This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Anaemia — commonly called "low blood" — means the blood has too few healthy red cells to carry oxygen, leaving you tired, weak and pale. In Nigeria the usual culprits are iron deficiency, malaria, heavy periods, pregnancy demands and sickle cell disease. Finding the cause matters as much as topping up the blood.
Symptoms
Tiredness and weakness
Paleness of palms, inner eyelids or tongue
Dizziness or light-headedness
Shortness of breath on exertion
Fast heartbeat or palpitations
Headaches
Cravings for non-food items like clay or ice (severe iron deficiency)
Causes & risk factors
Iron-poor diet or poor iron absorption
Blood loss from heavy periods, ulcers or hookworm
Malaria destroying red cells
Pregnancy without supplementation
Inherited conditions such as sickle cell disease
Treatment & self-care
Treatment targets the cause — iron-rich foods and prescribed iron supplements for deficiency, treating malaria or worms, and managing heavy periods. Severe anaemia may need hospital care or transfusion. A simple blood test (PCV or full blood count) guides the plan; do not just take "blood tonics" indefinitely without a diagnosis.
See a doctor urgently if
Severe weakness, fainting or breathlessness at rest
Paleness with a racing heart
Anaemia symptoms in pregnancy
Black stools or any ongoing bleeding
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Anaemia?
Early signs often include tiredness and weakness, paleness of palms, inner eyelids or tongue, dizziness or light-headedness. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Anaemia be treated?
Treatment targets the cause — iron-rich foods and prescribed iron supplements for deficiency, treating malaria or worms, and managing heavy periods. Severe anaemia may need hospital care or transfusion. A simple blood test (PCV or full blood count) guides the plan; do not just take "blood tonics" indefinitely without a diagnosis.
When should I see a doctor about Anaemia?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: severe weakness, fainting or breathlessness at rest; paleness with a racing heart; anaemia symptoms in pregnancy; black stools or any ongoing bleeding.