Anemia Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Anemia is a blood disorder that is defined as:

• a level of red blood cells (RBCs) that is below normal, or
• a level of hemoglobin that is below normal (hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells).

There are several forms of anemia, such as:

• iron deficiency anemia
• hemolytic anemia (destruction of RBCs)
• vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia
• folic acid deficiency anemia
• anemias caused by inherited abnormalities of RBCs (for example, sickle cell anemia and thalassemia)
• anemia caused by chronic (ongoing) disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Anemia caused by inherited problems with red blood cells:

The most common types of inherited problems that cause anemia because the red blood cells are abnormal are sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. 

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease that causes abnormal, sickle-shaped red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is most prevalent among people who are African, African American, Mediterranean (Italian or Greek), Middle Eastern, East Indian, Caribbean, and Central or South American. The abnormal RBCs are damaged or destroyed as they pass through the circulatory system. The anemia causes many symptoms. It can cause a condition called sickle cell crisis. The crisis may occur under certain conditions such as altitude or pressure changes, low oxygen, or some illnesses. In sickle cell crisis the RBCs become even more deformed and block tiny blood vessels, causing acute, prolonged pain and other complications. 

Thalassemias are a group of inherited anemias caused by abnormal hemoglobin. The abnormal hemoglobin may cause abnormal red blood cells as well as low hemoglobin levels. Thalassemias most commonly affect people of Mediterranean descent, but some types also affect peoples of Africa, Asia, India, and the South Pacific. Most forms of thalassemia are mild, but some forms cause life-threatening disease in children. 

Anemia caused by disease:

Anemia caused by ongoing (chronic) disease is common in people who have:

• cancer
• inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• ongoing infections
• kidney disease.

What are the symptoms? 
Mild anemia usually does not produce symptoms.

More severe anemia is associated with:

• weakness
• fatigue
• pale skin, gums, skin creases, and nail beds.

Other symptoms of worsening anemia include:

• lightheadedness, especially when you change positions, for example, when you stand up
• fast heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• fainting
• chest pain
• heart failure.

Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) may be a symptom of hemolytic anemia.

How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will carefully review your symptoms and examine you. You will have a complete blood count (CBC) to confirm anemia and to see how severe it is. You may need other blood tests to determine the type of anemia.

How is it treated?
The treatment depends on the type of anemia you have. You will have follow-up visits with your health care provider to check your blood count and the effect of your treatment. 
 

Iron deficiency anemia:

To treat iron deficiency anemia (if there is no underlying disease causing blood loss), your health care provider will simply prescribe iron supplements and/or a diet of foods rich in iron.

Iron tablets may have side effects such as abdominal cramps; nausea; constipation; and dark, hard stools. To lessen side effects, your health care provider will start you on a low dose of iron and slowly increase your dose to the necessary amount. He or she may suggest that you take vitamin C with the iron pills to help your body absorb the iron. Taking the iron at mealtimes can help prevent stomach and intestinal upset.

Do not take antacids and do not eat or drink any dairy products at the same time you take the iron pills. Antacids and dairy products prevent the body from absorbing iron.

Only rarely are iron shots needed. 

Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia:

If you have this form of anemia because your stomach does not absorb vitamin B-12 well, the usual treatment is a shot of vitamin B-12 once a month. In some cases your health care provider may prescribe an oral tablet. 

Folic acid deficiency anemia:

The treatment for folic acid deficiency anemia is daily oral folate tablets. This anemia is similar to vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia. 

Adapted from: http://www.ctfp.com

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