Phone icon

Call 650-988-8338

 

Common Types of Anemia

Anemia is a condition that happens when there aren鈥檛 enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body鈥檚 organs. Most types of anemia are mild or temporary, but other types can be more severe and even life-threatening. Each type of anemia has its own causes, symptoms and treatments.

The most common types of anemia we treat include:

    Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It鈥檚 caused by a shortage of iron in your body. Iron shortages can happen because of blood loss or poor absorption of iron, which is common in people who have had gastric bypass surgery. Women and pregnant women, especially those with a vegan or vegetarian diet, tend to be at a higher risk of iron-deficiency anemia.

    Vitamin-deficiency anemia results when your body lacks the necessary folate and vitamin B-12 to make enough healthy red blood cells. In rare cases, the body can鈥檛 process vitamin B-12, which can lead to pernicious anemia, a specific type of vitamin-deficiency anemia.

    Aplastic anemia is rare but happens when the bone marrow stops making enough blood cells. Infections, certain medications and exposure to toxic chemicals can cause aplastic anemia. Mild cases may not require treatment, but severe cases can be fatal without immediate medical care.

    Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease that鈥檚 present at birth, although you usually don鈥檛 see symptoms until several months later. People with this type of anemia produce abnormal hemoglobin, which causes the red blood cells to take on a crescent (or sickle) shape. This shape makes it harder for blood to flow through the blood vessels.

    Sickle cell anemia worsens over time and requires ongoing medical care to help manage it and prevent complications.

    Hemolytic anemia is when your body destroys red blood cells (hemolysis) faster than it can make them. The lower levels of red blood cells lead to anemia. You can inherit this condition or develop it later because of other infections or disorders, including blood cancers.

    Two specific types of hemolytic anemia are autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and drug-induced hemolytic anemia pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD). Both are rare disorders. AIHA happens when the body mistakenly attacks red blood cells. PKD happens when you don鈥檛 have enough of the enzyme pyruvate kinase, which reduces how much energy red blood cells receive and makes the body destroy them faster.

     

    Signs & Symptoms of Anemia

    Anemia symptoms can sometimes be hard to notice, especially because they overlap with other conditions. But learning how to identify signs of anemia improves your chances of successfully treating it. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

    • Chest pain
    • Cold hands and feet
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Excessive tiredness
    • Headaches
    • Irregular heartbeats
    • Pale or yellowed skin
    • Shortness of breath
    • Weakness


    You may be more likely to develop anemia if you have any of these risk factors:

    • Vitamin and mineral deficiency, especially not getting enough iron, folate and B-12
    • Intestinal and digestive disorders, including Crohn鈥檚 disease, autoimmune gastritis, H. pylori and celiac disease
    • Menstruation, especially heavy periods
    • Pregnancy, when the body requires twice as much iron as non-pregnant women
    • Cancer and other chronic conditions, such as kidney failure or rheumatoid arthritis
    • Family history of conditions, such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia
    • Other risk factors, including age (being over age 65), a history of alcoholism, exposure to toxic chemicals and the use of certain medications

    Read:

    5 Signs of Anemia Every Woman Should Know


    Anemia Screenings & Tests

    For many, a routine blood test shows that they may have anemia. If you are at risk of or show signs of anemia, your provider may refer you to a hematologist for additional testing. A hematologist often orders other blood tests that look at different parts of your blood. Examples include a complete blood count (CBC), hemoglobin test or hematocrit test.


    Treatment for Anemia

    Your anemia treatment depends on the type of anemia you have and what鈥檚 causing the anemia. You may need:

    • Treatment for an underlying condition
    • Iron, folic acid or vitamin B12 supplements
    • Dietary changes
    • Medicines, such as erythropoietin or immunosuppressants you receive through infusion


    At 天博体育, we also offer many other hematology treatments and supportive care services to further improve all aspects of your health.

    An Expert Approach to Anemia Care

    Whether you鈥檙e at a high risk for anemia or already have symptoms, talk to your provider. They can evaluate your medical history and order certain blood tests. If you鈥檙e referred to a hematologist and diagnosed with anemia, we鈥檒l work with you to take preventive action and create a personalized treatment plan.

    Your care team supports you throughout the process 鈥� so your hematology needs fit easily with your other healthcare.

    Request Care