Anaemia
Low haemoglobin — find the cause, then treat

Anaemia means you have fewer healthy red blood cells or less haemoglobin than normal, so less oxygen reaches the body. It is very common in India, especially in women, children and pregnant women. The commonest cause is iron deficiency, but vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, blood loss, chronic disease and inherited conditions such as thalassaemia can also cause it.

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About anaemia

What is anaemia?

Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The WHO defines anaemia in adults as haemoglobin below 13 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL in non-pregnant women (11 g/dL in pregnancy). Anaemia is a sign of an underlying problem, so the cause must be found.

  • Iron deficiency is the commonest cause
  • Heavy periods and pregnancy raise the need for iron
  • Vegetarian diets may lack vitamin B12
  • Worms, piles and stomach bleeding cause blood loss
  • Thalassaemia and sickle cell disease are inherited causes

Test

Blood count and iron studies.

Find the cause

Bleeding, diet, other illness.

Treat

Iron, B12, folate or more.

Recheck

Repeat tests to confirm.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of anaemia

Mild anaemia may cause no symptoms.

Tiredness

Low energy and weakness.

Pale skin

Pale skin, nails or inner eyelids.

Breathlessness

Short of breath on effort.

Fast heartbeat

Palpitations, especially on effort.

Dizziness

Light-headedness on standing.

Headache

Frequent headaches and poor focus.

Brittle nails or hair fall

Common in iron deficiency.

Unusual cravings

Craving ice, clay or chalk.

Seek urgent care if: you have chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or black or bloody stools. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How anaemia is diagnosed

Blood tests confirm anaemia and point to the cause.

Complete blood count

Haemoglobin and red cell size.

Iron studies

Ferritin and iron levels.

B12 and folate

Especially if red cells are large.

Stool and other tests

To look for hidden blood loss or worms.

Further tests

Endoscopy, haemoglobin electrophoresis or bone marrow tests if needed.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment replaces what is missing and corrects the cause.

Iron treatment

Iron tablets are usually continued for about three months after haemoglobin returns to normal, to refill iron stores. If tablets are not tolerated or not enough, iron can be given through a drip.

Iron tablets with vitamin C-rich foodAvoid tea or coffee with ironIntravenous iron when advised

Treat the cause

  • Heavy periods, piles, worms
  • Stomach or bowel bleeding

Good to know

  • Iron can turn stools black
  • Constipation is a common side effect
Everyday life

Eating for healthy blood

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Iron-rich foods

Green leafy vegetables, pulses, jaggery, dates, eggs, fish and meat. Pair them with lemon, amla or oranges to absorb more iron.

Tea and coffee

Take tea or coffee at least an hour away from meals and iron tablets.

Women and pregnancy

Take iron and folic acid as advised in pregnancy, and get heavy periods checked.

Contact us urgently if

  • Chest pain
  • Fainting
  • Severe breathlessness
  • Black or bloody stools
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about anaemia

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Anaemia only affects women.”

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Fact

Men and children get anaemia too. In men, it may signal hidden bleeding.

Myth

“Eating jaggery alone will fix it.”

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Fact

Diet helps, but most iron-deficiency anaemia needs tablets and a search for the cause.

Myth

“Once I feel better, I can stop iron.”

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Fact

Continue for the advised time to refill iron stores.

Your care team

Haematologist, physicians and gynaecologist

Haematology Internal medicine Dietetics and nutrition
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Previous blood count reports
  • List of medicines and supplements
  • Details of periods (for women)

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal haemoglobin?

For adults, generally 13 g/dL or more in men and 12 g/dL or more in non-pregnant women. Labs may vary slightly.

How long does iron take to work?

Haemoglobin usually starts rising within 2 to 4 weeks; stores take a few months to refill.

Is anaemia risky in pregnancy?

Yes, it can affect mother and baby. Regular blood tests and iron-folic acid supplements are advised.

Should my partner be tested for thalassaemia?

If you have thalassaemia trait, testing your partner before pregnancy is advised.

Glossary

Words you may hear

HaemoglobinThe oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
FerritinA blood test that shows iron stores.
ThalassaemiaAn inherited condition affecting haemoglobin.
TransfusionGiving blood through a drip.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Haematology Internal medicine Pregnancy care Chronic kidney disease Health library

Always tired or breathless?

A simple blood test can check for anaemia. See a doctor at Charak Hospital or call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Hematology | Hemato-Oncology, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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