What are the common signs of anemia. How is anemia diagnosed and treated. What role does iron play in preventing anemia. Can anemia be caused by genetic factors. How does anemia affect overall health and quality of life.

Understanding Anemia: The Basics of Iron-Poor Blood

Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells, which impairs the body’s ability to deliver oxygen efficiently. Often referred to as “iron-poor blood,” anemia can have significant impacts on overall health and well-being. But what exactly causes this condition, and how can it be identified?

The most prevalent form of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia, where low iron levels in the blood lead to reduced production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a crucial protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Without sufficient iron, the body essentially begins to suffocate from within, leading to a range of symptoms and health complications.

Normal Red Blood Cell Counts

To understand anemia, it’s important to know what constitutes normal red blood cell levels:

• For women: 12 grams per deciliter of blood (g/DL)
• For men: 15 grams per deciliter of blood (g/DL)

When blood tests reveal levels below these thresholds, further investigation is typically warranted to determine the underlying cause of the anemia.

The Three Primary Causes of Anemia

Anemia can develop due to three main factors:

1. Blood loss
2. Reduced production of new red blood cells
3. Increased destruction of red blood cells

Blood Loss as a Cause of Anemia

Blood loss can occur through various means, both visible and hidden:

• Heavy menstrual periods in women
• Internal bleeding from ulcers or other digestive issues
• External bleeding from surgery or trauma

In some cases, blood loss may be silent and unrecognized until anemia is detected through routine blood tests.

Reduced Red Blood Cell Production

Several factors can impair the body’s ability to produce sufficient red blood cells or create cells with adequate hemoglobin:

• Dietary deficiencies in iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients
• Chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and HIV/AIDS
• Pregnancy
• Genetic disorders like aplastic anemia

Increased Red Blood Cell Destruction

In some cases, the body may begin to destroy its own red blood cells at an accelerated rate:

• Diseases affecting the spleen, which normally removes worn-out red blood cells
• Inherited conditions like sickle cell anemia and hemolytic anemia

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Anemia

Anemia often develops gradually, with symptoms becoming more pronounced as the condition progresses. How can you identify if you might be anemic?

Early Symptoms of Anemia

• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Cold hands and feet

Advanced Symptoms of Anemia

• Pale skin
• Brittle nails
• Prolonged bleeding from cuts
• Racing or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty concentrating
• Chest pain
• Sexual dysfunction

Is fatigue always a sign of anemia? While fatigue is a common symptom of anemia, it’s important to note that feeling tired can be caused by numerous factors. However, anemic fatigue is typically characterized by weariness after shorter periods of exertion as the body’s cells become starved for oxygen.

Diagnosing Anemia: When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms associated with anemia, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. How is anemia typically diagnosed?

Diagnostic Tools for Anemia

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This comprehensive blood test measures various components of your blood, including red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.
• Medical and Family History: Your doctor will inquire about your medical background and any family history of anemia or related conditions.
• Physical Examination: This can reveal signs of anemia, such as irregular breathing or heartbeat.
• Additional Blood Tests: These may be conducted to check for specific nutrient deficiencies or to examine red blood cells and hemoglobin more closely.

Is anemia always detected through symptoms? Interestingly, anemia is often discovered incidentally during investigations for other health concerns, as early-stage anemia may present few or no noticeable symptoms.

Treatment Approaches for Anemia

The treatment for anemia varies depending on its underlying cause. What are some common approaches to managing anemia?

Dietary Changes and Supplementation

For iron-deficiency anemia, increasing iron intake through diet or supplements is often the first line of treatment. Iron-rich foods include:

• Lean red meat
• Poultry
• Fish
• Beans and lentils
• Dark leafy greens
• Fortified cereals

Iron supplements may be prescribed, but it’s important to take them under medical supervision to avoid potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

Treating Underlying Conditions

If anemia is caused by a chronic illness or genetic disorder, addressing the root cause is crucial. This may involve:

• Medications to manage chronic diseases
• Specialized treatments for genetic disorders
• Surgical interventions for conditions causing blood loss

Blood Transfusions

In severe cases of anemia, blood transfusions may be necessary to quickly increase red blood cell count and alleviate symptoms.

Preventing Anemia: Proactive Measures for Better Health

While some forms of anemia are not preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia. How can you protect yourself from anemia?

Dietary Considerations

• Consume a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate
• Include vitamin C-rich foods to enhance iron absorption
• Consider iron supplementation if you’re at high risk (consult with a healthcare provider first)

Regular Health Check-ups

Schedule routine blood tests to monitor your iron levels and overall health, especially if you have risk factors for anemia.

Manage Chronic Conditions

If you have a chronic illness that increases your risk of anemia, work closely with your healthcare team to keep the condition under control.

The Impact of Anemia on Quality of Life

Anemia can significantly affect an individual’s daily life and overall well-being. How does anemia influence various aspects of health and functioning?

Physical Effects

• Reduced energy levels and stamina
• Decreased exercise tolerance
• Impaired cognitive function and concentration
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Emotional and Psychological Impact

• Mood swings and irritability
• Decreased motivation
• Potential development of anxiety or depression

Social and Occupational Consequences

• Reduced work productivity
• Limitations in social activities and interactions
• Potential strain on relationships due to fatigue and mood changes

Can anemia have long-term health consequences if left untreated? Untreated severe anemia can lead to serious complications, including heart problems, pregnancy complications, and in extreme cases, organ damage due to oxygen deprivation. This underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

Anemia in Special Populations: Unique Considerations

Certain groups may be at higher risk for developing anemia or may experience it differently. What are some special considerations for anemia in specific populations?

Anemia in Pregnancy

Pregnant women have an increased need for iron to support fetal development and increased blood volume. Anemia during pregnancy can lead to:

• Increased risk of preterm delivery
• Low birth weight
• Postpartum depression

Anemia in the Elderly

Older adults may be more susceptible to anemia due to:

• Chronic health conditions
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Medications that interfere with iron absorption

Anemia in the elderly can exacerbate existing health problems and increase the risk of falls and cognitive decline.

Anemia in Children

Children, especially in developing countries, are at risk for iron-deficiency anemia due to:

• Rapid growth and increased iron needs
• Dietary inadequacies
• Parasitic infections

Anemia in children can impair cognitive development and physical growth, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.

By understanding the various aspects of anemia, from its causes and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain their health and seek appropriate care when needed. Remember, while anemia can be a serious condition, many forms are treatable and manageable with proper medical attention and lifestyle adjustments.

Are You Anemic? Signs & Symptoms

Anemia, also known as iron-poor blood, is a common disorder that occurs when a deficiency in your red blood cells impedes delivery of oxygen throughout your body.

The most common cause of anemia is low iron levels in the blood – iron-deficiency anemia.

Without iron, your red blood cells may become low in a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. You essentially begin to suffocate from within.

A normal red blood cell count in women is 12 grams per deciliter of blood (g/DL), and in men it’s 15g/DL. If you show below-normal levels, your doctor will most likely perform other blood tests to determine what’s at the root of the problem.

People who are anemic feel tired and worn out, and their overall health begins to suffer. In severe cases, anemic people who do not seek treatment can experience major organ damage due to oxygen starvation.

Causes of Anemia

There are three main reasons people become anemic: blood loss, a reduction in the body’s ability to produce new red blood cells, or an illness that leads to increased destruction of red blood cells.

Blood loss. When the amount of blood lost is greater than your body’s ability to replace the lost red blood cells, you can become anemic. Women who experience heavy menstrual periods, for example, and people who have internal bleeding due to ulcers or other digestive problems are at the greatest risk for anemia. Sometimes this type of blood loss is silent and unrecognized until anemia shows up on a blood test. External bleeding from surgery or trauma also can cause anemia.

Low production of red blood cells. Even if you’re not bleeding, old red blood cells constantly need to be replaced with new ones.

A number of factors can cause your body to produce too few red blood cells, or red blood cells lacking in sufficient hemoglobin.

These include:

• Diet. If your diet is lacking in foods containing iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients, your red blood cell production can falter.
• Medical conditions.  Chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and HIV/AIDS can interfere with the body’s ability to produce red blood cells. Women who are pregnant also can become anemic.
• Genetic disorders. Children can inherit conditions, like aplastic anemia, that prevent them from producing enough red blood cells. Inherited conditions like sickle cell anemia and hemolytic anemia also can prompt the body to destroy red blood cells.
• Increased red blood cell destruction. Certain diseases can cause your body to turn on its own red blood cells and destroy them. For example, you can become anemic due to an illness that affects your spleen, the organ that normally removes worn-out red blood cells from your body. A diseased or enlarged spleen can begin removing more red blood cells than necessary.

Anemia Signs and Symptoms

People who are anemic most often experience fatigue. While it’s normal to feel tired after a long day at work or a heavy exercise session, when you’re anemic, you feel weary after shorter and shorter periods of exertion as your body’s cells become starved for oxygen.

As anemia worsens, your body can experience visible physical changes — your skin could become pale, your nails brittle and cuts may take longer to stop bleeding.

Other symptoms associated with anemia include:

• Shortness of breath
• Irritability
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Cold hands and feet
• Racing or irregular heartbeat
• Inability to concentrate or think clearly
• Chest pain
• Sexual dysfunction

These symptoms are likely to be very light at first, especially if you have mild or moderate anemia. Our bodies are very adaptable, and will try to compensate for the loss of oxygen in the blood. As anemia advances, your body will be less able to adapt and the symptoms will become more obvious.

You should see your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. However, anemia is often discovered while investigating another illness, since early-stage anemia often involves few or no symptoms.

A diagnosis of anemia usually involves:

• A Complete blood count (CBC), a blood test that measures all the different components of your blood.
• A medical and family history that can indicate whether you’ve become anemic due to illness or a genetic condition.
• A physical exam that can tell whether your breathing or heartbeat has become irregular due to anemia.
• Other blood tests that will check for iron or vitamin deficiencies and look more closely at your red blood cells and hemoglobin.

If you feel consistently weak or have any of the other symptoms associated with anemia, your next step should be to see your doctor.

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Iron-deficiency anemia | Office on Women’s Health

Iron-deficiency anemia means that your body does not have enough iron. Your body needs iron to help carry oxygen through your blood to all parts of your body. Iron-deficiency anemia affects more women than men and is more common during pregnancy.

What is iron-deficiency anemia?

Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, a condition that happens when your body does not make enough healthy red blood cells or the blood cells do not work correctly.

Iron-deficiency anemia happens when you don’t have enough iron in your body. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen through your blood to all parts of your body.

Who gets iron-deficiency anemia?

Iron-deficiency anemia affects more women than men. The risk of iron-deficiency anemia is highest for women who:

• Are pregnant. Iron-deficiency anemia affects one in six pregnant women.¹ You need more iron during pregnancy to support your unborn baby’s development.
• Have heavy menstrual periods. Up to 5% of women of childbearing age develop iron-deficiency anemia because of heavy bleeding during their periods.²

Infants, small children, and teens are also at high risk for iron-deficiency anemia. Learn how much iron children need at different ages.

What are the symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia?

Iron-deficiency anemia often develops slowly. In the beginning, you may not have any symptoms, or they may be mild. As it gets worse, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:³

• Fatigue (very common)
• Weakness (very common)
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Low body temperature
• Pale or yellow “sallow” skin
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or chest pain, especially with physical activity
• Brittle nails
• Pica (unusual cravings for ice, very cold drinks, or non-food items like dirt or paper)⁴

If you think you may have iron-deficiency anemia, talk to your doctor or nurse.

What causes iron-deficiency anemia?

Women can have low iron levels for several reasons:

• Iron lost through bleeding. Bleeding can cause you to lose more blood cells and iron than your body can replace. Women may have low iron levels from bleeding caused by:
  • Digestive system problems, such as ulcers, colon polyps, or colon cancer
  • Regular, long-term use of aspirin and other over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Donating blood too often or without enough time in between donations for your body to recover⁵
  • Heavier or longer than normal menstrual periods
  • Uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding
• Increased need for iron during pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body needs more iron than normal to support your developing baby.
• Not eating enough food that contains iron. Your body absorbs the iron in animal-based foods, such as meat, chicken, and fish, two to three times better than the iron in plant-based foods. Vegetarians or vegans, who eat little or no animal-based foods, need to choose other good sources of iron to make sure they get enough.⁶ Your body also absorbs iron from plant-based foods better when you eat them with foods that have vitamin C, such as oranges and tomatoes. But most people in the United States get enough iron from food.
• Problems absorbing iron. Certain health conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, or gastric bypass surgery for weight loss can make it harder for your body to absorb iron from food.

How is iron-deficiency anemia diagnosed?

Talk to your doctor if you think you might have iron-deficiency anemia. Your doctor may:

• Ask you questions about your health history, including how regular or heavy your menstrual periods are. Your doctor may also ask you about any digestive system problems you may have, such as blood in your stool.
• Do a physical exam
• Talk to you about the foods you eat, the medicines you take, and your family health history
• Do blood tests. Your doctor will do a complete blood count (CBC). The CBC measures many parts of your blood. If the CBC test shows that you have anemia, your doctor will likely do another blood test to measure the iron levels in your blood and confirm that you have iron-deficiency anemia.  

If you have iron-deficiency anemia, your doctor may want to do other tests to find out what is causing it.

Do I need to be tested for iron-deficiency anemia?

Maybe. Talk to your doctor about getting tested as part of your regular health exam if you have heavy menstrual periods or a health problem such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.

How is iron-deficiency anemia treated?

Treatment for iron-deficiency anemia depends on the cause:

• Blood loss from a digestive system problem. If you have an ulcer, your doctor may give you antibiotics or other medicine to treat the ulcer. If your bleeding is caused by a polyp or cancerous tumor, you may need surgery to remove it.  
• Blood loss from heavy menstrual periods. Your doctor may give you hormonal birth control to help relieve heavy periods. If your heavy bleeding does not get better, your doctor may recommend surgery. Types of surgery to control heavy bleeding include endometrial ablation, which removes or destroys your uterine lining, and hysterectomy, which removes all or parts of your uterus.
• Increased need for iron. If you have problems absorbing iron or have lower iron levels but do not have severe anemia, your doctor may recommend:
  • Iron pills to build up your iron levels as quickly as possible. Do not take any iron pills without first talking to your doctor or nurse.
  • Eating more foods that contain iron. Good sources of iron include meat, fish, eggs, beans, peas, and fortified foods (look for cereals fortified with 100% of the daily value for iron).
  • Eating more foods with vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, broccoli, and tomatoes.

If you have severe bleeding or symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath, your doctor may recommend iron or red blood cell transfusions. Transfusions are for severe iron deficiencies only and are much less common.

What do I need to know about iron pills?

Your doctor may recommend iron pills to help build up your iron levels. Do not take these pills without talking to your doctor or nurse first. Taking iron pills can cause side effects, including an upset stomach, constipation, and diarrhea. If taken as a liquid, iron supplements may stain your teeth.

You can reduce side effects from iron pills by taking these steps:

• Start with half of the recommended dose. Gradually increase to the full dose.
• Take iron in divided doses. For example, if you take two pills daily, take one in the morning with breakfast and the other after dinner.
• Take iron with food (especially something with vitamin C, such as a glass of orange juice, to help your body absorb the iron).
• If one type of iron pill causes side effects, ask your doctor for another type.
• If you take iron as a liquid instead of as a pill, aim it toward the back of your mouth. This will prevent the liquid from staining your teeth. You can also brush your teeth after taking the medicine to help prevent staining.

What can happen if iron-deficiency anemia is not treated?

If left untreated, iron-deficiency anemia can cause serious health problems. Having too little oxygen in the body can damage organs. With anemia, the heart must work harder to make up for the lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin. This extra work can harm the heart.

Iron-deficiency anemia can also cause problems during pregnancy.

How can I prevent iron-deficiency anemia?

You can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia with the following steps:

• Treat the cause of blood loss. Talk to your doctor if you have heavy menstrual periods or if you have digestive system problems, such as frequent diarrhea or blood in your stool.
• Eat foods with iron. Good sources of iron include lean meat and chicken, dark, leafy vegetables, and beans.
• Eat and drink foods that help your body absorb iron, like orange juice, strawberries, broccoli, or other fruits and vegetables with vitamin C.
• Make healthy food choices. Most people who make healthy, balanced food choices get the iron and vitamins their bodies need from the foods they eat.
• Avoid drinking coffee or tea with meals. These drinks make it harder for your body to absorb iron.
• Talk to your doctor if you take calcium pills. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. If you have a hard time getting enough iron, talk to your doctor about the best way to also get enough calcium.

How much iron do I need every day?

The chart below lists how much iron you need every day. The recommended amounts are listed in milligrams (mg). See a list of good sources of iron.

Source: Adapted from Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board⁶

*Vegetarians need more iron from food than people who eat meat do. This is because the body can absorb iron from meat better than from plant-based foods.

What foods contain iron?

Food sources of iron include:

• Fortified breakfast cereals (18 milligrams per serving)
• Oysters (8 milligrams per 3-ounce serving)
• Canned white beans (8 milligrams per cup)
• Dark chocolate (7 milligrams per 3-ounce serving)
• Beef liver (5 milligrams per 3-ounce serving)
• Spinach (3 milligrams per ½ cup)
• Tofu, firm (3 milligrams per ½ cup)
• Kidney beans (2 milligrams per ½ cup)
• Canned tomatoes (2 milligrams per ½ cup)
• Lean beef (2 milligrams for a 3-ounce serving)
• Baked potato (2 milligrams for a medium potato)

Find more sources of iron.

Do I need more iron during pregnancy?

Yes. During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to support your growing baby. In fact, pregnant women need almost twice as much iron as women who are not pregnant do. Not getting enough iron during pregnancy raises your risk for premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby (less than 5 ½ pounds). Premature birth is the most common cause of infant death. Both premature birth and low birth weight raise your baby’s risk for health and developmental problems at birth and during childhood.

If you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor about these steps:

• Getting 27 milligrams of iron every day. Take a prenatal vitamin with iron every day, or talk to your doctor about taking an iron supplement (pill).
• Testing for iron-deficiency anemia⁷
• Testing for iron-deficiency anemia four to six weeks after childbirth

Do I need more iron if I am breastfeeding?

No, you do not need more iron during breastfeeding. In fact, you need less iron than before you were pregnant. The amount of iron women need during breastfeeding is 10 milligrams per day for young mothers 14 to 18 and 9 milligrams per day for breastfeeding women older than 18.

You need less iron while breastfeeding because you likely will not lose a lot through your menstrual cycle. Many breastfeeding women do not have a period or may have only a light period. Also, if you got enough iron during pregnancy (27 milligrams a day), your breastmilk will supply enough iron for your baby.

Does menopausal hormone therapy affect how much iron I need to take?

It might. If you still get your period and take menopausal hormone therapy, you may need more iron than women who are postmenopausal and do not take menopausal hormone therapy. Talk to your doctor or nurse.

Does birth control affect my risk for iron-deficiency anemia?

It could. Hormonal birth control, such as the pill, the patch, the shot, or the hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), is often used to treat women with heavy menstrual periods. Lighter menstrual periods may reduce your risk for iron-deficiency anemia.

Also, the non-hormonal, copper IUD (Paragard) may make your menstrual flow heavier. This raises your risk for iron-deficiency anemia.

Talk to your doctor or nurse about your risk for anemia and whether hormonal birth control may help.

I am a vegetarian. How can I make sure I get enough iron?

You can help make sure you get enough iron by choosing foods that contain iron more often. Vegetarians need more iron from food than people who eat meat. This is because the body can absorb iron from meat better than from plant-based foods.

Vegetarian sources of iron include:⁸

• Cereals and bread with added iron
• Lentils and beans
• Dark chocolate
• Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli
• Tofu
• Chickpeas
• Canned tomatoes

Talk to your doctor or nurse about whether you get enough iron. Most people get enough iron from food.

Can I get more iron than my body needs?

Yes, your body can get too much iron. Extra iron can damage the liver, heart, and pancreas. Try to get no more than 45 milligrams of iron a day, unless your doctor prescribes more.

Some people get too much iron because of a condition called hemochromatosis that runs in families. Learn more about hemochromatosis, who is at risk, and how it is treated.

You can also get too much iron from iron pills (if you also get iron from food) or from repeated blood transfusions.

Did we answer your question about iron-deficiency anemia?

For more information about iron-deficiency anemia, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations:

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, HHS
  Phone Number: 301-592-8573
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  Phone Number: 800-877-1600
• Iron Disorders Institute
  Phone Number: 888-565-4766

Sources

1. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2015). Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnant Women: Screening and Supplementation.
2. Cogswell, M.E. Looker, A.C., Pfeiffer, C.M., Cook, J.D., Lacher, D.A., Beard, J.L. et al. (2009). Assessment of iron deficiency in U.S. preschool children and nonpregnant females of childbearing age: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; 89: 1334–1342.
3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2014). What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia?
4. Bryant, B.J., Yau, Y.Y., Arceo, S.M., Hopkins, J.A., and Leitman, S.F. (2013). Ascertainment of iron deficiency and depletion in blood donors through screening questions for pica and restless legs syndrome. Transfusion, 53(8):1637-44.
5. Cable, R.G., Glynn, S.A., Kiss, J.A., Mast, A.E., Whitney, R.S., Murphy, E.L., et al. (2012). Iron Deficiency in Blood Donors: The REDS-II Donor Iron Status Evaluation (RISE) Study. Transfusion; 52(4): 702–711.
6. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2016). Iron.
7. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2015). Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnant Women: Screening and Supplementation.
8. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2016). Iron: Health Professional Fact Sheet. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

The Office on Women’s Health is grateful for the medical review by:

• Harvey Luksenburg, M.D., Special Advisor to the Director, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health
• Deepa Sekhar, M.D., Hematologist, Assistant Professor, College of Medicine, Penn State University
• Cheryl Garrison, Certified Iron Educator for Iron-Out-of-Balance™, Executive Director, Iron Disorders Institute

All material contained on these pages are free of copyright restrictions and maybe copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.

Page last updated:
February 22, 2021

what tests need to be done and how it is treated

You constantly have no strength, your head often hurts, your periods are pouring like a bucket and you don’t understand what is happening to you? The reason can be simple and banal – anemia. We will tell you why it occurs, how it manifests itself and what threatens the body.

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Iron rich foods

Anemia is a condition in which the body lacks full-fledged red blood cells (erythrocytes), which are needed to transport oxygen. Blood circulates throughout the body, delivering oxygen to all tissues and organs and taking away carbon dioxide. And if there is not enough oxygen, malfunctions can occur in the body.

Contents of the article

Anemia occurs for a variety of reasons: it can be related to genetic or other diseases, due to dietary problems, or due to medical interventions. If you suspect that you have anemia, it is better not to hesitate, but to consult a doctor: the reasons are both quite harmless and very serious.

Why anemia occurs

Different factors can affect the work, quality or number of red blood cells. For the maturation of these blood cells, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are needed. A lack of any of these components is expected to lead to anemia.

Blood cells are renewed daily – approximately 1% of circulating cells die and are replaced by new ones. If there is not enough iron, B12 or folic acid in the body, the old ones will continue to break down, and there may not be enough new ones – anemia will appear.

In addition, there are factors that do not affect the production of new cells, but increase the destruction of existing ones. Often these are diseases or processes in the body that provoke or are accompanied by bleeding, but other conditions also contribute:

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• menses;
• birth of a child;
• surgical interventions;
• endometriosis;
• cirrhosis and other disorders of the liver;
• hereditary diseases: thalassemia, sickle cell anemia.

The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. It occurs in every second patient with anemia.

How to recognize anemia?

There are quite a few manifestations of anemia. But many of them are completely non-specific, and most of us attribute their appearance to heavy workload, constant stress and other reasons that are associated with the modern lifestyle. But be attentive to your health, if you notice several signs at the same time, do not wait, but go to the doctor.

Extreme fatigue

The most common symptom of anemia, which almost no one pays attention to. Women, who are prone to anemia much more often than men, often do not attach importance to their fatigue and simply ignore the fact that every day it becomes more and more difficult for them to do their usual actions.

Due to anemia, less oxygen is supplied to the tissues and organs. This means that all processes in cells go worse, including those aimed at obtaining energy. There is simply no strength left for anything.

Pay attention to your condition: if you are not just tired, but do not feel the strength to cope with something that did not cause any problems before, then it may be just a lack of iron.

Heavy menstruation

If your periods have always been heavy or suddenly become very strong due to some changes in the body, then you are at an increased risk of developing anemia. Give me a simple test to understand if your period is strong or not: if the tampon is correctly selected for absorbency, but you have to change it more than once every two hours, then such menstruation can be considered abundant.

Get tested and consult a doctor – periods can be curbed to make them not so strong.

Severe pallor

Acquaintances and friends say that you look pale or seem sick to them? We are sure that they are sincerely worried about you and your health, and not gloating. With anemia, pallor is a very common symptom. Hemoglobin, the main element of red blood cells, which is involved in the transport of oxygen, has a red color. Because of it, the blood is red and the skin has a pinkish tint. And if there are not enough erythrocytes, then the skin color will become less saturated, for those who know you well, this will be clearly noticeable.

You feel a lack of air

You seem to be in a normal physical condition, but you constantly lack oxygen and even deep breaths do not help. This is also a sign of anemia: if the usual load suddenly becomes very heavy, causes shortness of breath, or requires a long recovery and deep breaths, then this is also probably a problem with oxygen transport.

Headaches have become more frequent

If you have never suffered from headaches, and now you carry a “headache” pill with you all the time, then think about anemia. Iron deficiency leads to the fact that your brain (like other organs) receives less oxygen than it needs, and severe headaches become the result of this situation.

Want to chew chalk

Strange taste preferences: the desire to eat chalk, paper or suck on a piece of ice also indicates iron deficiency and is a symptom of anemia. Everyone has heard about the strange taste preferences of pregnant women, and these preferences have a logical explanation: the chances of anemia during pregnancy are very high, and therefore women who are carrying a child have these unusual tastes.

Severe anxiety

A common but often overlooked symptom is iron deficiency and anemia often make people more anxious. The fact is that oxygen deficiency affects the sympathetic nervous system: when it starts to work not as intended, anxiety increases.

Problems with the thyroid gland

Iron deficiency affects the functioning of the thyroid gland – it works less well and produces less of the necessary hormones. Hypothyroidism develops, reduced function of the thyroid gland. By the way, it is partially characterized by the same symptoms as for anemia: mood swings, extreme fatigue, depression. Did you notice it? Go to the doctor.

How to detect anemia?

What will the doctor do if you come to him with suspected anemia? Most likely, he will find out what you were sick with and your relatives were sick, and will conduct an examination.

Family history is needed to rule out or confirm hereditary causes of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia.

Among the tests most likely to be taken:

• complete blood count;
• serum iron;
• ferritin test;
• vitamin B12 test;
• folic acid test;
• fecal occult blood test.

After receiving the results of tests and examinations, the doctor will be able to determine the cause of anemia, exclude other diseases, and prescribe the necessary treatment. You will probably have to adjust your diet, in addition, the doctor may prescribe iron, vitamin 12 or folic acid additionally – in tablets or injections. In severe cases, a blood transfusion will be required.

What happens if anemia is not treated?

Anemia affects the quality of life: a person has no strength for daily activities, he is constantly depressed, upset, and life literally becomes not sweet. But besides this, there are other problems: due to a lack of oxygen, tissues and organs will begin to work worse. The immune system will drop and the body will become more vulnerable to infections, and the chances of developing problems with the lungs and heart will also increase.

What to eat to avoid anemia?

Where is iron found?

To rule out anemia, it is important to get enough iron in your diet. For adults, the average daily values ​​are:

• 8 mg for men;
• 18 mg for women;
• 27 mg pregnant;
• 9 mg nursing.
• 8 mg for menopausal women.

Excellent sources of iron: beef liver, red meat, seafood, oatmeal, legumes, spinach.

Where is vitamin B12 found?

The daily value of vitamin B12 for adults is 2. 4 mcg. Pregnant women need a little more – 2.6 mcg, lactating – even more – 2.8 mcg.

The best sources of vitamin B12 are beef liver, as well as eggs and dairy products.

Where is folic acid found?

Men and women need 400 micrograms of folate (a derivative of folic acid) daily. During pregnancy and lactation, women require more: 600 mcg when carrying a child and 500 mcg when breastfeeding. Folates are found in large quantities in liver, legumes, leafy vegetables, and eggs.

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Anemia and mobilization, who will be called into service with anemia?

Partial mobilization, which began in connection with the adoption of Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of September 21, 2022 No. 647 “On the announcement of partial mobilization in the Russian Federation”, again made the question of what diseases do not serve in the army relevant. All pathological processes and fitness categories that are assigned to conscripts with them are listed in Appendix No. 1 to Government Decree No. 565 of July 4, 2013 “Schedule of Diseases”. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether people with anemia are taken into the army or not can be found in the presented regulatory legal act.

What is anemia

Before revealing the topic of how anemia and mobilization are related, one should consider the concept itself in more detail and classify the disease by type and stage of development.

Pay attention! Anemia, anemia is a pathological process characterized by a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and the level of hemoglobin in the blood. The less hemoglobin in the blood, the greater the lack of oxygen will be recorded. Hypoxia negatively affects the functioning of organs, which drastically worsens a person’s well-being.

The diagnosis of anemia is confirmed in men if the hemoglobin level is less than 130 g / l. If the indicator deviates to a lesser extent, then an adult male is diagnosed with “Anemia”. The amount of hemoglobin, which is determined by a general blood test, allows you to determine the degree of anemia:

• more than 120 g / l – anemia of 0 degree;
• from 120 to 100 g / l – anemia of 1 degree;
• from 100 to 80 g / l – anemia of the 2nd degree;
• from 80 to 65 g / l – anemia of the 3rd degree;
• less than 56 g / l – anemia of the 4th degree.

Conscripts with anemia are treated ambiguously within the framework of the military medical commission. In many situations, a recruit is immediately recognized as partially fit for military service, but there have been cases when young men, despite a low level of hemoglobin, were sent to the army.

Important! The category of suitability for recruits with anemia directly depends on the type of anemia and the severity of the disease. Therefore, in order to receive a non-conscription health group, it is necessary to provide medical documents confirming the degree of illness within the framework of the IHC.

What symptoms accompany anemia

The clinical picture of the course of the disease is not the basis for establishing the category of fitness for the conscript. However, it should be emphasized that the lower the level of hemoglobin in a person, the more pronounced the signs of anemia will be, the more harm the body causes hypoxia.

As for the symptom complex of the disease, there are no clear specific signs of anemia. Therefore, the diagnosis can only be confirmed by laboratory testing. But there are a number of nonspecific signs that develop in a patient with one or another type of anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia

The lack of iron in the body is the main reason leading to this type of anemia. Patients suffering from iron deficiency may experience dry skin, brittle hair and nail plates, cracks in the corners of the mouth, and constant weakness. Often such people experience unnatural desires: to eat chalk, earth, raw meat. It is also possible pathological addiction to smells: gasoline, dust, acetone.

Iron deficiency anemia adversely affects the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. In men, there is an exacerbation of gastritis.

B12 deficiency anemia

The pathogenesis of anemia depends directly on the lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid. As a result of vitamin deficiency, the process of maturation of red blood cells (erythrocytes) is disrupted. As a result, the patient’s brain and bone marrow, as well as the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, are drawn into the pathological process.

If untreated, a man may develop atrophic gastritis, paresthesia, numbness of the arms and legs. In severe cases, mental disorders are formed, up to dementia.

Aplastic anemia

During this disease, the patient’s hematopoietic functions of the red brain are inhibited. There are manifestations of hematological syndrome, which include: muscle weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, hemorrhage on the skin, difficult to stop bleeding.

The danger of the aplastic form of anemia is that a person is prone to the rapid development of infectious diseases and inflammatory processes, which most often lead to the formation of purulent foci.

Hemolytic anemia

This type of anemia is associated with accelerated destruction of red blood cells, resulting in the release of an increased volume of indirect bilirubin into the blood. In addition to anemic symptoms, patients with hemolytic anemia have an enlarged spleen, and jaundice develops due to an increased content of bilirubin.

Sickle cell disease

It is one of the most dangerous types of anemia. This disease is hereditary. During hemoglobinopathy, the shape of red blood cells changes from oval to sickle-shaped, which formed the basis for the name of anemia.

Anemia is accompanied by serious complications in the form of thrombosis, osteoarticular pain, skeletal deformities, hepatomegaly. If sickle cell anemia is detected in a child, then a delay in mental and physical development is possible.

What category is assigned for anemia

Is it possible to mobilize with anemia and are such conscripts suitable for service? The answer is given in Art. 11 Schedules of diseases “Diseases of the blood, hematopoietic organs and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism.” In particular, it states that this section includes all types of acquired and hereditary anemia.

A draftee with anemia, according to the Schedule of Diseases, cannot be recognized as temporarily unfit for military service (category “G”). However, many military commissariats establish this category, despite existing clarifications. A deferment from mobilization is issued to those persons who have experienced anemia due to temporary functional disorders due to blood pathologies or, for example, after an operation. After undergoing treatment, a second medical examination is carried out – when the condition stabilizes, the young man is called up for military service.

Example

Citizen Savelyev underwent an operation during which severe blood loss occurred. Thanks to the doctors, the young man was saved, but post-hemorrhagic anemia developed due to prolonged blood loss. It was not possible to stop the condition with drugs. During the draft campaign, the young man was assigned the health group “B”, as post-hemorrhagic anemia led to numerous complications that prevented him from military service.

How to get a deferment from the army for anemia

In order to be assigned a non-conscription category, a young person must undergo a full medical examination. It is important to follow the procedure:

• the examination must be carried out in independent clinics;
• extracts, certificates and any medical documents where the disease is recorded must be provided to representatives of the military medical commission;
• on the basis of a summons from the military commissariat to visit the VVK – to submit documents collected over the years of illness;
• if necessary, undergo additional examinations in the direction of the IHC in order to clarify the diagnosis;
• with the results obtained, visit the military commissariat again to find out about the decision of the VVK on the category of fitness for military service or mobilization.

Sample Application

Sample application for deferment
2023
year

Download

Judicial practice

Citizen Fomin A. V., acting as a plaintiff, filed an administrative lawsuit against the military commissariat for the city of Krasnoyarsk, in which he asked to recognize the decision of the draft commission on assigning him a category of fitness for military service illegal.

Having received a summons from the draft board, the conscript appeared to undergo a medical examination. During the examination, the young man outlined his complaints to the therapist (which may indicate anemia), and also presented medical extracts from a visit to a hematologist. The extract indicated the diagnosis: mild chronic iron deficiency anemia.

Despite the presence of complaints and official discharges, the therapist did not send the conscript for additional examination due to the fact that iron deficiency anemia is not a basis for assigning a non-conscription category. The only examination for which a referral was issued was an ultrasound of the heart. Further, based on the results obtained, Fomin was sent for a consultation and additional examination to a hematologist. The diagnosis from the discharge is chronic iron deficiency anemia against the background of donation. There are no data for the presence of diseases that prevent military service.

Representatives of the VVK came to the conclusion that the diagnosis is not a basis for obtaining a non-draft category. Therefore, the young man was given a summons to appear at the draft board. Citizen Fomin, as part of the recruiting activities, repeatedly complained about his condition and expressed the opinion that he could not be sent to military service due to illness. The draft board, despite the arguments, found him fit for service.

Having considered the circumstances of the case, the court decided to dismiss the administrative claim.

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FAQ

Do they take for mobilization if hemoglobin is constantly falling, but the diagnosis has not been established?

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Depends on the state of your health. During recruitment events, you will be sent for a medical examination, where, if necessary, an in-depth diagnosis will be carried out. It is important to understand why your hemoglobin is constantly falling. For example, anemia may indicate the presence of an oncological disease, with which citizens are not subject to mobilization.

Are they subject to mobilization with thalassemia?

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Thalassemia, or Cooley’s anemia, is a disease that prevents military service. If anemia is officially confirmed, then you will be assigned a category “B” or “D”. In the first case, conscripts do not fall under the first wave of mobilization, but if necessary, such persons can be called up for service, for example, when martial law is introduced. With category “D” citizens are not called up for service.

What category of suitability is established for hypoplastic anemia?

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This type of anemia indicates that the bone marrow is not functioning properly.