‘50% Indian women prone to anaemia’

Vijayawada: More than 50 per cent of women in the country are suffering from anaemia, which results in deteriorating health and low capability to work, said noted Oncologist Dr Bobba Ravi Kiran while addressing the health education programme on ‘Anaemia’ held at Vasavya Nursing Home here on Saturday with Dr G Samaram in the chair.

Anaemia was found not only among women but also among men and even among children and the aged, he said. Dr Ravi Kiran said that anaemic patients suffer from fatigue, frequent headache, reeling sensation, leg pains and sleeplessness and become pale. The low count of red blood cells or poor percentage of haemoglobin were the main reasons for anaemia. Some types of anaemia are hereditary, he pointed out.

Stating that anaemia occurs due to the nutrition and iron deficiency, he said that it was also found in some chronic diseases, and AIDS and cancer patients. “If anaemia is not identified in early stages, it may result in heart enlargement and edema,” he said.

Anaemia was also found among persons who lose blood due to piles and ulcers in intestines and women who heavily bleed during menstruation. Pregnancy was one of the reasons for anaemia, he said.

Anaemia also occurs due to bone marrow damage in some diseases like malaria and use of some medicine, he said. Anaemic patients should consume leafy vegetables, dal and non-vegetarian to overcome problem, he pointed out.

At times blood transfusion may be necessary. However, it is only a temporary solution. It is better to find out the cause to get treatment for it and consume nutritious food, he said. Dr Maru proposed a vote of thanks.