Know the Causes of Low Hb Here

The cause of low Hb is generally related to a history of suffering from anemia. However, low hemoglobin or hemoglobin levels can also be a sign that the body is suffering from other conditions that need immediate medical attention. Hemoglobin levels can be calculated based on the size of grams per deciliter (dL). Generally, normal hemoglobin levels in women range from 12-15 grams / dL and in men ranging from 13-17 grams / dL. If the blood test shows that the hemoglobin level is below that number, it is important to know the cause of the low hemoglobin in order to get the right treatment.

Recognize the Causes of Low Hb

Low Hb can be caused by various things, including:

• Malnutrition

The cause of low Hb could be due to your lack of nutritional intake such as vitamins and minerals. The Hb is low in cases of malnutrition due to iron intake that is needed by the body is insufficient so that the production of Hb is small. Iron is an important mineral that is needed by the body in maintaining muscle function, energy, and brain development. In children, lack of iron consumption not only causes hemoglobin to be low, but also can affect the development and behavior of children. Other nutritional deficiencies that cause hemoglobin to be low are folic acid deficiency. This is because, folic acid is one of the vitamins the body needs to form new cells including red blood cells. For this reason, it is important to maintain your intake of folic acid by eating foods such as spinach, broccoli, beans, brown rice and green beans. Apart from iron deficiency and folic acid, vitamin B12 deficiency also contributes to low Hb.

• Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a cause of low Hb and is quite common in pregnant women. However, that does not mean this can be underestimated. Decreasing the number of Hb or red blood cells that are classified as heavy, can cause babies born with low weight, born prematurely, born with anemia, experiencing slow development, so that it can endanger lives. Therefore, it is important to immediately overcome anemia in pregnant women. To find out the cause of low Hb in pregnant women, a blood test in the form of a hemoglobin and hematocrit examination will be recommended. From the results of these tests, it will be known the cause of low Hb and the doctor will provide treatment in accordance with the conditions of the cause. Generally, doctors will recommend eating foods that contain iron, high folic acid, and B12 supplements. Consumption of foods containing protein such as meat, eggs, and dairy products may also be recommended. Blood tests will be done again after some time, to see the development of the amount of Hb.

• Suffers from chronic disease

Low hemoglobin can be found in thalassemia, which is a blood disorder that can be genetically inherited. In this condition, the occurrence of genetic mutations that inhibit the production of hemoglobin in the body. Until now thalassemia can not be prevented, because it is a genetic disorder inherited from parents. If there are family members who suffer from thalassemia, you should be more vigilant and recognize the signs and symptoms that might occur, including bone deformity especially in the face, excessive fatigue or feeling tired, dark urine color, slow growth and development, and pale skin. Infectious diseases such as malaria, may also be one of the causes of low Hb. Immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.

The cause of low Hb is quite diverse. You should be aware of symptoms of low Hb, such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, pale skin and gums, shortness of breath and increased heart rate. Immediately consult a doctor to find out Hb levels in the blood and how to deal with abnormal Hb levels appropriately.