Decrease in red cell concentration in peripheral blood or decrease of hemoglobin is the main indicator of anaemia. The patient is pale, the nail may be dry and brittle, and tongue may be inflammed. In severe anaemia, heart failure and edema can occur.
Gastointestinal symptoms are more common in megaloblastic anaemia.
Severe anaemia in young children may cause growth retardation. Mature human RBC is a circular, biconcave cell without a nucleus. The average diameter of RBC is 7.2 micron. The absence of nucleus gives RBC biconcave shape and allows more room for haemoglobin. RBCs are produced in the bone marrow.