Worn out and sluggish — everyone feels this way sometimes. But if tiredness and exhaustion are part of everyday life despite enough sleep, anaemia may be the cause. How does anaemia develop, and what are its consequences?

The role of red blood cells in anaemia

Red blood cells carry haemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues throughout the body. Anaemia occurs when you have too few red blood cells or when your red blood cells do not work properly. It is diagnosed when a blood test shows a haemoglobin level below 13.5 g/dl in men and below 12.0 g/dl in women. Normal values for children change with age.

When you have anaemia, your body lacks oxygen, so you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Pounding or ringing in the ears
  • Headache
  • Cold hands or feet
  • Pale or yellow skin
  • Chest pain

The best clinics in Switzerland offer a comprehensive blood test for anaemia, measuring all the iron-containing elements important for diagnosis, together with general clinical tests. Detailed results help the doctor make the correct diagnosis and prescribe medication where needed. Early, highly accurate testing — for your health and peace of mind about your body’s condition.

Causes of anaemia

Anaemia can have many causes, including:

  • dietary deficiency — a lack of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid in the diet;
  • malabsorption — when the body is unable to absorb or use the nutrients in the diet properly, caused by conditions such as coeliac disease;
  • inherited disorders, such as thalassaemia or sickle cell anaemia;
  • autoimmune disorders, such as autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, in which immune cells attack red blood cells and shorten their lifespan;
  • chronic diseases — such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and tuberculosis;
  • hormonal disorders, such as hypothyroidism;
  • bone marrow disorders, such as cancer;
  • blood loss — due to injury, surgery, peptic ulcer, heavy periods, cancer (particularly bowel cancer) or frequent blood donation;
  • drugs and medications, including alcohol, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants;
  • mechanical destruction — mechanical heart valves can damage red blood cells, shortening their lifespan;
  • infections, such as malaria and septicaemia, which shorten the lifespan of red blood cells;
  • periods of rapid growth or high energy requirements, such as puberty or pregnancy.

Is anaemia dangerous?

In many cases, anaemia is a symptom of a deficiency, such as iron deficiency, which responds well to treatment. Sometimes, however, another underlying disease is behind it. People with anaemia should therefore see a doctor and undergo thorough diagnostics.

If problems are found, the patient can receive treatment in Switzerland at the best clinics and manage the condition properly.

Treating anaemia

Treatment depends on the cause and severity, but may include:

  • vitamin and mineral supplements — for deficiencies;
  • iron injections — if your iron levels are very low;
  • vitamin B12 (as injections) — for pernicious anaemia;
  • antibiotics — if an infection is causing your anaemia;
  • changing the dose or schedule of regular medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, if necessary;
  • blood transfusion — if necessary;
  • oxygen therapy — if necessary;
  • surgery to stop abnormal bleeding, for example in the case of heavy periods;
  • surgery to remove the spleen — for severe haemolytic anaemia.

Please note: take iron supplements only on your doctor’s recommendation. The human body is poor at excreting iron, and taking more than the recommended dose can lead to poisoning.

Is anaemia hereditary?

There are rare forms of anaemia that are hereditary.

How common is anaemia?

Anaemia is a common condition: iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common cause of iron deficiency.