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Anaemia is the general term for having too less oxygen in your blood, which can make you feel tired and weak. There are different causes for anaemia:
Iron deficiency anaemia is a lack of iron in your blood.
Heavy periods and pregnancy can cause iron deficiency anaemia, this can be treated with medicine. Any other conditions that cause blood loss could also lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
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The doctor will ask you about your lifestyle and medical history. A simple blood test will confirm if you have anaemia, which might be repeatedly done over the next few months to check that your iron level is getting back to normal.The doctor might also refer you to a specialist for further checks.
You will be prescribed iron tablets to replace the iron that's missing from your body. You’ll need to take the tablets dailey, for about 6 months. Drinking orange juice after you've taken a tablet may help your body absorb the iron.
Side effects might be:
Try taking the tablets with or soon after food to reduce the chance of side effects. It's important to keep taking the tablets, even if you get side effects.
Keep iron supplement tablets out of the reach of children. An overdose of iron in a young child can be fatal.
Eat and drink more:
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Eat and drink less:
When untreated, anaemia can make you more at risk of illness and infection. It may increase your risk of developing complications that affect the heart or lungs – such as heart failure. In pregnancy, anaemia can cause a greater risk of complications before and after birth.
The other type of anaemia is vitamin B12.
There are multiple causes that can lead to a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency:
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency:
You will get vitamin B12 supplements, usually given by injection at first. After that you'll either require B12 tablets between meals or regular injections. These treatments may be needed for the rest of your life.
Eat more:
Iron tablets | Folic acid | B12 tablets | |
How long to take | 12-16 weeks | 10-16 weeks | 8-10 weeks |
When to take a blood sample? | After 4 weeks | After 4 weeks | After 4 weeks |
When to take the tablets? | - 2 hours before drinking coffee, tea, milk
- 4 hours after drinking coffee, tea, milk |
Source:NHSinform Anaemia & NHSinform Vitamin B12