Anemia & Respiratory Infections: Understanding the Link

Anemia increases respiratory infection risk through multiple mechanisms:

1. Impaired Immunity: Fewer RBCs → less oxygen → weakened immune response, fewer antibodies.
2. Reduced Oxygen Delivery: Respiratory muscles and immune cells receive less oxygen.
3. Compromised Respiratory Function: Shortness of breath, fatigue hinder clearance of pathogens.
4. Impaired Ciliary Function: Anemia disrupts cilia that sweep pathogens from airways.
5. General Susceptibility: Overall lowered resistance to bacterial/viral infections.
6. Chronic Disease Association: Anemia often coexists with CKD, heart failure, cancer, further compromising immunity.

Preventive measures: hygiene, vaccinations, manage underlying conditions.