Anemia of Chronic Disease

What is anemia?

Anemia is not having enough red blood cells in your blood. About 40% of your blood is red blood cells. The rest is liquid-mostly water-called plasma, which carries the red blood cells along. Red blood cells are normally packed with hemoglobin, which is the part of the cell that carries oxygen from your lungs to your body tissues. Having anemia means that your blood is not able to carry enough oxygen to all parts of the body.

What is anemia of chronic disease?

This type of anemia happens when you have another disease. Chronic (long-lasting) conditions such as the following are most likely to cause anemia:

• arthritis
• chronic kidney failure
• chronic liver disease
• chronic infections
• tumors
• pressure ulcers (bedsores).

In all these conditions, the bone marrow produces fewer red blood cells than normal. This type of anemia, unlike some of the more common types, is not caused by bleeding or a lack of iron in the body.

What are the symptoms?

Mild anemia usually does not cause symptoms.

With more severe anemia, you may have symptoms such as:

• weakness
• tiredness
• pale skin, gums, skin creases, and nail beds.

Other symptoms of severe anemia include:

• chest pain
• dizziness
• fainting
• heart failure
• less endurance
• lightheadedness
• fast heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• trouble sleeping.

These symptoms happen in addition to the symptoms of the disease that is causing the anemia.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history. Blood tests will be done to check for anemia and possible causes.

What is the treatment?

Anemia of chronic disease may be cured only if the underlying disease is treated. Often, taking iron and a couple of vitamins (folic acid and B12) helps. Your healthcare provider will recommend these supplements if your blood test results show you need them.

Sometimes the anemia is severe and gives you a lot of problems. Treatment with blood transfusions can help. A hormone called erythropoietin can also be given if blood tests show that your levels of this hormone are very low.

How long do the effects last?

Anemia can be a lifelong condition if the chronic disease that causes it lasts for life. But anemia can get better with treatment of the underlying disease and good nutrition.

How can I help take care of myself?

Follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider.

Don't stop exercising if you have anemia of chronic disease. You may get tired sooner, but getting exercise remains important for your overall health. Talk to your healthcare provider about what exercises might be good or harmful for you.