Anaemia Treatment in Hyderabad
Fatigue, breathlessness, pale face, hair loss. Anaemia is the most common nutritional deficiency in India — and completely treatable once the cause is identified.
India has the highest burden of anaemia in the world — NFHS-5 data shows 57% of Indian women aged 15–49 are anaemic. Yet most anaemia in India is mismanaged — iron tablets are prescribed to everyone without confirming the type of anaemia or finding the underlying cause. Dr. Anand at Sri Anand Hospital provides a systematic approach: identify the type of anaemia, find the cause, and treat both the deficiency AND the underlying condition.
Key Points
- Anaemia affects 57% of Indian women and 25% of Indian men — iron deficiency is the most common cause.
- Symptoms: fatigue, breathlessness on exertion, pale conjunctiva (inner eyelid), and cold hands and feet.
- A full blood count (CBC) with peripheral smear identifies anaemia type — not all anaemia is iron deficiency.
- Iron tablets should be taken with Vitamin C (lemon juice) — tea, coffee, and milk block absorption.
- B12 deficiency anaemia is treated with injections, not tablets, in severe cases.
57%
of Indian women are anaemic (NFHS-5)
Source: NFHS-5 2021
3 months
typical iron supplementation duration to replenish stores
Source: WHO guidelines
Types of Anaemia We Diagnose and Treat
Iron Deficiency Anaemia (Most Common)
Low haemoglobin with low serum ferritin. Causes: inadequate dietary iron, menstrual blood loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, pregnancy. Features: fatigue, pallor, brittle nails, pica (craving ice or clay), restless legs.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia
Large red blood cells (macrocytic anaemia) with neurological features — tingling in hands and feet, balance problems, memory loss. Very common in vegetarians/vegans and those on PPIs or metformin.
Anaemia of Chronic Disease
Anaemia accompanying chronic conditions — kidney disease (CKD), rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, hypothyroidism. Normal-to-low iron stores with normal or elevated ferritin. Treating the underlying condition is the primary strategy.
Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathies
Inherited red cell disorders extremely common in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Thalassaemia trait presents as mild anaemia that does not respond to iron — often incorrectly treated with iron for years.
Aplastic Anaemia and Haematological Causes
Rare but serious conditions where the bone marrow stops producing blood cells adequately. Fatigue, infections, and bleeding together. Requires haematology specialist involvement.
Anaemia Investigation and Management
Complete Blood Picture First
Full blood count, reticulocyte count, peripheral blood smear, serum ferritin, serum B12, folate, thyroid function — a systematic panel that classifies anaemia type before any treatment is prescribed.
Iron Replacement (Oral or IV)
Oral iron for mild-moderate iron deficiency. IV iron (ferric carboxymaltose) for those intolerant of oral iron, with ongoing blood loss, or needing rapid correction. Correct dose and duration are critical — underdosing is very common.
B12 Replacement
B12 injections (hydroxocobalamin) provide rapid correction of severe B12 deficiency. Monthly maintenance injections for those with pernicious anaemia. Oral B12 for dietary deficiency.
Finding the Underlying Cause
Iron deficiency in an adult man or post-menopausal woman always needs a source of blood loss identified — gastrointestinal investigations are arranged as appropriate.
Dietary Iron Optimisation
Haem iron (meat, poultry, fish) has highest bioavailability. Non-haem iron (dal, leafy greens, jaggery) is enhanced by vitamin C and inhibited by tea/coffee. Practical Indian-diet advice is always part of treatment.
Why Choose Sri Anand Hospital?
Treated by: Dr. Anand Karnam · DrNB (Neurology) · General Internal Medicine
"India has one of the world's highest rates of anaemia — yet it is still massively under-treated. I see patients who have been told their haemoglobin is slightly low for years and never treated. Chronic anaemia affects brain function, heart health, and quality of life in ways most people do not realise."
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Services
Book Your Consultation Today
Sri Anand Child & Neuro Hospital · Open 24/7 · Chanda Nagar, Hyderabad