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Anemia

Definition

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.

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.

See also:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause depends on the type of anemia. Possible causes include:

Symptoms

Possible symptoms include:

Some types of anemia may have other symptoms, such as:

Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a physical examination, and may find:

  • Pale skin
  • Rapid heart rate

Some types of anemia may cause other findings on a physical exam.

The following blood tests are used to diagnose anemia:

Other tests may be done to identify medical problems that can cause anemia.

Treatment

Treatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia, and may include:

  • Blood transfusions
  • Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system
  • Erythropoietin, a medicine that helps your bone marrow make more blood cells
  • Supplements of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or other vitamins and minerals

Anemia Videos


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