Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary factor that affects the level of haemoglobin in the blood?
What is the primary factor that affects the level of haemoglobin in the blood?
What is the underlying cause of symptoms in anaemia?
What is the underlying cause of symptoms in anaemia?
Which of the following is a sign of anaemia?
Which of the following is a sign of anaemia?
What is the most common type of anaemia worldwide?
What is the most common type of anaemia worldwide?
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What is an important aspect of the clinical assessment of anaemia?
What is an important aspect of the clinical assessment of anaemia?
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What is a relevant aspect of the past medical history in anaemia?
What is a relevant aspect of the past medical history in anaemia?
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What is a possible cause of anaemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
What is a possible cause of anaemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
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What is a possible effect of NSAIDs on the body?
What is a possible effect of NSAIDs on the body?
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Study Notes
Anaemia
- Anaemia is defined as a haemoglobin (Hb) level below the reference range for age and sex.
- Other factors, such as pregnancy and altitude, can affect Hb levels.
- Clinical features of anaemia result from diminished oxygen supply to the tissues.
- Symptoms are more severe if the onset is rapid or if there is coexisting cardiorespiratory disease.
- Non-specific symptoms and signs include:
- Tiredness
- Lightheadedness
- Breathlessness
- Worsening of coexisting disease (e.g. angina)
- Mucous membrane pallor
- Tachypnoea
- Raised JVP
- Flow murmurs
- Ankle oedema
- Postural hypotension
- Tachycardia
Clinical Assessment of Anaemia
- Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia worldwide.
- Assess for symptoms indicating GI blood loss and menorrhagia in females.
- Dietary history should assess intake of iron and folate, which may be deficient in:
- Pregnancy
- Rapid growth
- Past medical history may reveal disease associated with anaemia (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) or previous surgery (e.g. stomach or small bowel resection).
- Family history may be relevant in haemolytic anaemias and pernicious anaemia.
- Drug history may indicate blood loss (e.g. NSAIDs) or haemolysis or aplasia.
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Description
Learn about anaemia, a blood disorder characterized by low haemoglobin levels, and its clinical features and symptoms. Factors affecting haemoglobin levels and the impact of anaemia on the body are also covered.