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Blood, Heart and Circulation

Anemia

This comes from MedlinePlus, from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Treatments, services and advice can differ in your country; check with a local health professional. Set your country.

Also called Iron Deficiency Anemia, Iron poor blood

If you have anemia, your blood does not carry enough oxygen to the rest of your body. The most common cause of anemia is not having enough iron. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that gives the red color to blood. It carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction.

Conditions that may lead to anemia include:

  • Heavy periods
  • Pregnancy
  • Ulcers
  • Colon polyps or colon cancer
  • Inherited disorders
  • A diet that does not have enough iron, folic acid or vitamin B12
  • Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, or cancer
  • Aplastic anemia, a condition that can be inherited or acquired
  • G6PD deficiency, a metabolic disorder

Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. You may be short of breath or have a headache.

Your doctor will diagnose anemia with a physical exam and blood tests. Treatment depends on the kind of anemia you have.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Read the full topic on MedlinePlus

Medicines whose label mentions anemia

These medicines list it among their uses on the official FDA label. This is not a treatment recommendation: only a clinician who knows your history can decide what’s right for you.

When to get urgent help

If symptoms come on suddenly, are severe, or you’re worried, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. For anything less urgent, contact your doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What is the likely cause in my case, and what tests might I need?
  • What are my treatment options, and what are the trade-offs?
  • Which symptoms mean I should seek urgent care?
  • What changes to diet, activity or habits would help?
This is general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you have symptoms that worry you, talk to a health professional, and call your local emergency number if it’s an emergency.