Anaemia History Taking

Anaemia History Taking
Causes
 Insufficient intake of key materials required for the body to manufacture Haemoglobin
o Iron Deficiency
o Deficiency of Vitamin B12 or Folate
 Manufacture of abnormal Haemoglobin (sickle cell) ir inadequate haemoglobin
(thalassaemia)
 Excessive loss of Haemoglobin from the body through overt or covert bleeding

History of Presenting Complaint
 If Patient presents with tiredness or fatigue:
o How long have you felt this way?
o Did it come on gradually or suddenly?
o Did anything bring it on?
o Is there any pattern to it, such as time of day?
o Does anything make it worse?
o Does anything make it better?
o Are there any other associated symptoms?
 Followed by other general questions
o How is your appetite?
o Have you had any change in your weight?
o How are you sleeping?
o How is your general mood?
o Any Headaches?
o Any fever symptoms?
 Ask about heart and lungs causing symptoms as it can cause stress on these organs
o Dyspnoea
o Orthopnoea
o Chest Pain
o Palpitations
o Fainting
o Ankle Swelling
 Ask the patient to describe their normal diet, including their alcohol consumption, then
move on to cover possible sources of blood loss using the body systems as a structure
o Gastrointestinal
 Vomiting blood
 Vomiting material like coffee grounds
 Indigestion/ heartburn/ reflux
 Passing blood from the rectum
 Passing very dark or black bowel motions
o Genitourinary
 Heavy or frequent menstrual periods
 Pregnancy
 Blood in urine or dark urine
o Respiratory
 Chronic Cough
 Chest Infections/ Sputum
 Coughing up blood
o Also ask about
 Nose Bleeds
 Bleeding Gums