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
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
