An overview of Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak.

There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. In most cases, anemia has more than one cause. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. It can be a warning sign of serious illness.

Iron-deficiency anemia : As its name implies, iron-deficiency anemia happens when your body doesn’t have enough iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance in your red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen throughout your body.

Aplastic anemia : is a condition that occurs when your body stops producing enough new blood cells. The condition leaves you fatigued and more prone to infections and uncontrolled bleeding.

Sickle cell anemia : is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle cell disease. It affects the shape of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Red blood cells are usually round and flexible, so they move easily through blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, some red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These sickle cells also become rigid and sticky, which can slow or block blood flow.

Thalassemia : is an inherited blood disorder that causes your body to have less hemoglobin than normal. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen. Thalassemia can cause anemia, leaving you fatigued.

Vitamin deficiency anemia : is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused by lower than usual amounts of vitamin B-12 and folate. This can happen if you don't eat enough foods containing vitamin B-12 and folate, or if your body has trouble absorbing or processing these vitamins.

Anemia can be due to a condition present at birth (congenital) or to a condition you develop (acquired). Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. This can happen if:

1. Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells.

2. Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced.

3. Your body destroys red blood cells.

Chest pain : This may feel like something is pressing on or squeezing your chest.

Pale or yellow skin : Your skin color may be paler than usual.

Headache : Iron-deficiency anemia and anemias caused by low hemoglobin may cause headaches.

Pounding or “whooshing” sound in your ear (pulsatile tinnitus) : This is a swooshing sound in one of your ears that may come and go.

Fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) : This is when your heart feels like it's racing or skipping beats.

Dizziness : This is feeling lightheaded or unsteady on your feet.

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) : This is the feeling you can’t catch your breath or take a deep breath.

You can’t prevent some kinds of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia or aplastic anemia. People with chronic diseases who may develop anemia should watch for anemia symptoms. And you can prevent nutritional anemias by eating a healthy diet.

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms. As anemia happens when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells, they’ll do blood tests to check on your red blood cells:

Complete blood count (CBC): Healthcare providers use this test to check on all of your blood cells, with a focus on your red blood cells. They count your red blood cells and evaluate your red blood cells’ size and shape. Healthcare providers may use this test to check on your vitamin B12 or B9 levels.

Peripheral blood smear: Healthcare providers examine your red blood cells under a microscope.

There is a range of treatments for anemia. Each aims to increase a person’s RBC count, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood.

The required treatment depends on the type of anemia a person has. Treatments for common forms of anemia include the following:

Iron-deficiency anemia : Iron supplements and dietary changes can help, and a doctor will identify and address the cause of any excessive bleeding if present.

Vitamin deficiency anemia : Treatments can include dietary supplements and vitamin B12 injections.

Thalassemia : Treatments include folic acid supplements, iron chelation, and, for some people, blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants.

Anemia due to chronic disease : The doctor will focus on managing the underlying condition.

Aplastic anemia : Treatment for aplastic anemia involves blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants.

Sickle cell anemia : Doctors treat this with oxygen therapy, pain relief medication, and intravenous fluids. They may also prescribe antibiotics, folic acid supplements, blood transfusions, and a cancer drug called hydroxyurea.

Hemolytic anemia : The treatment plan may include immunosuppressant drugs, treatments for infections, and plasmapheresis, which filters the blood.