What is Anemia?

-Anemia is defined as low blood levels, which is primary caused by issues with iron deficiency and chronic disease, both a very relevant health concern in our office and in the United States.

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What are causes of Anemia?

-There are many different causes for anemia, and the condition may be short term, long term, mild or severe. Anemia can affect anyone, though it is more common in women and the elderly. 

 

-A recent study estimated that an average of 5.6% of the U.S. population met the criteria for anemia, 10% of people over the age of 65 and 9% of women women between the age of 12 and 49 have anemia with a prevalence that is quickly increasing. High risk groups included hispanics, pregnant women, women of reproductive age and the elderly...

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-Anemia is commonly an incidental findings on routine labs, though some common symptoms are weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heart beat, headaches, chest pain, pale skin and confusion. Common causes are iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency, chronic disease, aplastic anemia, bone marrow disease, hemolytic anemia and sickle cell disease.  

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-Since iron deficiency anemia may arise from bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract, many of which may be cancerous or precancerous, one must rule out gastrointestinal lesions with endoscopy, colonoscopy and video capsule endoscopy. Make an appointment today to get evaluated for anemia.