Anemia: The disease that makes you feel like you’re running a never-ending marathon

Breathing is the primary function of the lungs. It provides the body with oxygen that cells absolutely need to perform their functions. It is also fundamental for the elimination of CO2 (carbon dioxide) produced by cellular activity. This gaseous exchange between oxygen and CO2 occurs in the pulmonary alveoli, small sacs that line the walls of the extremities of the bronchioles (small bronchi). The alveoli are in close contact with the capillaries (very fine, hair-sized vessels, hence their name) that allow oxygen to enter the bloodstream when breathing in and CO2 to leave it and enter the alveoli to be eliminated when breathing out.

To circulate from the lungs to other tissues in the body, oxygen must bind to the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Therefore, the amount of oxygen in the body’s tissues depends on the amount of oxygen supplied by each breath, the number of red blood cells and the amount of hemoglobin they contain.

The human body is organized in such a way that it constantly places a high priority on maintaining the level of oxygen in the blood. All you have to do is stop breathing for a few moments (apnea) to feel this urgent and irrepressible need to find air. Following an apnea, heart and breathing rates systematically increase. This is the body’s way of rapidly bringing oxygen saturation back to 100% and restoring the circulation of red blood cells to the tissues.

People with relatively severe anemia have symptoms of hyperventilation and a rapid heartbeat due to their bodies’ constant effort to restore oxygen levels to normal.

Poor blood oxygenation due to chronic lung disease (e.g., chronic bronchitis or emphysema) can create a situation where some symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath or lack of energy) will resemble those caused by severe anemia. Chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD) can actually limit the amount of oxygen in the alveoli. In these situations, even if the blood contains enough red blood cells and hemoglobin, it remains poorly oxygenated (hypoxia). Blue lips are often a clear sign of insufficient oxygen in the blood.

According to various studies, anemia may be present in 10% to more than 30% of individuals with COPD. Studies also indicate that patients suffering from both COPD and anemia have a high average age. Therefore, it could be an aggravating or influencing factor in these cases.

With some exceptions (e.g., sickle cell disease), anemia does not directly cause chronic lung disease. Conversely, COPD can cause anemia. There is a type of anemia associated with the presence of chronic disease with an inflammatory component (e.g., infections, kidney disorders, cancer and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis). Several factors can contribute to creating such an anemia [1]:

• Blockage of red blood cell production in the bone marrow
• Decreased lifespan of red blood cells
• Locking up of iron in the body, preventing the bone marrow from using its iron stores to manufacture new red blood cells.

We provide services that can help your doctor diagnose anemia and related health problems and determine the appropriate treatment.

• Complete blood count
• Iron, folic acid and vitamin B12
• Hemoglobin and Hemoglobin electrophoresis
• Red blood cell agglutinins and reticulocytes
• Diagnosis of pernicious anemia
• Diagnosis of sleep disorders
• Lung function tests

Do you have a medical prescription for any of these tests? Book an appointment online or contact Biron Health Group’s customer service at 1 833 590-2712.