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Anaemia

7-minute read

Key facts

  • Anaemia is when you don't have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells), which are needed to carry oxygen around your body.
  • Anaemia may lead to fatigue and weakness.
  • It can be diagnosed with a blood test.
  • There are many different causes of anaemia — it's important to find the cause in order to treat it.
  • A common type of anaemia is iron-deficiency anaemia, which is usually caused by not eating or absorbing enough iron, or by losing blood.

What is anaemia?

Anaemia is when you don't have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells). These are important because they carry oxygen from your lungs around your body.

Anaemia is very common and has many possible causes. It's important to find the cause of the anaemia to be able to treat it.

What are the different types of anaemia?

There are many different types of anaemia, including:

  • iron deficiency anaemia — when you don't have enough iron to produce enough red blood cells
  • aplastic anaemia — when your bone marrow stops working normally and doesn't produce enough red blood cells
  • haemolytic anaemia — when red blood cells die or are destroyed too soon
  • anaemia of chronic disease — when health conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or diabetes, lead to anaemia

What are the symptoms of anaemia?

If you have anaemia, you may not have any symptoms at all, or you may experience:

You may have other symptoms too, depending on the cause of your anaemia.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes anaemia?

There are many types of anaemia and each type has different possible causes.

Anaemia is commonly caused by iron deficiency (a lack of iron). Your body needs iron to produce red blood cells. Iron deficiency can develop due to:

Other causes of anaemia include:

When should I see my doctor?

It's important to see your doctor if you have any symptoms of anaemia or are worried about your iron levels.

Your doctor can refer you for tests to check if you have anaemia and work out its cause, so it can be treated effectively.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is anaemia diagnosed?

A blood test called a full blood count looks at your red blood cells and measures the amount of haemoglobin in your blood. If your results lower than expected, you may have anaemia.

Your doctor may also refer you for blood tests to check your iron, vitamin B12 and folate levels, to help work out the cause of the anaemia.

A blood film, where a pathologist looks at the size and shape of your red blood cells, can also help find the cause of your anaemia.

You might be referred for more tests or see a specialist, depending on your symptoms and test results.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is anaemia treated?

If you have iron deficiency anaemia, you will need an iron supplement. Usually this involves taking iron tablets for several months. It's a good idea to take them with vitamin C, as this helps you absorb the iron better. Keep in mind that iron tablets can cause side effects including constipation and black bowel motions.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend an iron infusion given directly into a vein.

Your doctor may recommend a vitamin B12 or folic acid supplement if your levels are low.

Other types of treatment depend on what is causing your anaemia. Once your doctor has diagnosed your anaemia, they will talk to you about treatment options.

What are the complications of anaemia?

If you have anaemia during pregnancy, it can lead to your baby being born early or very small.

Anaemia in young children can lead to problems with development.

If anaemia is severe and not treated, it can lead to heart problems such as:

Can anaemia be prevented?

Not all types of anaemia are preventable.

Here's how you can reduce your risk of some types of anaemia:

  • Maintain a healthy diet that includes iron-rich foods.
  • Include foods in your diet that are rich in vitamin B12 — this is especially important if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.
  • See your doctor regularly if you have a chronic health condition.
  • Have regular blood tests if you have had gastric sleeve surgery (which affects how you absorb nutrients from food).

Resources and support

Dietitians Australia offers advice on iron levels and how to get more dietary iron.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

Find information about iron deficiency in a range of community languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in your area.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: November 2024


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Anaemia in pregnancy

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