Physical anaemia does not necessarily mean iron deficiency anaemia. Anaemia is a symptom, not an independent disease, and it is caused by a variety of causes. Anaemia refers to a reduction in the number of red blood cells or lower than normal levels of haemoglobin, resulting in inadequate oxygen in the body tissue. The causes of anaemia are diverse, and iron deficiency is only one of the common causes. The following is some detailed information on anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia:Causes of anaemiaAnaemia can be caused by:Iron deficiency: Iron is an essential element in the production of haemoglobin, and iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of anaemia.Vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency: These vitamins are essential for the production of red cells and lack of them leads to anaemia.Chronic diseases: Diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, rheumatism arthritis may lead to chronic disease anaemia.Genetic diseases such as thalassaemia, sickle-cell anaemia, etc.Soluble anaemia: As previously mentioned, soluble anaemia is caused by premature red cell damage.Blood loss: Acute or chronic blood loss due to trauma, surgery or excessive menstruation.The bone marrow problem: the bone marrow is where the red cell is produced, and any disease that affects the bone marrow function can lead to anaemia.Characteristics of iron deficiency anaemiaIron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common type of anaemia, characterized by:Reduced haemoglobin levels: this is a direct indicator of anaemia.Red cell morphological anomalies: Smaller red cell, lighter color, called small cell low-colour anaemia.Decreasing sero-iron levels: Iron content in blood is below normal.Decreasing iron protein levels: Iron protein is an indicator of the storage of iron in the body, and its reduction indicates that there is a shortage of iron in the body.Increase in total iron binding (TIBC): This indicates an increase in the protein level in blood transport of iron, in an attempt to compensate for the lack of iron.How to determine if it is iron deficiency anaemiaTo determine if iron deficiency anaemia is anemia, doctors usually perform the following tests:Total blood cell count (CBC): Check for red cell count, haemoglobin level and red cell form.Serum iron, iron protein and TIBC: These blood tests help to assess the state of iron in the body.Blood smear: observation of the size, shape and colour of red cells.Vitamin B12 and folic acid levels: Other types of anaemia are excluded.Pee submersible blood test: Check for hidden intestinal bleeding, which is one of the common causes of iron deficiency.Symptoms and signs of other anaemia typesOther types of anaemia may have the following characteristics:Vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency: may lead to large-cell anaemia, and blood smears show an increase in red cell size.Chronic disease anaemia: usually associated with chronic inflammation or disease, with lower haemoglobin levels but possibly normal or higher iron protein levels.Genetic anaemia: thalassaemia, for example, may have family history and be accompanied by specific changes in red cell morphology.ConclusionsIn case of anemia in the body, iron deficiency should not be immediately assumed. Diagnosis of anaemia needs to be determined through detailed medical history inquiries, medical examinations and a series of laboratory tests. If iron deficiency anaemia is diagnosed, treatment usually includes iron supplements and improved diet. If, however, anaemia is caused by other causes, the particular cause of the disease requires treatment. Therefore, in cases of anaemia, medical treatment should be provided in a timely manner and assessed and diagnosed by professional doctors, with a view to developing appropriate treatment programmes.
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