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Published on: Jul 29, 2021
2 minute read
By: Raj Dwivedi

What Tests Are Used To Manage Anemia And What Do They Mean?

The doctors use a number of tests to diagnose anemia. Hb (hemoglobin) is one of the key indicators used in diagnosis. A hemoglobin test is a blood test that measures how much hemoglobin you have in your red blood cells. A hemoglobin test is generally used for detecting:

In addition, a hemoglobin test can also be carried out to assess bone marrow's response to treatment, evaluate possible blood donation and check the levels of red blood cells in the body. There are certain conditions that may interfere with the results of the hemoglobin test. In such cases, it is recommended to get the test done again.

For the hemoglobin test, a sample of your blood is taken and tested in a clinical laboratory [read more about the process here]. The results are expressed as grams of hemoglobin per deciliter (g/dL) or micrograms per liter (mcg/L). Normal range for this test is 12g/dL - 18g/dL (12.1-18.0 g/L) for adults and 9g/dL - 13g/dL (9.0-13.3 g/L) for children. If the test result comes out to be less than 7 gm, it can indicate a serious condition known as severe anemia. In some cases, the doctors may order follow-up tests to assess the current condition of the patient.

Apart from the hemoglobin test, certain other blood tests can be used for detecting low RBCs (RBC count) or abnormal types of RBC (red cell indices) or hemoglobin (Hb). These include complete blood count tests, reticulocyte tests, iron tests, and red blood cell indices.

In some cases, the doctor may opt to do a bone marrow aspiration and exam to check for any abnormalities in the bone marrow cells. In such cases, it of red blood cells is karyotype to rule out chromosomal disorders.

The most common reason for having an inadequate number of red blood cells in the body is an iron deficiency or anemia. Iron plays a significant role in the production of hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of other parts of the body. Hence, people suffering from iron are known as sickle cell trait. The tests include:

Complete blood count test - The complete blood cell count (CBC) is a routine test that checks the different components of your blood like number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It also has information about the size and hemoglobin content in each of these cells. A CBC includes tests for the following:

Reticulocyte test - This is a blood test that measures the reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) in the bloodstream. A high level of reticulocytes can indicate increased production of red blood cells by the bone marrow to compensate for anemia, or destruction of very early stage RBCs which are still unable to mature.

Iron tests - Iron is an essential component for RBC production. A test to assess the iron level in your blood is called a serum ferritin test, which measures the amount of iron stored in the body's cells and tissues. Another way to evaluate low iron levels is by carrying out a transferrin saturation test. In this case, the lab technician will extract serum from your blood sample and measure the amount of transferrin protein present in it. Transferrin is a protein that carries iron to the bone marrow where red blood cells are produced. Thus, if there is an insufficient amount of transferrin protein present in the serum, it shows that there is an inadequate level of stored iron.

Hemoglobin tests - A hemoglobin test is generally carried out to detect anemia, especially if the result of CBC tests are inconclusive. During this test, a small sample of blood is collected from your vein and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells.

Red cell indices - Red cell indices are tests that measure the size and hemoglobin content of the red blood cells. The values obtained from these tests can be used to detect anemia and other blood disorders.

Karyotype test - It is a lab test used to evaluate chromosomal abnormalities in red blood cells or bone marrow cells

Low blood cell counts also have other causes, such as infections or tumors. In some cases, low blood cells may indicate a more serious condition like bone marrow failure which requires immediate medical intervention to save the patient from death.

Thus, if you are suffering from any of these conditions and symptoms and suspect that you may be anemic, check with your doctor for the necessary tests to confirm or rule out your suspicions. Early detection and treatment of anemia can save you from serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, etc.

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Shortness of Breath Causes: From Common Triggers to Serious Health Conditions

Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, is a symptom that ranges from mild discomfort during exertion to a distressing sensation of not getting enough air. In India, increasing air pollution, lifestyle diseases and respiratory infections have made breathlessness a frequent complaint across age groups. Understanding shortness of breath causes is essential to identify when it is harmless and when it signals a medical emergency.

What Is Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath refers to difficulty breathing or a feeling of air hunger.

It may present as:

rapid breathing
shallow breathing
tightness in the chest
inability to take a deep breath

The sensation can develop suddenly or gradually.

Common and Benign Causes of Shortness of Breath

Physical Exertion

During exercise, the body demands more oxygen.

Temporary breathlessness during:

climbing stairs
running
heavy physical work

is normal and resolves with rest.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Stress and anxiety alter breathing patterns.

Symptoms include:

rapid breathing
chest tightness
dizziness

These episodes often resolve with calming techniques.

Respiratory Causes of Shortness of Breath

Asthma

Asthma causes airway narrowing and inflammation.

Symptoms include:

wheezing
chest tightness
breathlessness during exertion or at night

Asthma is a leading cause of chronic breathlessness.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Risk factors include:

smoking
indoor air pollution
occupational exposure

WHO identifies COPD as a major cause of breathlessness in adults.

Respiratory Infections

Infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis reduce lung capacity.

Breathlessness may be accompanied by:

cough
fever
chest pain

Severe infections require urgent treatment.

Heart-Related Causes of Shortness of Breath

Heart Failure

The heart fails to pump blood efficiently.

This leads to:

fluid accumulation in lungs
breathlessness on exertion
breathlessness while lying flat

ICMR data shows heart disease as a major contributor to unexplained breathlessness.

Coronary Artery Disease

Reduced blood supply to the heart can cause:

breathlessness
chest discomfort
fatigue

This may occur even without chest pain in some individuals.

Blood and Metabolic Causes

Anemia

Low hemoglobin reduces oxygen delivery.

Common symptoms include:

fatigue
breathlessness on mild activity
pale skin

NFHS-5 highlights anemia as highly prevalent in India.

Thyroid Disorders

Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic demand, causing breathlessness.

Hypothyroidism may contribute indirectly through weight gain and reduced stamina.

Lung Circulation Disorders

Pulmonary Embolism

A blood clot in the lungs causes sudden, severe breathlessness.

This is a medical emergency and may be accompanied by:

chest pain
coughing blood
fainting

Immediate treatment is critical.

Lifestyle-Related Causes

Obesity

Excess body weight restricts lung expansion.

Breathlessness occurs due to:

increased oxygen demand
reduced lung volumes

Weight management improves breathing efficiency.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Poor physical conditioning reduces respiratory muscle strength.

Even mild exertion may cause breathlessness.

Environmental and Occupational Factors

Air Pollution

Pollutants irritate airways and reduce lung function.

Urban populations experience higher rates of breathlessness.

Workplace Exposure

Dust, chemicals and fumes increase respiratory risk.

Protective measures are essential in high-risk occupations.

When Shortness of Breath Is a Warning Sign

Seek urgent care if breathlessness:

starts suddenly
worsens rapidly
occurs at rest
is associated with chest pain, bluish lips or confusion

These may indicate life-threatening conditions.

How Shortness of Breath Is Diagnosed

Evaluation may include:

physical examination
chest imaging
blood tests
lung function tests
heart evaluation

Diagnosis focuses on identifying the root cause.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Care

Prevention includes:

regular physical activity
pollution protection
smoking cessation
weight control
managing chronic conditions

Preventive healthcare reduces long-term risk.

Importance of Early Medical Evaluation

Delayed diagnosis can worsen outcomes, especially in:

heart disease
lung infections
anemia

Early care improves treatment success.

Conclusion

Shortness of breath causes range from temporary exertion and anxiety to serious heart, lung and blood disorders. While occasional breathlessness may be harmless, persistent or sudden symptoms should never be ignored. Understanding the underlying causes and seeking timely medical evaluation can prevent complications and save lives. Paying attention to changes in breathing is an essential step toward protecting overall health and wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory and Cardiac Health Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Breathlessness and Chronic Disease Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Anemia and Respiratory Health Data
Lancet – Dyspnea Evaluation and Outcomes Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Reports
Statista – Respiratory Disease and Air Pollution Trends

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