Haemoglobin short form is Hb.
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What is haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It contains an iron molecule that allows it to bind to oxygen. The level of haemoglobin in your blood can be a useful indicator of your overall health. A low haemoglobin level can indicate anaemia, which can be caused by many different factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, or health problems like cancer or kidney disease. If you have a low haemoglobin level, your doctor may prescribe supplements or refer you to a specialist. A high haemoglobin level can also be an indicator of health problems, such as polycythemia (a condition in which there are too many red blood cells) or dehydration. If you have a high haemoglobin level, your doctor may order further testing to determine the cause. Whether your haemoglobin level is high or low, it is important to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your health.
Causes of Low Hemoglobin
Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells in the body is below normal. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. When there are fewer red blood cells, the body tissues do not get enough oxygen and fatigue easily. There are many different types of anaemia, each with its own cause.
The most common type of anaemia is iron deficiency anaemia, which occurs when the body does not have enough iron. Iron is necessary for the production of haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Iron deficiency anaemia can be caused by blood loss, pregnancy, poor diet, or certain medical conditions that prevent the body from absorbing iron properly.
Other types of anaemia include:
-Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia, occurs when the body does not have enough vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells. This type of anaemia can be caused by a poor diet or certain medical conditions.
-Folic acid deficiency anaemia, occurs when the body does not have enough folic acid. Folic acid is necessary for the production of red blood cells. This type of anaemia can be caused by a poor diet or certain medical conditions.
-Aplastic anaemia, occurs when the bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells. This type of anaemia can be caused by certain medical conditions or exposure to certain toxins.
-Sickle cell anaemia, is a hereditary type of anaemia caused by a genetic mutation. People with sickle cell anaemia have red blood cells that are shaped like crescent moons. These abnormal red blood cells can block small blood vessels, causing pain and other problems.
-Thalassemia, is a hereditary type of anaemia caused by a genetic mutation. People with thalassemia have abnormally low levels of haemoglobin. This type of anaemia can be mild or severe.
If you think you may have anaemia, see your doctor for a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. Anaemia can usually be treated with iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, or folic acid supplements. In some cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
