Anemia
Anemia occurs when the blood does not carry enough oxygen, often because of too few healthy red blood cells or too little hemoglobin.
About anemia
Anemia occurs when the blood does not carry enough oxygen, often because of too few healthy red blood cells or too little hemoglobin.
What can cause it?
Anemia may result from iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency; blood loss; chronic inflammation; kidney disease; inherited conditions; or reduced bone-marrow production.
Finding the cause is important because treatment differs widely.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness, headache, or pale skin
- Shortness of breath or a fast heartbeat
How clinicians find the cause
Testing usually begins with a complete blood count and review of red-cell size. Iron studies, vitamin levels, kidney tests, reticulocyte count, stool or gynecologic bleeding evaluation, and other tests may be needed.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Treatment targets the cause and may include iron or vitamin replacement, control of bleeding, treatment of chronic disease, or specialist care.
- 2
Do not start high-dose iron unless deficiency is likely or confirmed; excess iron can be harmful.
- 3
Severe symptomatic anemia or major blood loss may require hospital treatment or transfusion.
Supporting recovery
- Take supplements only as directed and keep them away from children.
- Eat a balanced diet with iron, folate, vitamin B12, and protein as appropriate for your health conditions.
- Track fatigue, breathlessness, menstrual bleeding, stool color, and medicine side effects.
What to expect
The outlook depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause. Many cases improve when a nutritional deficiency, blood loss, medicine effect, or medical condition is identified and treated. Some inherited, inflammatory, kidney, or bone-marrow conditions require long-term monitoring and specialist care.
Possible complications
- Low oxygen delivery that strains the heart and may contribute to chest symptoms or heart failure when anemia is severe
- Fainting, falls, reduced exercise tolerance, or difficulty completing daily activities
- Complications from the underlying bleeding, nutritional deficiency, inherited disorder, kidney disease, or bone-marrow condition
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Arrange an evaluation when symptoms are new, worsening, interfering with normal activities, or not improving as expected.
Call 911 for chest pain, severe trouble breathing, fainting, or signs of major bleeding.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Regular care for heavy menstrual bleeding, digestive disease, kidney disease, or pregnancy can reduce risk.
- Use supplements during pregnancy or restricted diets only as recommended.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.