02/04/2024
*Anemia*
Overview
Anemia is a problem of not having enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all other organs in the body. Having anemia can cause tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath.
There are many forms of anemia. Each has its own cause. Anemia can be short term or long term. It can range from mild to severe. Anemia can be a warning sign of serious illness.
Treatments for anemia might involve taking supplements or having medical procedures. Eating a healthy diet might prevent some forms of anemia.
*Types*
📍Aplastic anemia
📍Iron deficiency anemia
📍Sickle cell anemia
📍Thalassemia
📍Vitamin deficiency anemia
*Symptoms*
Anemia symptoms depend on the cause and how bad the anemia is. Anemia can be so mild that it causes no symptoms at first. But symptoms usually then occur and get worse as the anemia gets worse.
If another disease causes the anemia, the disease can mask the anemia symptoms. Then a test for another condition might find the anemia. Certain types of anemia have symptoms that point to the cause.
Possible symptoms of anemia include:
📍Tiredness.
📍Weakness.
📍Shortness of breath.
📍Pale or yellowish skin, which might be more obvious on white skin than on Black or brown skin.
📍Irregular heartbeat.
📍Dizziness or lightheadedness.
📍Chest pain.
📍Cold hands and feet.
📍Headaches.
*When to see a doctor*
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you're tired or short of breath and don't know why.
Low levels of the protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen, called hemoglobin, is the main sign of anemia. Some people learn they have low hemoglobin when they donate blood. If you're told that you can't donate because of low hemoglobin, make a medical appointment.
