Anaemia Treatment

How is Anaemia Diagnosed?

Anaemia is usually diagnosed by a general physician, paediatrician or haematologist using a complete blood count (CBC) to measure haemoglobin and red blood cell levels. Additional tests, such as iron studies, vitamin B12 and folate levels, a peripheral blood smear or haemoglobin electrophoresis, help identify the cause. A bone marrow examination is performed only when certain bone marrow disorders are suspected. 

How is Anaemia Treated Based on Severity?

An overview of anaemia treatment based on its severity is given in the table below:

Types of Anaemia and Their Treatment

Anaemia has several types based on its causes. Different treatments are chosen for each type, as shown in the table below:

Other Treatments for Anaemia

The following treatments are often used to treat severe or complex anaemia:

Oral Medications for Anaemia

Tablet medicines are primarily used for common anaemia, as prescribed by the doctor. Common oral medications for anaemia include:

• Ferrous Sulphate: This tablet is used for iron deficiency.

• Ferrous Fumarate & Gluconate: These are mild iron tablets.

• Folic Acid Tablets: These are used for folate deficiency.

• Vitamin B12 Tablets: These are used for B12 deficiency.

• Hydroxyurea: It is useful in reducing crises in sickle cell anaemia.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C tablets may be prescribed as they facilitate the absorption of iron.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Anaemia

Traditional foods may help individuals maintain blood health. They are meant to complement rather than substitute for conventional medical treatment. These traditional foods may include:

• Beetroot and Pomegranate: These are traditionally used for promoting blood health.

• Dates and Raisins: These are traditional iron-containing foods.

• Amla (Indian Gooseberry): This is high in vitamin C, which helps iron absorption.

• Punarnava: It is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of blood disorders.

• Herbal Medicines: Herbal medicines prescribed by a certified AYUSH practitioner can also help maintain overall blood health.

Note: These should be used together with conventional medical treatment.

Home Care for Managing Anaemia

The following home care measures can support anaemia treatment and recovery:

• Take Medicines as Prescribed: Take iron supplements or other prescribed medicines exactly as directed by your doctor.

• Eat Iron-Rich Foods: Include green leafy vegetables, eggs, lentils, meat, beans, fish and iron-fortified cereals in your diet.

• Include Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Eat citrus fruits, tomatoes or amla to improve iron absorption.

• Avoid Tea and Coffee with Meals: They can reduce the absorption of iron from food and supplements.

• Get Adequate Rest: Balance daily activities with enough rest to help reduce fatigue.

• Complete the Treatment Course: Continue supplements for the full duration recommended, even if you start feeling better.

• Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Have regular blood tests to monitor your recovery.

Latest Treatment for Anaemia

Gene therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for certain inherited blood disorders, including sickle cell disease and beta-thalassaemia. However, it is currently not widely available in India and is largely limited to clinical trials or highly specialised international centres.

How Long Does Anaemia Treatment Take?

Anaemia treatment time depends on the type and cause. The table shows approximate timelines.

Anaemia Treatment Side Effects

Anaemia medications are usually safe; however certain side effects may be observed. Some of the side effects of anaemia treatment include:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or constipation

• Diarrhoea or indigestion

• Dark stools or metallic taste

• Headache or dizziness

• Skin rash or allergic reactions

• Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site

• Fever, chills or flu-like symptoms after injections or infusions

• Low blood pressure during intravenous iron infusion (rare)

• Iron overload with excessive or prolonged iron treatment (rare)

• Infection, allergic reactions or iron overload after repeated blood transfusions

• Graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplantation (rare)

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Anaemia

The following lifestyle changes can help support anaemia treatment and recovery:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin C.

• Include iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, eggs, lentils, meat, beans and fortified cereals.

• Eat vitamin C-rich foods to improve iron absorption.

• Avoid tea and coffee with meals, as they can reduce iron absorption.

• Stay physically active with light to moderate exercise as advised by your doctor.

• Get enough rest and sleep to help reduce fatigue.

• Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated.

• Take iron supplements and other prescribed medicines exactly as directed.

• Attend regular follow-up appointments and blood tests.

Triggers That Can Worsen Anaemia Symptoms

The following factors can worsen anaemia symptoms or delay recovery:

• Delaying or stopping treatment

• Not taking prescribed medicines or supplements

• Poor intake of iron, vitamin B12 or folate

• Ongoing blood loss, such as heavy menstrual bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding

• Chronic infections or inflammatory diseases

• Kidney disease or other underlying medical conditions

• Pregnancy without adequate nutritional support

• Excessive physical exertion when severely anaemic

• Dehydration

• Missing follow-up appointments or blood tests

Anaemia Treatment Cost in India

The cost of treating anaemia in India depends on its cause, severity and the treatment required. Mild nutritional anaemia treated with oral iron, folic acid or vitamin B12 supplements may cost around ₹500 - ₹3,000 per month. Patients requiring intravenous iron therapy, blood transfusions, treatment for the underlying condition or hospitalisation for bone marrow transplant may have to pay ₹2,00,000 and above.

Does Health Insurance Cover Anaemia Treatment in India?

Yes. Most health insurance plans cover anaemia treatment with an OPD cover, as it usually involves affordable outpatient treatment. The more severe or genetically based form of anaemia would require hospitalisation, and the following insurance coverage options may be opted:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans: These plans can provide coverage for hospitalisation due to severe anaemia, blood transfusions and other forms like aplastic anaemia or thalassaemia. Medication and consultations will be covered with an OPD cover.

• Critical Illness Plan: Some critical illness insurance policies pay a lump sum amount when you are diagnosed with aplastic anaemia. However, they come with a waiting period of up to 90 days.

• Government Assistance: Iron and folic acid are available free of cost under Anaemia Mukt Bharat. Moreover, the Sickle Cell Anaemia test is free of charge under the National Mission.