smoking when anaemic

[harman]

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My sister (at the time an anaemic smoker) was told by her GP that anaemia is more common in smokers, and that certain forms of anaemia can be caused by smoking, so I would imagine that it can make a difference.

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I don't know. But when my sister saw the GP about her anaemia, it was certainly one of the things he told her wouldn't help.

He may just have been an anti-smoker though.

I'm sure there's someone out there who will know ... have a little bump!

It is basically to do with the connection between the red blood cells and their function to transport oxygen round the body. If you are anaemic this function is compromised and that is why you get breathless and tired if you are anaemic.

If you smoke, you take in carbon monoxide, which is taken up by the red blood cells and takes up the room that would normally be there for the oxygen, so the effect of the anaemia is multiplied.

I have really, really simplified this, as I am cooking dinner ATM, and rushing. I am sure somebody more knowledgeable than me could explain it at length, but, hope that makes sense.