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AnemiaDefinitionAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. See also:
CausesWhile many parts of the body are essential to making red blood cells, most of the work is done in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form blood cells. Healthy red blood cells last between 90 and 120 days. Parts of your body then remove old blood cells. A hormone called erythropoietin made in your kidneys signal your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. 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. Possible causes of anemia include:
SymptomsPossible symptoms include:
Some types of anemia may have other symptoms, such as:
Exams and TestsThe doctor will perform a physical examination, and may find:
Some types of anemia may cause other findings on a physical exam. Blood tests used to diagnose some common types of anemia may include:
Other tests may be done to identify medical problems that can cause anemia. TreatmentTreatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia, and may include:
Outlook (Prognosis)The outlook depends on the cause. Possible ComplicationsSevere anemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the heart, and can lead to a heart attack. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall your health provider if you have any symptoms of anemia, or any unusual bleeding. ReferencesMarks PW, Glader B. Approach to anemia in the adult and child. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 34.
Review Date:
4/5/2009 Reviewed By: James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.  |
