Anemia

Have you ever felt tired all the time, dizzy when standing up, or out of breath after just a little activity? If yes, you might have experienced symptoms of anemia. Let’s understand in detail what exactly is the condition and what happens internally.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a condition where your blood doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. When there’s not enough hemoglobin or RBCs, your body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to function properly.

Common symptoms:

• Tiredness

• Pale skin

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or lightheadedness with blackouts

• Headaches

• Cold hands and feet

What causes anemia?

There are many causes, but the most common include:

1. Iron deficiency anemia – due to low iron levels, often from poor diet, heavy periods, menopause or internal bleeding.

2. Vitamin deficiency anemia – not enough Vitamin B12 or folic acid.

3. Chronic disease anemia – caused by long-term illnesses like kidney disease, cancer, or infections.

4. Hemolytic anemia – when the body destroys red blood cells (RBCs) faster than it can make them.

5. Aplastic anemia – when the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough blood cells.

6. Thalassemia or sickle cell anemia – these are inherited blood disorders.

How is anemia diagnosed?

You physician will usually run a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test to check:

• Hemoglobin levels

• Red blood cell count

Other blood tests might be done to check iron, Vitamin B12, and folate levels.

How is the condition treated?

Common treatments include:

• Iron supplements (for iron deficiency)

• Vitamin B12 or folate supplements

• Dietary changes

• Medications to treat underlying diseases

• Blood transfusions (in severe cases)

• Last but also the most important - exercises recommended by a physiotherapist

How does physiotherapy help in anemia?

You might wonder – what does physiotherapy have to do with anemia? While physiotherapy doesn’t cure anemia directly, it plays a supportive and crucial role in managing its effects on the body.

1. Fatigue Management: Your Physiotherapist can guide you through gentle, graded exercise programs that help boost energy levels without overexerting the body. Regular light exercise improves oxygen usage and enhances stamina.

2. Improving Cardiopulmonary Endurance: Breathing exercises like Pursed lip breathing and aerobic training (like walking or cycling at low intensity) can strengthen the lungs and heart, helping anemic individuals feel less breathless during daily tasks.

3. Prevent Deconditioning: Due to weakness and inactivity, anemic also causes you to lose muscle strength. Physiotherapists provide strengthening exercises to maintain muscle tone and prevent further physical decline.

4. Stress Reduction: Chronic fatigue and weakness can affect mental health. Physiotherapy sessions can include relaxation techniques, stretching, and even yoga-based movements that help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

Tips to manage anemia at home

• Eat iron-rich foods: spinach, lentils, red meat, eggs, and iron-fortified cereals.

• Include Vitamin C to help absorb iron (like oranges).

• Don’t skip B12 and folate found in dairy, eggs and green veggies

• Stay active within your limits – light walks, stretching, or physiotherapy exercises.

• Avoid tea/coffee with meals – they can reduce iron absorption.

Anemia is more than just “feeling tired” – it’s your body crying out for oxygen. Along with medical treatment, physiotherapy can be very helpful to you in regaining energy, improving fitness, and living a healthier, more active life. If you or someone you know is dealing with anemia, consider speaking to a physiotherapist.