Anemia
With anemia, the patient's blood does not carry enough oxygen to the rest of their body.
Signs & Symptoms
Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause of your anemia. Symptons may include:
Risk Factors
These factors place you at increased risk of anemia:
Complications
Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as:
Communicable / Non-communicable
Non-communicable
Signs & Symptoms
Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause of your anemia. Symptons may include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Irregular heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Headache
Risk Factors
These factors place you at increased risk of anemia:
- A diet lacking iron, vitamin B-12, and folate
- Intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease (which impact the absorption of nutrients)
- Pregnancy
- Chronic conditions such as cancer, kidney failure or other that lead to a shortage of red blood cells.
- Family history.
- Other factors include a history of:
- certain infections
- blood diseases
- autoimmune disorders
- alcoholism
- exposure to toxic chemicals, and
- the use of some medications can affect red blood cell production and lead to anemia.
- Age. People over age 65 are at increased risk of anemia
Complications
Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as:
- Severe fatigue.
- Pregnancy complications.
- Heart problems.
- irregular heartbeat
- enlarged heart
- heart failure
- Death. Some inherited anemias, such as sickle cell anemia, can be serious and lead to life-threatening complications
- Losing a lot of blood quickly results in acute, severe anemia and can be fatal
Communicable / Non-communicable
Non-communicable
