A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Anemia
Definition
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.
Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. It gives red blood cells their red color. People with anemia do not have enough hemoglobin.
See also:
- Anemia due to B12 deficiency
- Anemia due to folate deficiency
- Anemia due to iron deficiency
- Hemolytic anemia
- Hemolytic anemia due to G-6-PD deficiency
- Idiopathic aplastic anemia
- Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Immune hemolytic anemia
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Pernicious anemia
- Secondary aplastic anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
Causes
The cause depends on the type of anemia. Possible causes include:
- Certain medications
- Diseases such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis
- Genes -- some forms of anemia can be inherited
- Kidney failure
- Blood loss (for example, from heavy menstrual periods)
- Poor diet
- Pregnancy
- Problems with bone marrow (where blood cells are made)
- Problems with the immune system that cause the destruction of blood cells
- Surgery to the stomach or intestines that reduces the absorption of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid
Symptoms
Possible symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or light-headedness (especially when standing up or with exertion)
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Headaches
- Problems concentrating
- Shortness of breath (especially during exercise)
Some types of anemia may have other symptoms, such as:
- Constipation
- Problems thinking
- Tingling
Treatment
Treatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia, and may include:
- Blood transfusions
- Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system
- Erythropoietin, a medicine that helps your bone marrow make more blood cells
- Supplements of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or other vitamins and minerals
Prognosis
The outlook depends on the cause.