Anemia is a disorder of the blood. It is the result of very low levels of red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin. Their main job is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When RBC and hemoglobin levels are low the body does not get the right amount of oxygen. This causes fatigue, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, and other symptoms of anemia.
There are several specific types of anemia, including:
The main causes of anemia are:
-
Blood loss, such as that caused by:
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Bleeding in the digestive tract
- Bleeding in the urinary tract
- Surgery
-
Trauma
- Cancer
-
Abnormally low RBC production, due to:
-
Abnormally high RBC destruction, caused by inherited disorders such as:
- Sickle cell anemia
-
Thalassemia
”difficulty in manufacturing hemoglobin
- Enzyme deficiencies
The following factors may increase your risk of anemia:
- Women of childbearing age
- Pregnancy
- Older adults with other medical condition
- Infants younger than two years
- Poor diet low in iron, vitamins, and minerals
- Blood loss (eg, due to surgery or injury)
- Chronic or serious illness
- Chronic infections
- Family history of inherited anemia (eg, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia)
Symptoms of anemia may include:
- Tiredness
- Lethargy
- Feeling faint
- Paleness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Coldness in the hands and feet
- Pale skin
- Chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Other tests may include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)”a test that measures levels of hemoglobin and RBCs
- Other blood tests
- Blood smear
- Stool sample
-
Bone marrow aspiration or
biopsy
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Options include:
Your doctor may suggest changes to your diet. The diet may include foods rich in iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and folate. Vitamins or iron supplements may be added.
To help treat your anemia or your symptoms your doctor may prescribe:
- Antibiotics
- Hormone treatment
- Epoetin
- Medications that act on the immune system
-
Chelation therapy
(for lead poisoning)
This procedure places healthy
bone marrow
or stem cell in the body. The goal is for the new tissue to produce healthy blood cells. This procedure carries risk. It is only done in severe cases of anemia.
Critical bleeding may be treated with surgery. In cases of very high RBC destruction, your
spleen
may need to be surgically removed.
Most inherited forms of anemia cannot be prevented. But the following steps may be taken to prevent certain types of anemia:
- Eat a diet rich in iron and vitamins
- Take iron or vitamin supplements, as recommended by your doctor
- Treat underlying causes of anemia
- Report signs and symptoms, especially chronic fatigue, to your doctor
Last reviewed November 2008 by
Michael J. Fucci, DO
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.
Copyright © 2004 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
