Low hemoglobin is a condition in which the blood hemoglobin level is less than normal. The normal Hb for a male is 14-16g/dl. For female, this range is 12-14 g/dl.
Low Hb is a condition in which blood has haemoglobin less than normal. Haemoglobin carries oxygen into the blood. A vital role is to provide nutrition to tissues. So, in a condition of low Hb level in blood fails to carry the desired oxygen. Hence, nutrition of tissues affects greatly. it leads to certain medical illness.
Causes of low Hb
- anemia
- certain vitamins defficiency
- cancer
- certain medications
- Cirrhosis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Leukemia
- Vitamin deficiency anemia
Diseases that can demage RBCs
There are following diseases which can burst the red blood cells. These are as follow
- Enlarged spleen or splenomegaly
- Porphyria
- Thalassemia
- Sickle cell anemia
A low hemoglobin count can occur due to massive blood loss. Excessive bleeding is usually due to huge trauma or other medicolegal conditions.
Vitamin deficiency anemia
Certain viatmins such as folate , vitamin B12 and vitamin C are necessary for RBCs production.
Deficiency of either leads to reduced RBCs production or anemia .Viatmin are not produced by body .we have to intake it from outside source. it is either diet or Viatmin supplements .So, decreased intake results into reduced red blood cells production and directly causes anemia. There are certain diets which contains vitamins. less intake of theses vitamins or malabsorption because of any disorder can also contribute to anemia. Investigations carries out to rule out root cause of decreased hemoglobin level in the blood.
Effects of low Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is oxygen carrying protien which provides nutrition and oxygenation to each tissue of the body , whenever, there is low hemoglobin count in the body, oxygen Carrier protein deficiency occurs.Hence, oxygen less than required level delivers to the tissues of the body and every tissue can not receive nutrition and oxygen properly. This results in low perfusion of body tissues, due to which a lot of disorder emerges.
How does body feel at low level of hemoglobin?
Because of less hemoglobin protein, body tissues are not getting oxygenation adequately. Patient feels many symptoms. Fatigue is the major sign of low hemoglobin level in the body
Symptoms of low hemoglobin level in the body include as follow
Dizziness
Shortnessof breath
General fatigue
Pale skin
Muscle Weakness
Cravingsof certain items which even aren’t food such as clay ,dirt or ice
Tingling sensations in the leg
Tongue soreness or swelling
Irregular heartbeat sometimes
Headache
Brittle nails
Cold hands
When to see a doctor?
If you are experiencing any three of the following symptoms from last seven days .it is Best time to see a doctor. Doctor will evaluate for anemia or low hemoglobin count. There are many other disorders that can also show the same consequences. If a person is having shortness of breath along with general fatigue and pale color of skin , he must go for Hemoglobin check up.
