Exhausted? Short of Breath? It Could Be Anemia

What You Should Know

Feeling tired is not unusual. Many people don't get enough sleep. Others work on their feet all day. Some people don't eat wisely or exercise enough. These conditions are usually temporary.

Sometimes being tired is more serious than a lack of sleep or a hard day at work. When there are not enough red blood cells in your blood, it lack the iron-rich protein (hemoglobin) that carries oxygen to your organs and muscles. This condition is called anemia. Anemia can make you feel exhausted and short of breath.

Signs of anemia may include pale skin, cold hands and feet and brittle nails. Some people with iron shortage may eat ice or crave unusual foods. Some patients may have irregular heartbeats. The heart may need to pump harder to distribute oxygen throughout the body; this may cause the heart wall to thicken.

Three general causes of anemia are bleeding, the body not making enough red blood cells or something in the body destroying red blood cells. Anemia can sometimes be a symptom of serious diseases.

The heavy periods of some young women are examples of treatable short-term causes of anemia due to blood loss. Pregnant women may also be at risk of anemia.

Anemia can result from long-term health conditions such as sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell is a genetic blood condition more common among AfricanAmericans than any other group.

Severe anemia can also be tied to long-term health concerns such as cancer chemotherapy, leukemia, lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis or kidney disease.

Diabetes is a common problem among overweight people. Diabetes can harm the kidneys and nerves. The kidneys produce a hormone that affects the creation of red blood cells. Kidney damage can contribute to anemia.

Mild anemia is common among the elderly. Ashy skin and a lack of energy might be dismissed as a part of aging. Instead, anemia could the problem. Chronic disease is the most common cause of anemia for senior citizens.

Treatment of chronic diseases may be the best therapy for many elderly people who suffer from anemia. Some patients require a red blood cell transfusion. Correcting anemia can greatly improve the quality of life for patients.

Nearly one-third of anemia cases are related to nutrition. A lack of iron is the most common nutrition concern. A low level of folate or the B12 vitamin may also contribute to anemia. Malnutrition and alcohol abuse may be factors.

Blood tests help to explain if a person has an iron deficiency or anemia due to another cause. A measure of the hemoglobin or hematocrit level is the most common way to check for anemia. Urine tests may also be used to analyze deficiencies and health problems.

Some people with iron deficiencies get the recommended amount of iron in their diet but are anemic anyway.

Patients may not absorb enough nutrients from food. An iron deficiency may result from blood loss in the intestines or stomach. Some people have internal bleeding from aspirin therapy or anti- inflammatory drugs. Others may have ulcers, polyps or diverticulitis. Efforts to reduce bleeding may help. Many patients benefit from iron, B12 and folate supplements.

The cause of anemia remains unexplained in about one-third of the cases despite a medical evaluation.

Infants who do not get enough iron in their diet and children who are growing very fast may be at greater risk of anemia than the average person.

What You Should Do

If you have signs of anemia, get a thorough medical check-up. Your checkup should include a complete blood count (CBC) to check your hemoglobin level. If the tests show you have anemia, you may need additional tests to diagnose the cause and to develop the best treatment plan. Your care provider may order a fecal occult blood test to check for blood in your stools. Your blood will be checked for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Tell your provider whether you have seen blood in your stools, have had heavy bleeding or an ulcer.

Tell your doctor if you take daily aspirin or any anti- inflammatory drugs.

Tell your doctor if you have any autoimmune disease such as arthritis.

Remember that anemia may be the first symptom of another illness or from several causes. Your care provider might order tests that seem unrelated to anemia.

If you are prescribed iron or vitamin supplements, take them. Your supplements might be absorbed better if they are taken an hour before a meal. Taking them with food might also reduce the chance of an upset stomach.

If you have low hemoglobin, discuss it with your doctor before any surgery.