Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the blood has a lower-than-normal number of healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin, reducing the blood's capacity to carry oxygen to body tissues. It can result from reduced red cell production, such as iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency or a marrow disorder, from increased destruction of red cells (haemolysis), or from blood loss. Diagnosis relies on a complete blood count and further testing to identify the underlying cause.
Understanding Anemia
Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, the protein that binds and carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anemia occurs when there are too few healthy red blood cells or too little haemoglobin to meet the body's oxygen needs, leading to symptoms such as fatigue and breathlessness. Anemia is not a single disease but a finding with many possible causes, broadly grouped into problems with red cell production, increased red cell destruction, or ongoing blood loss.
In practice, some of the most common causes seen include iron deficiency, often related to diet or chronic blood loss such as heavy menstrual bleeding, and deficiencies of vitamin B12 or folate, which are needed for normal red cell formation. Anemia can also result from chronic disease, hemolytic conditions where red cells break down prematurely, or underlying bone marrow disorders. Because the underlying cause determines the correct treatment, identifying it is more useful than treating the low haemoglobin number alone.
Anemia that persists despite standard supplementation, or that occurs alongside other abnormal findings such as low white cell or platelet counts, unexplained bleeding, or bone pain, may point to a more significant underlying condition. In these situations, a structured haematology work-up, sometimes including a bone marrow examination, helps distinguish straightforward nutritional anemia from anemia caused by a marrow or blood disorder that needs specific treatment.
Signs of Anemia to watch for
When to see a haematologist
Anemia that does not improve after an appropriate course of iron, B12, or folate supplementation should be reassessed rather than repeated indefinitely without a clear reason.
Anemia accompanied by unexplained weight loss, bleeding, bruising, or bone pain needs prompt haematology evaluation.
Anemia in a child, pregnant woman, or older adult that is affecting daily activity or energy levels should be evaluated to identify and treat the underlying cause.
Tests offered at the centre
Complete Blood Count and Peripheral Smear
Measures haemoglobin and red cell indices and allows microscopic review of red cell shape and size, providing clues to the likely cause of anemia.
Iron Studies, Vitamin B12, and Folate Levels
Blood tests that identify common nutritional causes of anemia and distinguish them from other underlying conditions.
Reticulocyte Count
Measures how actively the bone marrow is producing new red cells, helping distinguish anemia caused by reduced production from anemia caused by increased red cell loss or destruction.
Bone Marrow Examination
Considered when anemia remains unexplained after initial testing, or when findings suggest a marrow disorder, to directly assess blood cell production in the marrow.
Treatment options
Your treatment plan is personalized to your diagnosis, subtype and overall health.
Correction of Nutritional Deficiencies
Iron, vitamin B12, or folate replacement is used when a deficiency is identified as the underlying cause, with the route and duration tailored to severity.
Treatment of the Underlying Cause
Addressing the source of the anemia directly, such as a bleeding source, chronic illness, or haemolytic process, is central to effective long-term management.
Blood Transfusion Support
Used for severe or symptomatic anemia to rapidly restore haemoglobin levels while the underlying cause is investigated and treated.
Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents
Medications that stimulate red cell production may be considered in select cases, such as anemia related to chronic kidney disease.
Further Haematology Work-Up
When anemia suggests a marrow or hemolytic disorder rather than a simple nutritional cause, specialist evaluation guides a more targeted treatment plan.
Why choose AP Blood & Blood Cancer Centre
Many cases of anemia are managed successfully with simple supplementation, but persistent or unexplained anemia benefits from a structured haematology evaluation to rule out marrow, hemolytic, or malignant causes before assuming a nutritional origin. As a single-specialty haematology centre, this evaluation is available in one focused setting.
Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Clinical Haematology), brings over 7 years of clinical haematology experience to the evaluation of anemia that does not respond as expected to standard treatment. Assessment and treatment planning are personalized to the identified cause rather than following a generic approach.
Common questions about Anemia
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, MD, DNB (Clinical Haematology)
Last reviewed on 1 July 2026
Anemia not improving with supplements?
Persistent or unexplained anemia deserves a structured evaluation by a clinical haematologist to identify the underlying cause.