D64: Other anaemias

D64.2: Secondary sideroblastic anaemia due to drugs and toxins

Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things. The blood cells include the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. The red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.

Red blood cells contain the red hemoglobin that gives blood its color. This pigment is important for carrying oxygen in the blood. Haemoglobin needs various nutrients to be formed. These nutrients include, for example, various proteins, vitamins and iron.

Your body cannot utilize the nutrients for haematosis (blood formation) properly. As a result, red blood cells are certainly produced, but they do not contain enough normal hemoglobin. This means your blood can no longer transport as much oxygen, causing you to feel weak and tired. You may also be short of breath, and look very pale.