What is Anaemia: Symptoms, Causes & Prevention Strategies

Anaemia of chronic disease is a condition in which the body has low levels of healthy red cells. It is also known as anaemia of inflammation. Anaemia occurs when there is a low count of red blood cells or haemoglobin, the part of red cells that carries oxygen to different parts of the body. Anaemia of chronic diseases could develop due to other conditions like autoimmune diseases or other chronic illnesses. It is the second most common type of anaemia found after iron deficiency anaemia.

It affects males and females equally, and for individuals of any age with any chronic illness, the inflammatory condition can develop anaemia of chronic disease. Researchers note that this condition is underreported or often goes unrecognized.

Recognising the Symptoms of Anaemia 

 People who are suffering from this condition might suffer from the following symptoms:

• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Rapid heartbeat
• Feeling of tiredness
• Dizziness or weakness
• Chest pain

Identifying the Causes of Anaemia 

There could be different reasons for developing anaemia of chronic disease. It might be due to a low level of red blood cells caused by an underlying condition or disease. For example, suppose a patient has cancer. In that case, the cancer cells might destroy or damage the immature red cells, causing a deficiency. In some cases, cancer cells might enter the bone marrow, where the blood cells are created.

Individuals with anaemia of chronic disease also suffer from an imbalance of iron in the body. Iron is a critical ingredient found in cells and is essential for the body to function correctly. However, in some cases, the body cannot use iron to create new blood cells despite having ample of it in the tissues.

In some cases, there could be a retention of iron within specific cells, which reduces the amount of available iron for producing haemoglobin. Researchers have also found that the access amount of hepcidin, a hormone produced in the liver, can also hinder the production of red blood cells.

Risk Factors of Developing ACD

Here are some risk factors that may increase the risk of ACD:

• Chronic disease: Having a chronic illness or condition that may lead to inflammation increases the risk of developing anaemia of chronic disease. Autoimmune diseases (especially rheumatoid arthritis) may also increase the risk of the anaemia of chronic disease. 
• Infection: Some infections, including hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, may also increase the risk of developing anaemia of chronic disease.
• Family history: If your blood relative has a history of inherited anaemia, you might also be at risk of ACD.

Other conditions that may increase the risk of anaemia of chronic disease include:

• Cancer
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heart Failure
• Lack of proper diet
• Alcohol consumption

Prevention Strategies

Researchers note that it may not be possible to prevent the anemia of chronic disease. However, you can still take some steps to minimize the effects. First, you should contact your dietician for a balanced diet. It is also advisable to consume iron-rich foods like meats, beans, lentils, dried fruit, and more to maintain a sufficient balance of iron in the body.

Moreover, one should also take Folate, which can be found in fruits and fruit juices, green peas, kidney beans, and more. Proper intake of Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin C is also necessary. They help the body better absorb iron.

Treatment Approaches

Your doctor might suggest a blood test to determine the anaemia of chronic disease. He may also perform specific tests like reticulocyte count, serum ferritin level, serum iron level, and more. In rare cases, bone marrow biopsy might also be required to rule out cancer. Once you are diagnosed with the condition, your doctor might suggest the following treatment:

• Blood Transfusion: A blood transfusion might be required in some cases of anaemia or chronic disease. This is necessary when the anaemia is severe. During this procedure, the doctor transfers blood from a donor through the veins of the individual who needs it. The patient can get new red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and more.
• Erythropoietin (EPO) Shots: This is a synthetic form of Erythropoietin produced naturally by the body. The kidneys mainly develop the EPO. In this treatment, a synthetic form of EPO is given under the skin (subcutaneously) if the natural EPO levels are reduced. Your doctor might also provide iron tablets or injections before or during the treatment. You will have blood tests at regular intervals to check how your red blood cells and haemoglobin level respond to the treatment.

That said, treating the underlying disease can also cure chronic disease. If the treatment of the underlying condition is successful, anaemia improves or resolves without needing immediate treatment.

Recovery and Outlook 

The prognosis for anemia of chronic disease is good. Treating the underlying condition usually resolves anemia of chronic disease. However, if the symptoms reappear, it is important to contact your healthcare provider.