Anaemia

Anaemia is a condition that occurs when there is a reduced number of red blood cells in the body, which means that there is shortage of haemoglobin and therefore a shortage of oxygen in the body. Common symptoms of anaemia include:

• tiredness
• weakness
• fatigue and lethargy
• a lack of concentration
• pale skin
• yellow skin
• heart palpitations
• changes in the colour of stools

There are many different types of anaemia and many different causes, with the most common causes including a poor diet, iron deficiency, decreased absorption of minerals and nutrients and gastrointestinal bleeding.

It is important to evaluate and monitor patients with anaemia carefully and tests usually include blood tests and a gastroscopy or colonoscopy if needed.