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Warning Signs of Anemia
According to the American Society of Hematology, three million people have anemia in the United States annually. It's one of the most prevalent blood disorders, affecting the amount of healthy red blood cells that circulate through the body.
Anemia occurs when the body doesn't produce enough red blood cells, which are essential for carrying oxygen to the organs and tissues. Without the proper amount of oxygen, the body experiences uncomfortable symptoms and dangerous effects.
At Metro Renal Associates, our team specializes in anemia related to kidney disease. Our team consists of three expert nephrologists who get to the root cause of anemia and provide customized treatments that help you feel better.
Understanding anemia
Anemia is a common blood disorder that causes the body to produce lower-than-usual amounts of red blood cells. These cells are responsible for carrying hemoglobin, which attaches to oxygen in the lungs, allowing the cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Various types of anemia affect the body; some you inherit, and others develop throughout your life. A few of the many types of anemia include:
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Hemolytic anemia
- Vitamin deficient anemia
Although anyone may develop anemia, certain people are more at risk than others. For example, people living with chronic kidney disease, autoimmune diseases, or liver disease are more likely to have some form of anemia.
The danger of anemia comes from the body's lack of oxygenated blood. The body needs oxygen throughout to function normally. The major complications of untreated anemia include organ damage and heart failure.
Prevalent warning signs of anemia
Unfortunately, there's no definitive way to know you have anemia without lab testing. Still, there are signs to be aware of. If you're living with kidney disease or other chronic health conditions, it's vital to know the signs and symptoms of anemia to get the help you need.
The most common warning sign of anemia is an uptick in fatigue. It is essential to keep up with your everyday activities with enough oxygen. There are other warning signs as well, which include:
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Whooshing in the ears
- Frequent headaches
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Cold hands or feet
- Weakness
All of the warning signs of anemia involve decreased oxygen saturation in the body. Without the proper amount of oxygen and red blood cells, the organs can't function properly, producing the tell-tale symptoms of anemia.
How do I know I have anemia?
Although there are prevalent warning signs of anemia, a blood test is the only way to know you have it. We order a complete blood count to measure the amount of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood sample.
We diagnose you with anemia if you have a hemoglobin count of less than 12 as a woman or 13.5 as a man. The complete blood count also tells us how many red blood cells you have, what they look like, and how big they are.
A hematocrit test also measures the body's percentage of red blood cells. These tests, along with current symptoms, help diagnose anemia.
Can you treat anemia?
Anemia treatment depends on the cause of the problem. We provide various diagnostic tests to ensure you get the proper treatment for your specific form of anemia.
After diagnosing anemia, we can provide the customized treatment you need to regain your energy and prevent dangerous complications. In some cases, all you need are supplements to restore your red blood cells. Vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron are all essential supplements for anemia.
If kidney disease is causing anemia, we offer various treatments, including erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and red blood cell transfusions to replenish the red blood cell supply.
Eating a healthy diet and scheduling regular appointments and blood tests are essential in managing anemia from kidney disease.
Call Metro Renal Associates in Washington, D.C., and Capitol Heights, Maryland, today to schedule an appointment for anemia symptoms, or use our convenient online booking tool to request a consultation with one of our providers.
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