Know The Causes of Anaemia In Chronic Kidney Disorder?

What is anaemia?

Anaemia occurs when the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. The RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen and minerals to all parts of the body. If there is a deficit of red blood cells, not enough oxygen will reach the brain and the heart, which will negatively affect their function.

Anaemia in Chronic Kidney Disorder-

Anaemia often happens in people with Chronic Kidney Disorder. Anaemia starts to develop right from the early stages of CKD (20-50 % of kidney function). With the progress of CKD, anaemia tends to worsens.

What are the symptoms of anaemia in people with Chronic Kidney Syndrome?

Anaemia manifests itself through certain signs-

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Extreme paleness

• Disorientation and dizziness

• Shortness of breath

• Pain in the chest

What causes Anaemia in Chronic Kidney Disorder?

When kidneys are healthy, they produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO). Hormones regulate certain body functions. EPO triggers the bone marrow, which then produces red blood cells. Therefore, this action of the bone marrow can only happen in the presence of EPO. If the function of the kidneys is impaired, they cannot produce the hormone EPO. If there is not sufficient EPO, the bone marrows will not produce red blood cells and this leads to anaemia. Anaemia develops in people with CKD because of a shortage of-

• Iron

• Folic acid

• Vitamin B12

Anaemia in people with Chronic Kidney Syndrome can invite a host of other ailments like-

• Irregular heartbeat

• Enlargement of the heart muscles

• Heart failure

Treatment
Anaemia is easily treatable. Your doctor will recommend-

• Iron supplements- If iron levels are raised, your haemoglobin count will go up. If the person is undergoing dialysis, she/he will be administered iron intravenously.

• Erythropoietin- Your doctor will inject this hormone into your bloodstream to make up for the shortfall.

• Red blood cell transfusion -  This ensures that the oxygen level in the blood goes up.

• Vitamin B12- This deficiency is one of the leading causes of anaemia. That is why doctors prescribe Vitamin B12 supplements.

Anaemia coupled with CKD can prove to be fatal unless you seek treatment for it right away.