Anemia (Iron-Poor Blood, Tired Blood)

The following factors may increase your risk of anemia: Women of childbearing agePregnancyOlder adults with other medical conditionInfants younger than two yearsPoor diet low in iron, vitamins, and mineralsBlood loss (eg, due to surgery or injury)Chronic or serious illnessChronic infectionsFamily history of inherited anemia (eg, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia) Symptoms Symptoms of anemia may include: TirednessLethargyFeeling faintPalenessShortness of breathDizzinessHeadacheColdness in the hands and feetPale skinChest painRapid or irregular heartbeat Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Other tests may include: Complete Blood Count (CBC)a test that measures levels of hemoglobin and RBCsOther blood testsBlood smearStool sample Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include: NutritionYour doctor may recommended making changes to your diet or taking vitamin or iron supplements. Changes to your diet may include eating more iron-rich foods, as well as foods that are good sources of vitamin C, vitamin B12, and folate. MedicationsDepending on the cause of your anemia, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, hormone treatment, epoetin, medications that act on the immune system, or chelation therapy (for lead poisoning) to help treat your anemia or symptoms.

Blood TransfusionsIn some cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary. Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant Serious cases of anemia, such as aplastic anemia, may need to be treated with marrow or stem cell transplants. SurgeryLife-threatening bleeding may need to be treated with surgery. In addition, in cases of abnormally high RBC destruction, your spleen may need to be surgically removed. Prevention 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. RESOURCES: Iron Disorders Institutehttp://www.irondisorders.org National Anemia Action Councilhttp://www.anemia.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Anemia Institutehttp://www.anemiainstitute.org Chronic Disease Management, Government of British Columbia Ministry of Healthhttp://www.health.gov.bc.ca/cdm.index.html References: Anemia. PatientUK website. Available at: http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc.asp?doc=23068888. Accessed June 25, 2007. Anemia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/anemia/anemia_whatis.html. Accessed June 25, 2007.

Guralnik JM, Eisenstaedt RS, Ferrucci L, Klein HG, Woodman RC. Prevalence of anemia in persons 65 years and older in the United States: evidence for a high rate of unexplained anemia. Blood. 2004;104:2263-2268. Nissenson AR, Goodnough LT, Dubois RW. Anemia: not just an innocent bystander? Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:1400-1404. Last reviewed April 2008 by Jill D Landis, MDPlease 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.