Description:
Pandu is a condition characterized by characterized by pallor, weakness, and fatigue due to Rakta Dhatu Kshaya (blood tissue depletion) and poor oxygenation. It is primarily resulting from Pitta Dosha imbalance, improper diet, excessive consumption of sour or salty foods, and digestive inefficiencies, which leads to anemia-like symptoms. Individuals experience dizziness, weakness, breathlessness, and brittle hair and nails, often due to insufficient Rasa Dhatu nourishment.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Panduta (Pallor): The skin, eyes, and nails lose their healthy color.
- Dourbalya (Weakness): Extreme fatigue and tiredness after even minor physical exertion.
- Shwasa (Shortness of Breath): Difficulty breathing even with minimal activity due to reduced oxygen supply.
- Hrid-Spandana (Palpitations): Rapid heartbeat or irregular pulse as the heart compensates for lack of oxygen.
- Agnimandya (Digestive Impairment): Lack of appetite and feelings of indigestion.
- Karna Kshweda (Tinnitus): Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears, often heard with dizziness.
- Aruchi (Loss of Appetite): General loss of interest in food.
- Bhrama (Dizziness): Lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly.
Diagnosis:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Risk Factors:
- Dietary Factors:
Iron deficiency due to a diet low in iron-rich foods such as leafy greens, legumes, or fortified grains.
Deficient intake of Vitamin B12 and folate, which are essential for red blood cell production. - Lifestyle Factors:
Poor absorption of nutrients due to digestive disorders like Celiac disease or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).Vegetarian or vegan diets without adequate supplementation of iron and B12. - Medical Conditions:
Chronic diseases such as kidney disease, cancer, or inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease) that interfere with nutrient absorption and red blood cell production.Genetic conditions like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia can increase the risk of developing anemia.
Complications:
- Fatigue (Dourbalya): Decreased red blood cell count reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, causing fatigue and weakness.
- Heart Failure (Hridaya Kshaya): Chronic anemia strains the heart, increasing the risk of heart failure due to the heart’s need to pump more blood to compensate for low oxygen levels.
- Impaired Cognitive Function (Buddhi Vikruti): Severe anemia can affect brain function, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and mental clarity.
- Shortness of Breath (Shwasa Kshaya): Due to lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, anemia can cause difficulty breathing, particularly with exertion.
- Weakened Immunity (Pratirodh Kshaya): Anemia can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections and illnesses.
Epidemeology:
- More common in women, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, and post-partum.
- Peak incidence is between the ages of 15-45 in women, with pregnant women at higher risk due to increased iron demands.
- Affects approximately 24.8% of the global population, with higher prevalence in developing countries due to poor nutrition and infectious diseases.
- Children under 5 and older adults also experience high rates of anemia, especially in regions with malnutrition and parasitic diseases.