Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues and organs of your body. Anemia is a condition in which your blood makes fewer than normal, healthy red blood cells. You need iron to make hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein that carries oxygen. Iron deficiency anemia is the type of anemia caused due to low-iron levels. It is the most common cause of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia may be caused by:
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Blood loss. This can be caused by heavy menstrual periods. It can also be caused by bleeding from the stomach or intestines.
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Major surgery or physical trauma
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Pregnancy
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Certain medicines or treatments, such as chemotherapy
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Not eating enough foods that contain iron.
Other causes of anemia include certain vitamin deficiencies, chronic kidney disease, genetic diseases, and other chronic illnesses.
Anemia makes you feel tired and run down. When anemia becomes severe, your skin becomes pale. You may feel short of breath or have chest pain during and after physical activity. Other symptoms include:
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Headaches
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Extreme fatigue and weakness
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Chest pain or shortness of breath
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Fast or irregular heartbeat
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Pounding or whooshing in your ears
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Dizziness
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Leg cramps with physical activity
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Drowsiness
Home care
Follow these guidelines when caring for yourself at home:
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Don’t overexert yourself. Pace your activities as you can tolerate.
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Eat foods rich in iron, such as beef, poultry, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Vitamin C rich foods, such as citrus fruits, peppers, and strawberries may help with iron absorption through the gut.
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Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling by air or to high altitudes.
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Follow any instructions to manage anemia given to you by your healthcare provider.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. You may need other blood tests to find out the exact cause of your anemia. If you had testing done today or recently, it may take several days to get all of the results. You can follow up with your provider to get the results.
Call 911
Call
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Shortness of breath or chest pain
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Dizziness or fainting
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Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or passing bright red- or black-colored stool
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