Anaemia, a condition marked by low hemoglobin levels, affects individuals across all ages, from neonates to the elderly, with varying causes and treatment approaches. Anaemia is defined as a condition suffered by an individual where the hemoglobin is grossly below the normal level. A haemoglobin of less than 8 can be graded as severe anemia.
Types of anemia include: Anaemia can be encountered as early as the neonatal period up to the geriatric age. Dr Ranjana Vilas Dhanu, Consultant- Obstetrician Gynaecologist, Infertility Specialist, Endoscopic Surgeon, and Robotic Surgeon explains, "In the neonatal age, anemia could be due to errors of metabolism like hemolytic diseases of the newborn or certain digestive gut disorders with ulcerations like ulcerative colitis which can develop into Crohn's disease. Due to the daily loss of blood through tiny ulcers in the gut, the newborn can have severe anemia and needs proper correction of the underlying condition by arresting the hemorrhage through medical management and correction of the hemoglobin.
" Childhood Anaemia and Malnutrition Dr Ranjana adds, "In childhood, we have a huge challenge of tackling malnutrition and worm infestation in the rural population. While malnutrition is a highly deficient intake of an iron-rich diet, worm infestation leads to blood loss through the gut." As mentioned earlier, certain in-borne errors of metabolism can continue through childhood as well as Crohn's or Ulcerative colitis.
Adolescent Anaemia: PCO.
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