ANEMIA

Anemia is a disorder of the blood where a low number of red blood cells are in the bloodstream or the level of hemoglobin is below normal. Red blood cells deliver oxygen from the lungs to the cells in the body. They also pick up carbon dioxide from the body and carry it to the lungs. Anemia may result from a decrease in the production of red blood cells, an increase in the destruction of the red blood cells, or by blood loss.

There are several types of anemia. Women are more likely than men to have anemia because of the loss of blood each month through menstruation. Iron deficiency anemia is common. Other causes include:

heredity
a diet deficiency
pregnancy
chronic disease
injury or
other problems

The early signs and symptoms of anemia may be so mild that they are overlooked. The symptoms get worse as the blood disorder progresses. Watch for signs of weakness, fatigue, and pale skin, gums, and nailbeds. In people of color, look for signs of paleness in the mouth, inside the eyelids, or the palms of the hands.

Symptoms of serious anemia include:

shortness of breath
dizziness
headache
problems sleeping
reduced exercise endurance
rapid heartbeat
chest pain and
heart failure

Anyone having these symptoms should be checked by a healthcare provider. The diagnosis of anemia is made by blood tests. The type of anemia determines the appropriate treatment.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File GHEA4211.RF2 VRS# 4211 Data Version 7.0