groups with the highest YLD rates.
While anemia is not considered life-threatening, it can cause considerable discomfort in day-to-day activities. At-risk groups should undergo blood tests to check for low iron or hemoglobin levels. This recommendation is particularly important for female patients experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding. While severe cases may require regular blood transfusions, most instances of anemia can be alleviated with vitamin supplements or iron pills.
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Given the significant impact of anemia on daily activities, early detection of symptoms is crucial. Timely identification can lead to improvements in quality of life as treatment can restore energy levels to a healthier state. Moreover, it is relatively easy to perform a cursory check for anemia through blood testing. Considering the prevalence of the disease and the adverse effects of its symptoms, there is no harm in asking your doctor to assess these parameters during your routine check-up.
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