Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Having anemia means you don't have enough red blood cells. Your body needs these cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Anemia is fairly common. It's often easily treated. Sometimes, though, it's serious. There are three main reasons why you might get anemia: This is a common cause of anemia, especially for women who have heavy bleeding during their periods. It can also happen with ulcers or other problems that cause bleeding inside the body. A balanced diet usually provides the vitamins and minerals your body needs to make red blood cells. You might get anemia if your food doesn't include enough iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C. A pregnant woman needs to make extra red blood cells for the growing baby. So anemia during pregnancy is common. Sometimes a long-term disease keeps your body from making enough red blood cells. Examples include kidney disease, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. Red blood cells last about 4 months. That's why your body needs to keep making new ones. But there are some problems that can destroy red blood cells sooner than that. For example, diseases like sickle cell disease and thalassemia destroy red blood cells. And some medical treatments, like chemotherapy, can destroy red blood cells. When you have anemia, you may feel dizzy, tired, and weak. You may also feel your heart pounding or feel short of breath. It may be hard to focus and think clearly. A blood test, sometimes done as part of a routine exam, will tell your doctor if you have anemia. Then your doctor will do other tests to figure out what's causing it. Sometimes all that's needed is a balanced diet. Some people need to take iron pills. Others may need a vitamin like folic acid or vitamin B12. You may also get treatment for any problem that is causing the anemia, such as ulcers or a problem in the bone marrow. People who are very anemic may need blood transfusions. They may need other treatments too, such as medicines to suppress the immune system. Current as of: September 8, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Next Section: Previous Section: Next Section: Previous Section: Current as of: September 8, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Caroline S. Rhoads MD - Internal Medicine This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Anemia
Condition Basics
What is anemia?
What causes it?
Losing too much blood
Not making enough red blood cells
Destroying too many red blood cells
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
How is anemia treated?
Related Information
Credits
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Caroline S. Rhoads MD - Internal Medicine
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: September 8, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Caroline S. Rhoads MD - Internal MedicineAnemia