Repeated fatigue, weakness, dizziness, breathlessness, a fast heartbeat, or pallor may be associated with anaemia. A blood test can identify low haemoglobin, but that is the beginning of the assessment—not the complete diagnosis.
Why the cause matters
Anaemia may be related to iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency; blood loss; infection; inflammation; kidney disease; another chronic illness; or an inherited blood disorder.
Because the causes differ, taking iron without assessment is not the right answer for every patient. A clinician may review diet, menstrual or gastrointestinal blood loss, medicines, medical history, and relevant laboratory findings before recommending treatment.
A practical evaluation may include
- confirming the degree and type of anaemia;
- looking for an underlying source of blood loss;
- assessing nutrition and absorption;
- reviewing chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease; and
- planning treatment and follow-up according to the cause.
Seek timely care if weakness is severe, breathlessness occurs at rest, there is chest pain, fainting, active bleeding, black stools, or rapid worsening.
Further reading: World Health Organization overview of anaemia and its causes.
This article is for health education and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Symptoms, test results, medicines, and treatment decisions should be discussed with a qualified clinician.