Anaemia - Overview

Question 1

When suspecting anaemia, why is it important to ask about; diet?

Answer 1

Identify patients who do not get enough iron intake - such as those who do not eat red meats (vegetarians and vegans)

Question 2

When suspecting anaemia, why is it important to ask about; blood loss from anywhere?

Answer 2

If a patient is readily losing blood, this can cause anaemia - and is a question that can be easily asked

Question 3

Where can a patient lose blood from?

Answer 3

1. In urine
2. On wiping the penis/front/back passage
3. Within the faeces
4. In sperm (males) or PVB (females)
5. Blood in vomit
6. Coughing up blood

Question 4

When suspecting anaemia, why is it important to ask about; indigestion or vomiting?

Answer 4

Upper GI cancers can present with anaemia - this may help to localise the cause of the problem

Question 5

When suspecting anaemia, why is it important to ask about; change in bowels - particularly blood in the stool?

Answer 5

This can be cause of anaemia and this can also be due to a lower GI cancer (bowel).

Question 6

When suspecting anaemia, why is it important to ask about; fever, night sweats, itch, bone pain?

Answer 6

This can be due to 2 different causes, which can both cause an anaemia;

1. Infection
2. Cancer