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Anemia — Causes and Care

Anemia is common, especially in women and in people with genetic disorders such as thalassemia. This article helps you understand the symptoms, the causes, the tests, and the right care according to the underlying cause.

25 June 2026 5 min read By the medical team, Doctor Chat Clinic
Anemia — causes and care

Anemia is a condition in which the body has fewer red blood cells or less hemoglobin (the red substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen) than normal. As a result, not enough oxygen reaches the body's tissues, leaving you feeling weak and tired easily. Anemia is not a single disease but a condition that can arise from many causes, so finding the true cause is the heart of care.

Symptoms of anemia

Symptoms usually come on gradually and become clearer as the condition worsens. Look out for:

  • Fatigue, tiring easily, and lack of energy even with light activity
  • Pale skin, with the lips and the inside of the eyelids paler than usual
  • Dizziness, light-headedness, palpitations, or breathlessness on exertion

Common causes

There are many causes of anemia, but the two most common groups among Thai people are:

  • Iron deficiency — the most common cause, usually from blood loss such as heavy menstrual periods, or from not getting enough iron from the diet
  • Thalassemia — a genetic disorder that causes the body to produce abnormal hemoglobin. Carriers usually have no symptoms but can pass it on to their children, so screening is advisable, especially for couples planning to have children

Tests and care

The basic test is a complete blood count (CBC), which shows the hemoglobin level and the characteristics of the red blood cells. The doctor may then order further tests to find the cause. Care always depends on the underlying cause.

  • Have a CBC to confirm anemia and point toward the cause
  • If it is iron deficiency, take iron supplements and eat iron-rich foods
  • If it is thalassemia, follow your doctor's advice and screen your spouse
  • See a doctor to find the true cause; do not take blood tonics on your own for a long time

At Doctor Chat Clinic, we offer health checks, blood tests, ultrasound and electrocardiogram (EKG) by a doctor. We can run a CBC and assess for anemia, and advise on further tests and care according to the cause.

Symptoms that need urgent medical attention

  • Markedly pale, breathless even at rest
  • Palpitations, faintness, or chest tightness and pain
  • Black or bloody stools, or vomiting blood (signs of bleeding in the digestive tract)
  • Rapidly worsening symptoms, or paleness in children and pregnant women

Frequently asked questions

Is anemia the same as thalassemia?
Anemia is a condition in which red blood cells or hemoglobin are low, which can arise from many causes. Thalassemia is a type of genetic disorder that causes abnormal hemoglobin production, so it is one cause of anemia. Put simply, thalassemia can cause anemia, but anemia is not always caused by thalassemia.
What foods help build up the blood?
Iron-rich foods such as red meat, liver, egg yolk, dark leafy vegetables and beans help build up the blood in cases of iron deficiency. Eating them together with foods rich in vitamin C helps iron absorption. However, you should first find the cause of the anemia with a doctor, because some causes cannot be fixed by diet alone.
What tests are needed?
The basic test is a complete blood count (CBC) to check the hemoglobin level and the characteristics of the red blood cells. The doctor may then order further tests to find the cause, such as iron levels or thalassemia screening, depending on the symptoms and the initial results.

The information in this article is for general knowledge only and cannot replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor. If you have worrying symptoms or risk factors, please consult a doctor directly.

Suspect anemia? Have a CBC at the clinic

Call the clinic or chat on Line to ask questions and book a blood test.

094-991-5369 Line ARANCLINIC

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