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Anemia

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Red blood cells, sickle cell
Red blood cells, sickle cell
Red blood cells, elliptocytosis
Red blood cells, elliptocytosis
Red blood cells, spherocytosis
Red blood cells, spherocytosis
Red blood cells, multiple sickle cells
Red blood cells, multiple sickle cells
Ovalocytoses
Ovalocytoses
Red blood cells, sickle cells
Red blood cells, sickle cells
Red blood cells, sickle and pappenheimer
Red blood cells, sickle and pappenheimer
Red blood cells, target cells
Red blood cells, target cells
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin

Definition    Return to top

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.

Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. It gives red blood cells their red color. People with anemia do not have enough hemoglobin.

See also:

Causes    Return to top

The cause depends on the type of anemia. Possible causes include:

Symptoms    Return to top

Possible symptoms include:

Some types of anemia may have other symptoms, such as:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The doctor will perform a physical examination, and may find:

Some types of anemia may cause other findings on a physical exam.

The following blood tests are used to diagnose anemia:

Other tests may be done to identify medical problems that can cause anemia.

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia, and may include:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outlook depends on the cause.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Severe anemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the heart, and can lead to a heart attack.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health provider if you have any symptoms of anemia, or any unusual bleeding.

References    Return to top

Antony AC. Megaloblastic anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 170.

Zuckerman KS. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 162.

Update Date: 4/5/2009

Updated by: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc

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