People of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, may experience anemia - the lack of healthy red blood cells in the body - at some point in their lives. It is estimated that there are 3.5 million people in the United States who have anemia.
Dr. Meyer R. Heyman, a hematologist who directs the Center for Blood Disorders at St. Agnes Hospital, discusses the condition.
* Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body; therefore, those with anemia do not get sufficient oxygen-rich blood. As a result, people with anemia may feel fatigued and experience weakness or shortness of breath. Symptoms like these may cause a person to contact his or her primary care physician. Depending on the cause of the anemia, patients may appear pale and in some instances jaundiced.
* There are many causes of anemia, both hereditary and acquired. However, the development of anemia results from three basic processes: inadequate production of red blood cells in bone marrow; abnormal destruction of red blood cells in the circulation; and abnormal trapping of red blood cells in the spleen.
The causes of anemia in some cases can be determined by simple means, such as looking at a blood smear under the microscope. An example of this is the very small red blood cells seen in iron deficiency anemia.
* Anemia can be a temporary condition, a consequence of other health conditions, or a chronic problem.
Most mild types of anemia can be easily treated; however, certain types of anemias may be severe, long lasting and life threatening if not diagnosed and treated properly. It is always best to treat the specific cause of anemia, and avoid a blood transfusion when possible.
* In recent years there has been a good deal of advertising touting erythropoietin - marketed as Procrit, Epogen, and Aranesp - as a remedy for anemia. It was highly recommended to prevent the need for transfusions in cancer patients.
Subsequent trials have shown that erythropoietin may shorten survival in some cancers and is now not recommended when treating some cancers such as breast or lung cancer. Also, there are many kinds of anemia which will not respond to erythropoietin administration.
* If you or a family member develops an anemia that cannot be promptly diagnosed and treated by your primary care physician, ask for a prompt referral to a board-certified hematologist who is trained to handle this health issue. A prompt referral may avoid the need for a transfusion.
