Why do we get anemia

Home Blood and blood vessels. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Red blood cells explained Causes of anaemia Symptoms of anaemia Groups at high risk of anaemia Diagnosis of anaemia Treatment for anaemia Long-term outlook for people with anaemia Prevention of anaemia Where to get help.

Anaemia is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells in your body. Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body using a particular protein called haemoglobin. Anaemia means that either the level of red blood cells or the level of haemoglobin is lower than normal. When a person has anaemia, their heart has to work harder to pump the quantity of blood needed to get enough oxygen around their body. This blood condition is common, particularly in females. Some estimates suggest that around one in five menstruating women and half of all pregnant women are anaemic.

Red blood cells explained Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and have a life span of about days. Symptoms of anaemia Depending on the severity, the symptoms of anaemia may include: pale skin fatigue weakness tiring easily breathlessness drop in blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying position orthostatic hypotension — this may happen after acute blood loss, like a heavy period frequent headaches racing heart or palpitations becoming irritated easily concentration difficulties cracked or reddened tongue loss of appetite strange food cravings.

Regular use of pain relievers, such as aspirin, can also cause bleeding in the stomach. Certain disorders or surgeries that affect the intestines can also interfere with how your body absorbs iron. Even if you get enough iron in your diet, celiac disease or intestinal surgery such as gastric bypass may limit the amount of iron your body can absorb.

If a woman has endometriosis she may have heavy blood loss that she can not see because it is hidden in the abdominal or pelvic area. Anemia is a common condition and can occur in both men and women of any age and from any ethnic group. Some people may be at greater risk of iron deficiency anemia than others, including:.

A complete blood count CBC is usually the first test a doctor will use. A CBC measures the amount of all components in the blood, including:. The CBC provides information about your blood that is helpful in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia. This information includes:. A normal hematocrit range is The normal hemoglobin range is In iron deficiency anemia, the hematocrit and hemoglobin levels are low.

Also, RBCs are usually smaller in size than normal. A CBC test is often performed as part of a routine physical examination. It may also be performed routinely before a surgery. Anemia can usually be confirmed with a CBC test. Your doctor might order additional blood tests to determine how severe your anemia is and help determine treatments.

They may also examine your blood through a microscope. These blood tests will provide information, including:. Ferritin is a protein that helps with iron storage in your body. Low levels of ferritin indicate low iron storage. Transferrin is a protein that transports iron. Certain at-home test kits can check iron levels as well as being able to check ferritin levels and TIBC. You buy a testing kit online through LetsGetChecked here. If your doctor is concerned that internal bleeding is causing your anemia, additional tests may be needed.

One test you may have is fecal occult test to look for blood in your feces. Examples of foods rich in folate are:. The daily adult recommendation for vitamin B is 2. Women and teens who are pregnant need 2.

Beef liver and clams are two of the best sources of vitamin B Other good sources include:. People with anemia appear pale and may often complain of being cold. Some types of anemia can cause inflammation of the tongue , resulting in a smooth, glossy, red, and often painful tongue.

If anemia is severe, fainting may occur. Other symptoms include:. Blood oxygen levels can be so low that a person with severe anemia can have a heart attack.

People with signs or symptoms of anemia should seek medical attention, especially if fainting or chest pains occur. A diagnosis of anemia begins with both your health history and your family health history , along with a physical exam. A family history of certain types of anemia such as sickle cell anemia can be helpful. A history of exposure to toxic agents in the home or workplace might point to an environmental cause. Anemia caused by inadequate amounts of dietary iron, vitamin B, and folate is treated with nutritional supplements.

Your doctor and nutritionist can prescribe a diet that contains the proper amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. A proper diet can help prevent this kind of anemia from recurring. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed May 29, Anemia testing. Lab Tests Online. Means RT, et al. Diagnostic approach to anemia in adults. American Society of Hematology. Mayo Clinic; Morrow ES Jr. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. April 19, Your guide to anemia. Nutritional anaemias: Tools for effective prevention and control.

World Health Organization.