AI Summary Overview
What is Anaemia?
Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to its tissues. Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body. If haemoglobin levels are low, the body’s organs and tissues might not get enough oxygen to function properly. As a result, it can make an individual feel tired, weak, dizzy, short of breath, or have difficulty with daily activities.
Anaemia can develop gradually or come on quickly, depending on the cause. Some individual may only feel tired, while others may have more serious symptoms that affect their health, daily routines, and ability to do everyday tasks.
What are the Types of Anaemia?
Anaemia is categorised into several types depending on the underlying deficiency and cause.
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Iron Deficiency Anaemia It is a condition that arises when the body is deficient in iron, which is required for the production of healthy haemoglobin.
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Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia This is when the body is deficient in one or more vitamins, including vitamin B12 or folate, that are essential for the production of healthy red blood cells.
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Aplastic Anaemia Aplastic anaemia is the rarest but the most severe condition, in which bone marrow stops producing enough red blood cells.
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Hemolytic Anaemia Hemolytic anaemia develops when red blood cells are broken down before they can be replaced.
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Sickle Cell Anaemia Sickle cell anaemia is a blood disorder passed down through generations in which red blood cells take on an abnormal shape and are unable to circulate.
How Common is Anaemia in India?
Anaemia is a very common condition in India, particularly among pregnant women, adolescents, children, and women. The recently released National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) has revealed some improvements, including an increase in health insurance cover and an increase in the use of the internet and mobile phones among women, but it's the missing statistics that have caught the attention.Individuals from low-income families and those who are living in rural areas are at greater risk because they have less access to healthy food, healthcare, and early diagnosis.
Symptoms of Anaemia
Anaemia happens when human red blood cells or the haemoglobin in them drop below normal levels. This means your blood cannot carry enough oxygen to different parts of your body. Symptoms depend on how severe the anaemia is, what causes it, and how quickly it develops. Mild anaemia may not show many signs. But if it gets worse, it can affect your daily work, school, and, in children, their growth and learning.
| General Symptoms | Iron Deficiency Symptoms | Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency Symptoms |
| - Tiredness and persistent weakness | - Paler-than-usual skin | - Extreme tiredness and lack of energy |
| - Dizziness or light-headedness | - Noticeable or rapid heartbeats (palpitations) | - Pins and needles in the hands or feet |
| - Drowsiness during the day | - Headaches | - A sore and red tongue |
| - Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity | - Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) | - Mouth ulcers |
| - Altered sense of taste | - Muscle weakness | |
| - Itchiness or a sore tongue | - Disturbed vision | |
| - Hair loss | - Psychological changes | |
| - Pica (craving non-food items) | - Problems with memory, understanding, or judgement | |
| - Difficulty swallowing | ||
| - Ulcers at the corners of the mouth | ||
| - Spoon-shaped nails | ||
| - Restless legs syndrome |
Related Diseases Comparison
Anaemia can look like other blood problems because it causes tiredness, pale skin, and breathlessness. It is important to find out if it is really anaemia or something else. This helps you get the right treatment.
Anaemia vs Thalassaemia Trait vs Anaemia of Chronic Disease/Inflammation
| Basis of Comparison | Anaemia | Thalassaemia Trait | Anemia of Chronic Disease/Inflammation |
| When it Happens? | Occurs when red blood cell numbers or haemoglobin concentration fall below normal due to causes such as iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency, infections, blood loss, inflammation, or inherited disorders. | Occurs due to inherited changes in globin genes; low haemoglobin and low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) may appear after iron deficiency has been excluded. | Occurs alongside chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, infectious, malignant, or chronic disease states that alter how the body handles iron and produces red blood cells. |
| Location | A systemic blood condition that reduces oxygen delivery throughout the entire body. | A systemic inherited red-cell disorder that affects haemoglobin production within red blood cells. | A systemic anaemia driven by chronic disease and inflammatory pathways throughout the body. |
| Associated Symptoms | Tiredness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, and shortness of breath on exertion; iron deficiency may additionally cause palpitations, pallor, headaches, pica, and spoon-shaped nails. | Trait carriers may have mild anaemia or microcytosis and can be mistaken for iron-deficiency anaemia on routine blood count indices. | Symptoms overlap with general anaemia, while features of the underlying chronic disease or inflammation help guide the diagnosis. |
| Severity | Impact ranges from mild fatigue to severe impairment; severe anaemia can affect pregnancy outcomes, child development, work productivity, and quality of life. | Trait states are generally less severe than thalassaemia major, but misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate iron therapy. | Severity varies with the underlying condition and inflammatory burden; iron-study patterns, rather than iron deficiency alone, confirm the diagnosis. |
| Can it be Reversed? | Reversibility depends on the cause; iron-deficiency anaemia can often improve with iron replacement and addressing the source of blood loss or nutritional deficiency, whereas inherited or chronic disease causes require targeted management. | Genetic carrier status cannot be corrected by iron; management focuses on accurate diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary iron supplementation, and family or reproductive counselling where relevant. | Usually managed by treating or controlling the underlying inflammatory or chronic disease; iron studies help distinguish it from straightforward iron deficiency. |
Medicines Used to Treat Anaemia
Most people with anaemia can manage it well. Whether it goes away fully depends on what is causing it. There are many treatment options, and your doctor will choose the one that is best for you.
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Oral iron with folic acid
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Intravenous (IV) iron
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Vitamin B12 replacement
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Folic acid
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Deworming medicines, such as albendazole
Living with Anaemia in India: Daily Challenges, Caregiving, and Support
If you have anaemia in India, it can make work, school, and family life more difficult. But with the right treatment and support, most people can control their symptoms and live well.
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Daily Challenges Tiredness, weakness, or shortness of breath can impact your daily activities, work and school. Anaemia can slow children’s growth and learning. It can also make it harder for them to play, talk to other people, or pay attention in class.
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Financial Considerations If you have anaemia, you may need to pay for regular blood tests, doctor visits, and medicines such as iron tablets or injections. Some people also need treatment for heavy periods, bleeding in the stomach, kidney disease, infections or poor nutrition. Anaemia also makes it harder for adults to work and earn money. It can affect the whole family, especially when children have difficulty doing well at school, or adults cannot continue to work.
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Caregiver Support In India, anaemia is most common in children, pregnant women, new mothers, and teenage girls who have periods. Family members can help by making sure tests are done, medicines are taken, and healthy food is given. They can also help with visits to the doctor when needed.
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Monitoring and Follow-up If you have anaemia, it is important to check your haemoglobin regularly. Your doctor may also ask for other tests, like a blood smear or a stool test for worms, depending on the cause. Sometimes, you may need to visit a bigger hospital for more tests or treatment.
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Diet, Deworming, and Public-Health Support Deworming is important because stomach worms can cause slow blood loss. They can also make it harder for your body to absorb iron and other nutrients, and reduce your appetite. This can make anaemia and poor nutrition worse.
Anaemia Treatment Cost in India
The cost of treating anaemia in India can keep adding up. It depends on what is causing the anaemia, how severe it is, how long you need medicines, and if you need iron injections or blood transfusions. Treating any other health problems also adds to the cost.
| Treatment | Cost Range |
| Specialist Consultation | ₹800 to ₹1,500 per consultation |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test | ₹99 to ₹449 per test |
| Iron Profile Test | ₹500 to ₹900 per test |
| Oral Iron with Folic Acid Tablets | ₹83.50 to ₹139.40 per 10 tablets |
| Iron Sucrose Injection | ₹160 to ₹258 per ampoule |
| Iron Infusion (IV Therapy) | ₹2,500 to ₹4,500 per session |
| Packed Red Cell Blood Transfusion | ₹600 to ₹1,550 per unit |
Disclaimer: The above costs are estimates and may differ by city, hospital, diagnostic laboratory, doctor's consultation fees, prescribed medicines, and the patient's overall health condition.
What Causes Anaemia?
Anaemia develops when the body produces fewer red blood cells, loses blood, or destroys red blood cells faster than normal. Some of the main anaemia causes are as follows:
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Causes of Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Many things can cause iron deficiency anaemia. It is often linked to not eating enough iron-rich foods, losing blood, needing more iron, or having medical problems that affect how your body absorbs nutrients.
Below are the common causes of Iron Deficiency Anaemia:
- Poor Diet: A diet lacking iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, beans, and meat may reduce haemoglobin production and increase the risk of iron deficiency anaemia.
- Blood Loss: Anaemia can also occur due to heavy blood loss during piles, stomach ulcers, heavy Periods, or any injuries.
- Worm Infections: During worm infections, blood loss impairs nutrient absorption, leading to anaemia.
- Poor Iron Absorption: Some digestive conditions can impair iron absorption, leading to lower iron levels and reduced red blood cell production.
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Causes of Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia
The following are common causes of Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia:
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: If you do not get enough vitamin B12 or your body cannot absorb it, you may not make enough red blood cells.
- Folate Deficiency: Drinking too much alcohol or not eating enough folate can lower folate levels. This can reduce red blood cell production and cause anaemia.
- Digestive Disorders: Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, impairs the body's ability to absorb required nutrients, increasing the risk of vitamin deficiency anaemia.
- Certain Medicines: Some medicines can affect the body's ability to absorb or use vitamin B12 and folate, increasing the risk of vitamin deficiency anaemia.
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Causes of Sickle Cell Anaemia
Some of the main causes of Sickle Cell Anaemia are:
- Genetic Disorder: Sickle cell anaemia is mainly caused by a genetic mutation inherited from parents to children.
- Inheritance: The disease is inherited when children inherit the sickle cell gene from both parents.
- Family History: Those with a family history of the disease, called sickle cell, are at higher risk of developing the disease.
- Sickle Cell Trait in Parents: Children are more likely to develop sickle cell anaemia if both parents carry the sickle cell trait.
- Ethnic and Regional Factors: Sickle cell anaemia is more common in certain populations, for example, in people of African, Middle Eastern and some Indian tribal descent.
What are the Complications of Anaemia?
If anaemia is not treated in time, it can reduce the oxygen supply to the body's tissues and cause serious health problems. The most common complications of anaemia are as follows:
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Severe Fatigue: Anaemia can be extremely fatiguing, making it difficult to get through the day, to work and to concentrate.
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Heart Problems: In severe cases, the heart must work harder to get oxygen to the body, increasing the risk of irregular heartbeat, enlarged heart and/or heart failure.
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Pregnancy Complications: Severe anaemia in pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, low birth weight and problems for the mother.
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Growth Problems in Children: Children with anaemia can suffer from growth problems, learning problems, immune problems and problems with brain development.
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Increased Risk of Infection: Lack of nutrition and haemoglobin weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infection in children.
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Organ Damage: In severe and long-term anaemia cases, organs may be deprived of enough oxygen to perform their normal function.
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Mental Health Problems: Anaemia can contribute to poor concentration, irritability, mood changes and memory difficulties.
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?
You should see a doctor if your anaemia symptoms do not go away or get worse. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications. Visit your doctor if you have:
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Extreme Fatigue: Continuous weakness or tiredness that does not improve with rest may indicate anaemia.
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Shortness of Breath: Difficulty in breathing during normal activities may happen due to a drop in the oxygen level in the body.
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Chest Pain or Rapid Heartbeat: Severe anaemia may increase stress on the heart and require immediate medical attention.
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Pale Skin: Pale skin, gums, or nails may suggest low haemoglobin levels.
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Dizziness or Fainting: Frequent dizziness or fainting episodes should not be ignored.
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Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Excessive blood loss during periods may lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
How is Anaemia Diagnosed?
Doctors may recommend one or more of the following tests to diagnose anaemia:
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Physical Examination During a physical examination, doctors check for signs of anaemia like pale skin, pale inner eyelids, tiredness, dizziness, weakness, and a fast or irregular heartbeat. They may also check your blood pressure, breathing rate, and overall health to see if you have low oxygen due to low haemoglobin.
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Complete Blood Count (CBC) A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common blood test to check for anaemia. It measures your haemoglobin, red blood cell count, haematocrit, and the size and shape of your red blood cells. This test helps doctors find out how serious the anaemia is and what type you may have.
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Iron Tests Doctors use iron studies to check your iron levels and find out if you have iron deficiency anaemia. These tests look at serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).
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Vitamin B12 and Folate Tests Vitamin B12 and folate tests help determine the presence of deficiencies that cause anaemia. These vitamins are essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. These tests can show whether you have vitamin-deficiency anaemia.
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Bone Marrow Tests In some difficult or unusual cases, your doctor may suggest a bone marrow test to find out the reason for the anaemia. A sample of bone marrow is taken to see how the blood cells are made. It can help diagnose conditions such as aplastic anaemia, leukaemia and other blood disorders.
How is Anaemia Managed?
The treatment for anaemia is iron-rich diet, iron or vitamin supplements, treating the underlying causes, regular blood tests and medical advice. Leafy greens, jaggery, pulses and fortified foods are important in India.
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Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Management of anaemia mainly focuses on treating the underlying cause, improving haemoglobin levels, and preventing complications.
- Iron Supplements: Doctors may prescribe iron tablets or syrups to improve haemoglobin levels.
- Iron-Rich Diet: Foods such as spinach, beetroot, jaggery, dates, red meat, lentils, and green vegetables may help improve iron levels.
- Vitamin C Intake: Vitamin C improves iron absorption and may be recommended along with iron-rich foods.
- Treatment of Blood Loss: Doctors may identify and treat conditions causing blood loss.
- Regular Monitoring: Follow-up blood tests help monitor recovery and haemoglobin improvement.
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Management of Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia
The management of vitamin deficiency anaemia focuses on correcting vitamin deficiencies, restoring healthy red blood cell production, and improving overall health.
The following are the common management approaches for Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia:
- Vitamin Supplements: Doctors may prescribe vitamin B12 or folic acid supplements.
- Dietary Improvements: Increasing intake of eggs, dairy products, fish, and leafy vegetables may help improve vitamin levels.
- Treatment of Digestive Disorders: Treatment may be needed for underlying digestive problems affecting vitamin absorption.
- Regular Blood Tests: Follow-up monitoring helps assess recovery and vitamin levels.
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Management of Sickle Cell Anaemia
The treatment of sickle cell anaemia mainly focuses on preventing complications, relieving symptoms, and improving quality of life. Treatment will be determined by the severity of the condition, the patient's symptoms, and overall health.
- Pain Relief Medicines: During the sickle cell pain crisis, doctors may prescribe pain-relieving medicines to help relieve the excess pain and discomfort the body may be going through.
- Water and Fluids: Drinking plenty of water and fluids will help keep good blood flow and decrease the chances of sickle-shaped cells clogging blood vessels.
- Oxygen Therapy: For very difficult breathing or chest problems, oxygen may be administered to increase the amount of oxygen in the body.
- Blood Transfusions: If you have sickle cell anaemia, you might need blood transfusions from time to time to increase the number of healthy red blood cells and to lower the risk of complications such as severe anaemia or stroke.
- Hydroxyurea Medicine: Doctors may prescribe hydroxyurea to reduce the frequency of pain crises and improve haemoglobin function in selected patients.
- Infection Prevention: Vaccinations, antibiotics, and regular medical care help reduce the risk of infections, which are common in sickle cell anaemia patients.
- Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition: Keeping a balanced diet, proper sleep, and regular hydration may help in reducing the complications and improving overall health.
- Regular Medical Monitoring: Routine blood tests and follow-up visits help monitor the condition and identify complications early.
- Bone Marrow Transplant: In some severe cases, a bone marrow transplant can help cure sickle cell anaemia.
Anaemia During Pregnancy
Anaemia commonly occurs during pregnancy due to increased iron and nutritional requirements. Pregnant women with anaemia may experience fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Proper medical care and nutrition are important to prevent complications during pregnancy.
Pregnant women identified with anaemia are usually advised to:
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Take iron-rich and balanced meals
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Take iron and folic acid supplements regularly
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Drink enough water
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Attend regular prenatal check-ups
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Avoid skipping meals
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Report severe weakness, breathlessness, or dizziness immediately
What is the Prognosis for Anaemia?
The prognosis of anaemia mainly depends on the cause, severity, early diagnosis, and proper treatment. Mild anaemia often improves with medicines, dietary changes, and treatment of the underlying cause.
However, if not treated well, anaemia may increase the risk of heart problems, complications in pregnancy, infections, and weakness. Most patients recover well with timely treatment and regular follow-up care.
Is Anaemia Curable?
Yes, anaemia can often be treated and even cured if found early and treated properly. Changing your diet, taking iron or vitamin supplements, and treating the main cause usually help improve haemoglobin levels.
Many people with mild or moderate anaemia begin to feel better within a few weeks to a few months of treatment. Serious or long-term health problems may require ongoing care, blood transfusions or special medical attention. You can help prevent your anaemia coming back by having regular check-ups and eating healthily.
How Can I Prevent Anaemia?
The following activities can help reduce the risk of anaemia:
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Eat iron-rich foods regularly
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Take green leafy vegetables and fruits in the diet
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Take adequate vitamin B12 and folate intake
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Not skipping meals
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Promptly treat worm infections
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Properly manage chronic diseases
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Attend regular health check-ups
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Follow iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet
Does Health Insurance Cover Anaemia?
Yes, health insurance in India usually covers anaemia treatment if you need medical care, hospital stay, or treatment for the main cause. The coverage depends on your insurer, policy details, type of anaemia, and how severe it is.
If a person is diagnosed with anaemia before buying a policy, it may be considered a pre-existing disease (PED). In these situations, the insurer's waiting period needs to have passed before coverage begins. The typical waiting period for pre-existing conditions is 1 to 3 years, but it can differ among insurance providers.
If you have mild anaemia that can be treated with regular supplements and outpatient visits, your medical insurance might cover it only if your policy includes OPD benefit. However, this depends on your policy’s terms, waiting periods, and exclusions.
How Much Health Insurance Coverage is Needed for Anaemia Treatment?
The amount of health insurance you need for anaemia treatment depends on how severe it is and the type of treatment. Mild anaemia usually costs less, but severe anaemia needing hospital stay or blood transfusion can be expensive. Experts suggest having health insurance cover of ₹5 to ₹10 lakh for better financial protection.
FAQs
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Q1. What is anaemia?
Ans: Anaemia is a condition in which the body has low haemoglobin levels or too few healthy red blood cells, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to the body's tissues. -
Q2. What causes anaemia?
Ans: Anaemia can result from iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, blood loss, inherited disorders, or chronic medical conditions. -
Q3. What are the common symptoms of anaemia?
Ans: Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, and reduced ability to perform physical activities.
