It can be temporary or chronic. Sickle cell disease is an inherited type of anemia. It causes your red blood cells to be deformed — they become sickle-shaped, rigid, and sticky. This causes them to get stuck in small blood vessels, which blocks blood flow throughout your body, depriving tissue of oxygen.
Thalassemia can be mild or severe. It becomes severe if you inherit two copies of the gene that causes it. Malarial anemia is a main symptom of severe malaria. Many factors contribute to its development, including:. Fanconi anemia FA is a genetic condition that impairs bone marrow and causes you to have a lower than normal amount of all types of blood cells. It often also causes physical abnormalities, such as malformed thumbs or forearms , skeletal abnormalities, a malformed or missing kidney , gastrointestinal abnormalities, infertility, and vision and hearing problems.
Fanconi anemia can also cause an increased risk of leukemia, as well as head, neck, skin , reproductive, and gastrointestinal cancers. These are conditions that cause anemia and are inherited, which means they are passed down through one or both parents through your genes. Severe bleeding can cause sudden, short-term anemia.
For example, this might happen after a traumatic injury where you lose a lot of blood. Acquired diseases, including malaria, can cause anemia. Other infections can cause aplastic anemia or hemolytic anemia. Autoimmune diseases are also a potential cause of anemia, as they may cause your body to attack red blood cells.
First, your doctor will take your family and medical history. Then they will do a physical exam to look for symptoms of anemia. Rhoads MD - Internal Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
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Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Iron Deficiency Anemia. Top of the page. Topic Overview What is iron deficiency anemia? What causes iron deficiency anemia? You might have low iron levels because you: Have heavy menstrual bleeding. Are not getting enough iron in food. This can happen in people who need a lot of iron, such as small children, teens, and pregnant women.
Have bleeding inside your body. This bleeding may be caused by problems such as ulcers , hemorrhoids , or cancer. This bleeding can also happen with regular aspirin use. Bleeding inside the body is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in men and in women after menopause. Cannot absorb iron well in your body. This problem may occur if you have celiac disease or if you have had part of your stomach or small intestine removed.
What are the symptoms? As anemia gets worse, you may: Feel weak and tire out more easily. Feel dizzy. Be grumpy or cranky. Have headaches. Look very pale. Feel short of breath. Have trouble concentrating. Babies and small children who have anemia may: Be fussy. Have a short attention span. Grow more slowly than normal. Develop skills, such as walking and talking, later than normal. Anemia in children must be treated so that mental and behavior problems do not last long.
How is iron deficiency anemia diagnosed? Your doctor may also do tests to find out what is causing your anemia. How is it treated? Can you prevent iron deficiency anemia? Symptoms Mild iron deficiency anemia may not cause noticeable symptoms. If anemia is severe, symptoms may include: Weakness, fatigue, or lack of stamina. Shortness of breath during exercise. Trouble concentrating. Pale skin. Craving substances that are not food pica. In particular, a craving for ice can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
Other signs may include: Rapid heartbeat. Brittle fingernails and toenails. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. What happens if my anemia goes untreated?
Anemia is when there are not enough red blood cells in the body. It can be short-term or chronic, but it is generally easily treated and monitored. If left untreated, the symptoms of anemia will become worse over time. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all the cells in the body. This lack of iron causes anemia , otherwise known as iron-deficiency anemia. Just as with migraines, iron-deficiency anemia affects more women than men. Women who are pregnant or have heavy periods have the highest risk of iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron-deficiency anemia develops slowly — your symptoms could be mild, or you may not even have any. But when the anemia gets worse, fatigue and weakness may appear. These are the most common symptoms. One or more of these other signs may also appear:. He or she may take these steps to diagnose the problem:.
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