Anemia What Is Anemia?
Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood produces a lower-than-normal amount of healthy red blood cells. If you have anemiayour body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. The lack of oxygen can make you feel tired or weak. You may also have shortness of breathdizzinessheadachesor an irregular heartbeat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionabout 3 million people in the United States have anemia.
There are many types of anemiaincluding:
Mild anemia is a common and treatable condition that can develop in anyone. It may come about suddenly or over timeand may be caused by your dietmedicines you takeor another medical condition. Anemia can also be chronicmeaning it lasts a long time and may never go away completely. Some types of anemia are inherited. The most common type of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia.
Some people are at a higher risk for anemiaincluding women during their menstrual periods and pregnancy. People who do not get enough iron or certain vitamins and people who take certain medicines or treatments are also at a higher risk.
Anemia may also be a sign of a more serious conditionsuch as bleeding in your stomachinflammation from an infectionkidney diseasecanceror autoimmune diseases. Your doctor will use your medical historya physical examand test results to diagnose anemia.
Treatments for anemia depend on the type you have and how serious it is. For some types of mild to moderate anemiayou may need iron supplementsvitaminsor medicines that make your body produce more red blood cells. To prevent anemia in the futureyour doctor may also suggest healthy eating changes.
Your Guide to Anemia
Learn basic facts about anemia and how it affects your health.