Do you feel tired when you wake up in the morning, and throughout the rest of the day? Do you have trouble concentrating and doing well at work or school, because you are so tired? Do you lack the energy to accomplish basic tasks and chores, or does doing these activities seem to wipe you out?
Numbness or coldness in your feet Pale skin Rapid or irregular heartbeat Shortness of breath Chest pain Very cold extremities regardless of temperature
If the lab results are positive for anemia, they will also tell the doctor which type of anemia you have. Your doctor will work with you to prescribe treatment, which varies according to the type of anemia you have. [5] X Research source Treatment for nutritional anemia is changes to diet, vitamin and iron and supplements or vitamin B-12 injections. Early acquired or genetic anemia may require red blood cell transfusions or hormone injections.
A heavy menstrual flow (iron is lost through the menstrual blood). [6] X Expert Source Tiffany Jumaily, MDBoard Certified Pediatrician Expert Interview. 16 March 2021. A severe injury during which you sustained a lot of blood loss. Surgery that led to the loss of blood. Ulcers or colon cancer. A diet low in iron. [7] X Expert Source Tiffany Jumaily, MDBoard Certified Pediatrician Expert Interview. 16 March 2021.
You have an autoimmune disorder or intestinal problems that cause you to be unable to absorb vitamin B12 efficiently. You don’t have enough vitamin B12 in your diet. Since this vitamin is highly concentrated in foods that come from animals, vegetarians and vegans may have trouble getting enough B12.
Diseases that affect the kidneys can lower the body’s ability to create red blood cells. Anemias caused by inherited blood diseases include sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, and a plastic anemia, among others. Some people carry a predisposition for these anemias if one or both of their parents had the condition. Acquired anemia is caused by exposure to toxins, viruses, chemicals or drugs that prevent the body from making healthy red blood cells.
