Overview
Anemia is a condition in which the body has too few healthy red blood cells or too little hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without enough oxygen delivery, the body may not work as well as it should. Anemia is not a single disease but a sign that something is affecting blood production, blood loss, or red blood cell survival.
Key Symptoms
Common symptoms include unusual tiredness, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and a fast heartbeat. Some people also notice cold hands and feet, chest discomfort with activity, or trouble concentrating. Symptoms may develop slowly and be easy to miss, especially if anemia is mild.
Causes and Risk Factors
Anemia can be caused by iron deficiency, low vitamin B12 or folate, ongoing blood loss, chronic kidney disease, infections, inflammatory conditions, or inherited disorders such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia. Blood loss may come from heavy menstrual periods, childbirth, surgery, stomach ulcers, or bleeding in the digestive tract. Risk can also rise with poor diet, pregnancy, older age, some medicines, and conditions that affect nutrient absorption.
Who Is Affected
Anemia can affect people of any age. It is more common in young children, people who are pregnant, those with heavy menstrual bleeding, older adults, and people with long-term illnesses. Inherited blood conditions also affect some families and populations more often than others.
Prevention
Prevention depends on the cause. Eating enough iron, vitamin B12, and folate can help lower the risk of some types of anemia, and managing chronic conditions may also help. People with heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, digestive problems, or a history of anemia may benefit from regular medical follow-up.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional usually starts with questions about symptoms, diet, medicines, menstrual bleeding, and medical history, followed by a physical exam. Blood tests such as a complete blood count can show whether anemia is present and may suggest the type. Additional tests may be needed to look for iron levels, vitamin levels, kidney problems, inherited conditions, or hidden bleeding.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the cause of anemia. It may involve improving nutrition, treating bleeding, addressing an underlying illness, or using therapies for specific blood disorders. Some people need urgent treatment if anemia is severe or causing serious symptoms, so medical guidance is important.
Diet and Lifestyle
Food choices can support treatment for some types of anemia, especially when low iron, folate, or vitamin B12 plays a role. Iron-rich foods include beans, lentils, meat, fish, eggs, and fortified grains; folate is found in leafy greens and legumes; vitamin B12 is found in animal foods and some fortified products. If you feel weak or dizzy, avoid strenuous activity until you have been evaluated.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if you have ongoing fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin, fainting, or a fast heartbeat, especially if symptoms are new or worsening. You should also get checked if you have heavy periods, black or bloody stools, known blood loss, pregnancy, or a long-term condition that may affect blood health. Children with poor growth, tiredness, or pale skin also need medical assessment.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent help right away if there is chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, or signs of major bleeding. Emergency care is also important if symptoms come on suddenly or follow an injury, childbirth, surgery, or vomiting blood. Severe anemia can reduce oxygen delivery to vital organs and may become life-threatening.