Understanding Anemia and Blood Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

anemia
If the level of hemoglobin in the blood is low, the oxygen supply becomes insufficient, causing anemia.
If symptoms persist even though the level improves, suspect “blood deficiency” due to insufficient blood volume.
Getty Images Korea Reporter Hong Eun-sim When we think of anemia, we often think of it as a “blood deficiency.” However, to be precise, the hemoglobin level in the blood is lower than normal.

Anemia occurs when the blood does not supply enough oxygen needed for metabolism, causing hypoxemia. Red blood cells in the blood are responsible for supplying oxygen to tissues. Therefore, anemia is diagnosed based on the hemoglobin (hemoglobin) in the red blood cells. Insufficient blood volume is called “blood deficiency.” Dr. Namjoo Kim of Panax Pharmacy said, “To put it simply, anemia is related to the ‘quality’ of blood, and blood deficiency is related to ‘quantity’.” “Since anemia and blood deficiency are closely related to each other, there is a possibility that anemia and blood deficiency could occur at the same time.” “It could be large and just cause anemia,” he explained.

Although anemia and blood deficiency have different typical symptoms, they have many similar symptoms and often occur at the same time, so it is difficult to distinguish them accurately. Anemia can be diagnosed in hospital. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anemia is defined as when the hemoglobin concentration in the blood is less than 13 g/dl and 12 g/dl for adult men and women respectively. However, there is no exact standard for blood deficiency. If you show symptoms or are diagnosed with anemia and despite treatment you don’t see improvement, you should suspect a blood deficiency.

Anemia is caused by a lack of hemoglobin, which does not provide enough oxygen to the body for physical activity, causing hypoxemia. The typical symptom is a feeling of dizziness. Symptoms such as headache, fatigue, cold hands and feet, cognitive impairment and pale skin also appear. In more severe cases, your pulse and breathing may be rapid and irregular or cause chest pain.

There are various types of anemia depending on the cause, including iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, and aplastic anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia returns to normal levels within 1 to 2 months by taking iron supplements. Even if your anemia level improves, if symptoms persist, you most likely have a blood deficiency.

Blood circulates throughout the body, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to each organ and maintaining body temperature. It also emits waste products and carbon dioxide. Blood deficiency is a loss of blood function and can cause various health problems. Typical symptoms are numbness in the hands and feet and muscle tremors. This is because the blood volume is insufficient and the blood cannot be pumped to the extremities of the body. Furthermore, due to insufficient cardiac output, symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness may appear. Additionally, there are symptoms similar to anemia, such as headache, tiredness, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Perimenstrual syndrome, muscle pain, and hair loss may also occur. In particular, women are more likely to experience symptoms of blood deficiency during their menstrual period.

Unlike anemia, blood deficiency is difficult to improve simply by providing specific ingredients. Improving the function of the kidneys and liver, which produce and store blood, should be a priority. You should also pay attention to eating habits and stress management. If you want to actively improve your health, consult a specialist and take iron or folic acid supplements. Dr. Kim said, “Natural products such as Samul-tang and Ssanghwa-tang containing Rehmannia glutinosa and angelica root, which are good for the kidneys and liver, or high-quality yeast are also helpful.”

Journalist Hong Eun-sim’s Gingaminga disease signal

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Reporter Hong Eun-sim hongeunsim@donga.com

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