Haemoglobin is a critical protein present in the red blood cells and has a vital role in carrying oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of the body and bringing back carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs for exhalation. Keeping adequate haemoglobin levels in the blood is an essential part of overall health and well-being. Low levels of haemoglobin cause the disease called anaemia, which has resulted in several health consequences. This blog will examine the causes, signs, and treatment of low Haemoglobin levels.

Causes of Reduced Haemoglobin

Understanding the reason for low haemoglobin is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Factors contributing to the condition are:

Iron Deficiency: Iron is one of the most essential haemoglobin constituents. When iron consumption is insufficient or there is poor absorption of iron, it could decrease haemoglobin production.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 is essential in the formation of red blood cells. Deficiency may lead to anaemia.
Folate: is another essential vitamin used to produce red blood cells. A deficit will disrupt the process of haemoglobin synthesis.
Chronic Renal Disease: It should be noted that the kidneys secrete the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the making of red blood cells. That means any malfunction of the kidney can decrease erythropoietin, causing anaemia.
Cancer: Sometimes, the capability of the bone marrow to form good red blood cells is affected due to certain cancers such as leukaemia.
Autoimmune Diseases: Diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis may cause the body to attack its red blood cells or impair their production in some way.
Thalassemia: It is a hereditary disorder of the blood in which the affected individuals develop abnormal haemoglobin, resulting in red cell destruction.
Sickle Cell Anaemia: This is an inherited disorder in which abnormal haemoglobin causes red blood cells to assume a sickle shape and breaks them down prematurely.
Loss of Blood: Women with very heavy menstrual bleeding can lose a large amount of blood, resulting in decreased levels of Haemoglobin.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Conditions such as ulcers, haemorrhoids, or gastrointestinal cancers may cause internal bleeding and lead to anaemia.
Aplastic Anaemia: A scarce condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough new blood cells.
Myelodysplastic syndromes: A range of disorders that are caused by improperly developed or dysfunctional blood cells.

Symptoms of Low Haemoglobin

Low Haemoglobin levels can result in several symptoms. It is essential to recognise these symptoms for early intervention:

Tiredness: Most common symptom and arises from tissue hypoxia, or not enough oxygen reaching the body's tissues.
Pale Skin: Less Haemoglobin may cause a noticeable whiteness of the skin and mucous membranes.
Shortness of Breath: Without enough Haemoglobin, the body fails to obtain enough oxygen, which causes the breathlessness state.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: Inadequate oxygen is a reason for most of these types of symptoms, especially when standing up.
Cold extremities: As a result of anaemia, poor circulation can result.
Chest Pain: The pain in the chest can manifest because of anaemia, especially severe anaemia.
Headaches: Repeated headaches can be due to a decreased oxygen supply to the brain.
Irregular Heartbeat: An exceptionally fast or irregular heartbeat may develop in response to a systemic deficiency in oxygen.

Treatment of Low Haemoglobin

The treatment for low Haemoglobin levels would depend on the cause of the decrease. Below are some common approaches.

Dietary Changes and Supplements

Iron Supplements: The deficiency of iron in the body is corrected using either oral or intravenous supplements of iron.
Vitamin B12 and Folate Supplements: This could be administered orally or through injections for supplementation to correct deficits.
Dietary Modifications: Addition of iron-rich foods, for example, red meat, leafy greens, and legumes, and foods high in vitamin B12 and folate, for example, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals.

Medicines

Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs): These agents are used to stimulate the action of bone marrow in producing red blood cells. ESAs have mainly been administered in patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or with cancer.

Hormone Therapy: In the event of anaemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding, hormonal contraceptives can be used in the control of periods for reduced blood loss.

Health-Related Procedures

Blood Transfusions: In severe anaemia, blood transfusions will quickly restore blood haemoglobin levels.
Bone Marrow Transplant: A transplant can be needed to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy cells in some disorders of the bone marrow.
Management of Chronic Diseases: Appropriate chronic disease management of conditions such as kidney disease, cancer, or autoimmune disorders is a valuable preventive measure in anaemia treatment.
Blood Loss: Sources of blood loss, such as gastrointestinal and menorrhagia bleeding, must be identified and treated.

Conclusion

Low haemoglobin can significantly affect both the quality of life and the general health of a person. This underlines the essence of knowing the causes, identifying its signs and symptoms, and seeking proper treatment; this may also bring about a change in diet, addition of supplements, medications, or medical procedures, all to bring treatment and improve well-being. If you have low haemoglobin, seek medical help for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

References

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17705-low-hemoglobin