Anaemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red Blood cells or haemoglobin (the component of red Blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues throughout the body). The tissues of the human body need a regular supply of oxygen to stay healthy. Red Blood cells, which contain haemoglobin that allows them to deliver oxygen throughout the body, live for only about 120 days. When they die, the iron they contain is returned to the Bone marrow and used to create new red Blood cells. Anaemia develops when heavy bleeding causes significant iron loss or when something happens to slow down the production of red Blood cells or to increase the rate at which they are destroyed.

Anaemia can be mild, moderate, or severe enough to lead to life-threatening complications. More than 400 different types of anaemia have been identified. Many of them are rare.

Anaemia - B12 deficiency Anaemia - folate deficiency Anaemia - iron deficiency Anaemia due to chronic disease Haemolytic anaemia Haemolytic anaemia - G-6-PD deficiency Idiopathic aplastic anaemia Idiopathic autoimmune haemolytic anaemia Immune haemolytic anaemia Immune haemolytic anaemia - drug-induced Megaloblastic anaemia Pernicious anaemia Secondary aplastic anaemia Sickle Cell anaemia

The cause varies with the type of anaemia. Potential causes include Blood loss, nutritional deficits, many diseases, medication reactions, and various problems with the Bone marrow. Iron deficiency anaemia is most common in women who have heavy menstrual periods. Risk factors include heavy periods, pregnancy, older age, and diseases that cause anaemia.

Weakness, fatigue, and a run-down feeling may be signs of mild anaemia. Skin that is pasty or sallow, or lack of color in the creases of the Palm, gums, nail beds, or lining of the eyelids are other signs of anaemia. Someone who is weak, tires easily, is often out of breath, and feels faint or dizzy may be severely anaemic. Other symptoms of anaemia are:

Angina pectoris (Chest pain, often accompanied by a choking sensation that provokes severe Anxiety) Cravings for ice, paint, or dirt Headache Inability to concentrate, memory loss Inflammation of the Mouth (stomatitis) or Tongue (Glossitis) Insomnia Irregular heartbeat Loss of appetite Nails that are dry, brittle, or ridged Rapid breathing Sores in the Mouth, throat, or rectum Sweating Swelling of the hands and feet Thirst Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Unexplained bleeding or bruising.

In pernicious anaemia, the Tongue feels unusually slick. A patient with pernicious anaemia may have:

Problems with movement or balance Tingling in the hands and feet Confusion, Depression, and memory loss.

Pernicious anaemia can damage the spinal cord. A doctor should be notified whenever symptoms of this condition occur.

Personal and family health history may suggest the presence of certain types of anaemia. Laboratory tests that measure the percentage of red Blood cells or the amount of haemoglobin in the Blood are used to confirm diagnosis and determine which type of anaemia is responsible for a patient's symptoms. X rays and examinations of Bone marrow may be used to identify the source of bleeding.

Inherited anaemias cannot be prevented. Genetic counselling can help parents cope with questions and concerns about transmitting disease-causing genes to their children. Avoiding excessive use of alcohol, eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of iron-rich foods, and taking a daily multivitamin can help prevent anemia. Methods of preventing specific types of anemia include: Avoiding lengthy exposure to industrial chemicals and drugs known to cause aplastic anaemia. Not taking medication that has triggered hemolytic anaemia and not eating foods that have caused hemolysis (breakdown of red Blood cells). Receiving regular B12 shots to prevent pernicious anaemia resulting from Gastritis or Stomach surgery.

The outlook depends on the cause.

Severe anaemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the Heart and can lead to Heart attack.

As is the case in standard medical treatment, the cause of the specific anaemia will determine the alternative treatment recommended. If the cause is a deficiency, for example iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, B12 deficiency, or vitamin C deficiency, supplementation is the treatment. For extensive Blood loss, the cause should be identified and corrected. Other types of anemias should be addressed on a deep healing level with crisis intervention when necessary. Many alternative therapies for iron deficiency anaemia focus on adding iron-rich foods to the diet or on techniques to improve circulation and digestion. Iron supplementation, especially with iron citrate (less likely to cause Constipation), is used by alternative practitioners. This can be given in combination with herbs that are rich in iron. Some examples of iron-rich herbs are dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and nettle (Urtica dioica). The homeopathic remedy ferrum phosphoricum can also be helpful. Other herbal remedies used to treat iron deficiency anaemia aim to improve the digestion. Gentian (Gentiana lutea) is widely used in Europe to treat anaemia and other nutritionally based disorders. The bitter qualities of gentian help stimulate the Digestive system, making iron and other nutrients more available for absorption. This bitter herb can be brewed into tea or purchased as an alcoholic extract (tincture). Other herbs recommended to promote digestion include: Anise (Pimpinella anisum) Caraway (Carum carvi) Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) Linden (Tilia spp.) Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Traditional Chinese treatments for anaemia include: Acupuncture to stimulate a weakened Spleen Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) to restore energy Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) to control heavy menstrual bleeding A mixture of dong quai and Chinese foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa) to clear a sallow complexion.