BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuAnemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.Different types of anemia include:Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiencyAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are man...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anemia due to folate (folic acid) deficiency Anemia due to folate (folic acid) defic...Folate-deficiency anemia is a decrease in red blood cells (anemia) due to a lack of folate. Folate is a type of B vitamin. It is also called folic ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anemia due to iron deficiency Anemia due to iron deficiencyAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are man...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anemia of chronic disease Anemia of chronic diseaseAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are man...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hemolytic anemia Hemolytic anemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Normally, red ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Idiopathic aplastic anemia Idiopathic aplastic anemiaAplastic anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells. Bone marrow is the soft, tissue in the center of bones tha...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Megaloblastic anemia Pernicious anemia Pernicious anemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are man...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sickle cell anemia Sickle cell anemiaSickle cell disease is a disorder passed down through families. The red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disk take on a sickle or crescen...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ThalassemiaThalassemiaThalassemia is a blood disorder passed down through families (inherited) in which the body makes an abnormal form or inadequate amount of hemoglobin....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Although many parts of the body help make red blood cells, most of the work is done in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all blood cells.Healthy red blood cells last between 90 and 120 days. Parts of your body then remove old blood cells. A hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) made in your kidneys signals your bone marrow to make more red blood cells.Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. It gives red blood cells their color. People with anemia do not have enough hemoglobin.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The body needs certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to make enough red blood cells. Iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are three of the most important ones. The body may not have enough of these nutrients due to:Changes in the lining of the stomach or intestines that affect how well nutrients are absorbed (for example, celiac disease) Celiac diseaseCeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage comes from a reaction to eating gluten. This ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Poor diet Surgery that removes part of the stomach or intestines Possible causes of anemia include:Iron deficiency Vitamin B12 deficiency Folate deficiency Certain medicines Destruction of red blood cells earlier than normal (which may be caused by immune system problems) Destruction of red blood cellsAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Normally, red ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Long-term (chronic) diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, ulcerative colitis, or rheumatoid arthritis Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some forms of anemia, such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia, which can be inherited Pregnancy Problems with bone marrow such as lymphoma, leukemia, myelodysplasia, multiple myeloma, or aplastic anemia LeukemiaLeukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple myelomaMultiple myeloma is a blood cancer that starts from a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow called plasma cells. Bone marrow is the soft, spon...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Aplastic anemiaAplastic anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells. Bone marrow is the soft, tissue in the center of bones tha...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Slow blood loss (for example, from heavy menstrual periods or stomach ulcers) Stomach ulcersA peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or in the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer)....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sudden heavy blood loss Symptoms You may have no symptoms if the anemia is mild or if the problem develops slowly. Symptoms that may occur first include:Feeling weak or tired more often than usual, or with exercise Headaches HeadachesA headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Problems concentrating or thinking Irritability Loss of appetite Numbness and tingling of hands and feet If the anemia gets worse, symptoms may include:Blue color to the whites of the eyes Brittle nails Desire to eat ice or other non-food things (pica syndrome) PicaPica is a pattern of eating non-food materials, such as dirt or paper.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Lightheadedness when you stand up Pale skin color Shortness of breath with mild activity or even at rest Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sore or inflamed tongue Mouth ulcers Abnormal or increased menstrual bleeding Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, and may find:A heart murmur Heart murmurA heart murmur is a blowing, whooshing, or rasping sound heard during a heartbeat. The sound is caused by turbulent (rough) blood flow through the h...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Low blood pressure, especially when you stand up Slight fever Pale skin Rapid heart rate Some types of anemia may cause other findings on a physical exam.Blood tests used to diagnose some common types of anemia may include:Blood levels of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and other vitamins and minerals Complete blood count Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Reticulocyte countReticulocyte countReticulocytes are slightly immature red blood cells. A reticulocyte count is a blood test that measures the amount of these cells in the blood....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests may be done to find medical problems that can cause anemia. Treatment Treatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia, and may include:Blood transfusions Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system Erythropoietin, a medicine that helps your bone marrow make more blood cells Supplements of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or other vitamins and minerals Possible Complications Severe anemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the heart, and can lead to heart failure.Heart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have any symptoms of anemia or unusual bleeding.Open ReferencesReferencesElghetany MT, Banki K. Erythrocytic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 33.Lin JC, Benz Jr. EJ. Approach to anemia in the adult and child. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 35.Means Jr. RT. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 144.AllVideoImagesTogRed blood cells - elliptocytosis - illustration Elliptocytosis is a hereditary disorder of the red blood cells (RBCs). In this condition, the RBCs assume an elliptical shape, rather than the typical round shape.Red blood cells - elliptocytosisillustrationRed blood cells - spherocytosis - illustration Spherocytosis is a hereditary disorder of the red blood cells (RBCs), which may be associated with a mild anemia. Typically, the affected RBCs are small, spherically shaped, and lack the light centers seen in normal, round RBCs.Red blood cells - spherocytosisillustrationRed blood cells - multiple sickle cells - illustration Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder in which abnormal hemoglobin (the red pigment inside red blood cells) is produced. The abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to assume a sickle shape, like the ones seen in this photomicrograph.Red blood cells - multiple sickle cellsillustrationOvalocytoses - illustration Red blood cells (RBCs) are normally round. In ovalocytosis, the cells are oval. Other conditions that produce abnormally shaped RBCs include spherocytosis and elliptocytosis. OvalocytosesillustrationRed blood cells - sickle and Pappenheimer - illustration This photomicrograph of red blood cells (RBCs) shows both sickle-shaped and Pappenheimer bodies. Red blood cells - sickle and PappenheimerillustrationRed blood cells, target cells - illustration These abnormal red blood cells (RBCs) resemble targets. These cells are seen in association with some forms of anemia, and following the removal of the spleen (splenectomy).Red blood cells, target cellsillustrationHemoglobin - illustration Hemoglobin is the most important component of red blood cells. It is composed of a protein called heme, which binds oxygen. In the lungs, oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide. Abnormalities of an individual's hemoglobin value can indicate defects in the normal balance between red blood cell production and destruction. Both low and high values can indicate disease states.HemoglobinillustrationRed blood cells - elliptocytosis - illustration Elliptocytosis is a hereditary disorder of the red blood cells (RBCs). In this condition, the RBCs assume an elliptical shape, rather than the typical round shape.Red blood cells - elliptocytosisillustrationRed blood cells - spherocytosis - illustration Spherocytosis is a hereditary disorder of the red blood cells (RBCs), which may be associated with a mild anemia. Typically, the affected RBCs are small, spherically shaped, and lack the light centers seen in normal, round RBCs.Red blood cells - spherocytosisillustrationRed blood cells - multiple sickle cells - illustration Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder in which abnormal hemoglobin (the red pigment inside red blood cells) is produced. The abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to assume a sickle shape, like the ones seen in this photomicrograph.Red blood cells - multiple sickle cellsillustrationOvalocytoses - illustration Red blood cells (RBCs) are normally round. In ovalocytosis, the cells are oval. Other conditions that produce abnormally shaped RBCs include spherocytosis and elliptocytosis. OvalocytosesillustrationRed blood cells - sickle and Pappenheimer - illustration This photomicrograph of red blood cells (RBCs) shows both sickle-shaped and Pappenheimer bodies. Red blood cells - sickle and PappenheimerillustrationRed blood cells, target cells - illustration These abnormal red blood cells (RBCs) resemble targets. These cells are seen in association with some forms of anemia, and following the removal of the spleen (splenectomy).Red blood cells, target cellsillustrationHemoglobin - illustration Hemoglobin is the most important component of red blood cells. It is composed of a protein called heme, which binds oxygen. In the lungs, oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide. Abnormalities of an individual's hemoglobin value can indicate defects in the normal balance between red blood cell production and destruction. Both low and high values can indicate disease states.HemoglobinillustrationA Closer Look Anemia(Alt. Medicine)Anemia - InDepth(In-Depth)Related Information Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia(Condition)Folate-deficiency anemia(Condition)Iron deficiency anemia(Condition)Hemolytic anemia(Condition)Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency(Condition)Aplastic anemia(Condition)Immune hemolytic anemia(Condition)Pernicious anemia(Condition)Sickle cell disease(Condition)Heart attack(Condition)Anemia - InDepth(In-Depth)Sickle cell disease - InDepth(In-Depth)Heart attack and acute coronary syndrome - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 3/31/2024 Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 12-17-2024. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
AnemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues.Different types of anemia include:Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiencyAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are man...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anemia due to folate (folic acid) deficiency Anemia due to folate (folic acid) defic...Folate-deficiency anemia is a decrease in red blood cells (anemia) due to a lack of folate. Folate is a type of B vitamin. It is also called folic ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anemia due to iron deficiency Anemia due to iron deficiencyAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are man...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anemia of chronic disease Anemia of chronic diseaseAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are man...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hemolytic anemia Hemolytic anemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Normally, red ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Idiopathic aplastic anemia Idiopathic aplastic anemiaAplastic anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells. Bone marrow is the soft, tissue in the center of bones tha...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Megaloblastic anemia Pernicious anemia Pernicious anemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are man...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sickle cell anemia Sickle cell anemiaSickle cell disease is a disorder passed down through families. The red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disk take on a sickle or crescen...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ThalassemiaThalassemiaThalassemia is a blood disorder passed down through families (inherited) in which the body makes an abnormal form or inadequate amount of hemoglobin....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Although many parts of the body help make red blood cells, most of the work is done in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all blood cells.Healthy red blood cells last between 90 and 120 days. Parts of your body then remove old blood cells. A hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) made in your kidneys signals your bone marrow to make more red blood cells.Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. It gives red blood cells their color. People with anemia do not have enough hemoglobin.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The body needs certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to make enough red blood cells. Iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are three of the most important ones. The body may not have enough of these nutrients due to:Changes in the lining of the stomach or intestines that affect how well nutrients are absorbed (for example, celiac disease) Celiac diseaseCeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage comes from a reaction to eating gluten. This ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Poor diet Surgery that removes part of the stomach or intestines Possible causes of anemia include:Iron deficiency Vitamin B12 deficiency Folate deficiency Certain medicines Destruction of red blood cells earlier than normal (which may be caused by immune system problems) Destruction of red blood cellsAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Normally, red ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Long-term (chronic) diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, ulcerative colitis, or rheumatoid arthritis Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some forms of anemia, such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia, which can be inherited Pregnancy Problems with bone marrow such as lymphoma, leukemia, myelodysplasia, multiple myeloma, or aplastic anemia LeukemiaLeukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple myelomaMultiple myeloma is a blood cancer that starts from a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow called plasma cells. Bone marrow is the soft, spon...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Aplastic anemiaAplastic anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells. Bone marrow is the soft, tissue in the center of bones tha...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Slow blood loss (for example, from heavy menstrual periods or stomach ulcers) Stomach ulcersA peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or in the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer)....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sudden heavy blood loss Symptoms You may have no symptoms if the anemia is mild or if the problem develops slowly. Symptoms that may occur first include:Feeling weak or tired more often than usual, or with exercise Headaches HeadachesA headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Problems concentrating or thinking Irritability Loss of appetite Numbness and tingling of hands and feet If the anemia gets worse, symptoms may include:Blue color to the whites of the eyes Brittle nails Desire to eat ice or other non-food things (pica syndrome) PicaPica is a pattern of eating non-food materials, such as dirt or paper.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Lightheadedness when you stand up Pale skin color Shortness of breath with mild activity or even at rest Shortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sore or inflamed tongue Mouth ulcers Abnormal or increased menstrual bleeding Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, and may find:A heart murmur Heart murmurA heart murmur is a blowing, whooshing, or rasping sound heard during a heartbeat. The sound is caused by turbulent (rough) blood flow through the h...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Low blood pressure, especially when you stand up Slight fever Pale skin Rapid heart rate Some types of anemia may cause other findings on a physical exam.Blood tests used to diagnose some common types of anemia may include:Blood levels of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and other vitamins and minerals Complete blood count Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Reticulocyte countReticulocyte countReticulocytes are slightly immature red blood cells. A reticulocyte count is a blood test that measures the amount of these cells in the blood....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests may be done to find medical problems that can cause anemia. Treatment Treatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia, and may include:Blood transfusions Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system Erythropoietin, a medicine that helps your bone marrow make more blood cells Supplements of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or other vitamins and minerals Possible Complications Severe anemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the heart, and can lead to heart failure.Heart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have any symptoms of anemia or unusual bleeding.Open ReferencesReferencesElghetany MT, Banki K. Erythrocytic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 33.Lin JC, Benz Jr. EJ. Approach to anemia in the adult and child. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 35.Means Jr. RT. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 144.
