Anemia
The word anemia is derived from the ancient Greek word anaimi, meaning "lack of blood." In medicine, anemia refers to a decreased number of circulating red blood cells. It is diagnosed with a test called a complete blood count, or CBC.
Anemia can result from many different disorders, so if you receive an anemia diagnosis, it is important to have a health care provider determine the exact cause. Some of the potential causes include, among others:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Medications
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Pregnancy
- Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract
- Problems with the bone marrow, where all blood cells, including red blood cells, are produced
- Problems specific to the red blood cells, including issues with hemoglobin (for example, sickle cell disease and thalassemia), with the red blood cell membrane (for example, hereditary spherocytosis) or with enzymes in the cell (for example, pyruvate kinase or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency)
- Disease of specific organs, such as the kidney or the liver
Our Approach to Anemia
To treat anemia, we must identify and address the underlying cause. UCSF's hematologists are experts in diagnosing the causes of anemia and providing proper treatment. Your hematologist will work closely with your primary care doctor to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
Anemia
Signs and Symptoms
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to other tissues. Therefore, anemia symptoms usually relate to the tissues not receiving enough oxygen.
Mild anemia may cause minimal to no symptoms. With progressively worsening anemia, or anemia with sudden onset, people often experience fatigue or shortness of breath. Anemia can also cause pale skin, and if severe enough, a rapid heart rate. Some types of anemia can make the skin and the white part of the eyes turn yellow.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
Anemia
Diagnosis
Anemia is diagnosed with a test called a complete blood count, or CBC. Specifically, doctors look at the hemoglobin or hematocrit results from the CBC to diagnose anemia and to follow the patient's response to treatment.
Your doctor will also measure the size of the red blood cells and examine them under a microscope to look for clues about the underlying cause of your anemia. With that information in hand, your doctor will order additional blood tests to determine the cause. In addition, your family and medical history can be very helpful in making the proper diagnosis.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
Anemia
Treatments
Treatment for anemia is individualized for every patient, depending on the underlying cause of the anemia. For example, anemia due to a nutrient deficiency is usually treated with nutritional supplements or dietary changes. For patients with certain kidney disorders, the hormone erythropoietin can be provided to increase the number of red blood cells. If anemia is due to autoimmune disorders, patients may need medicine to suppress their immune system. If a medication is the cause, the patient may need to receive a different dose or type of medication. There are many other causes of anemia, each with its own treatment plan.
Of course, if anemia needs to be treated quickly in life-threatening situations, red blood cells can be given by blood transfusion.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
Seeking care at UCSF Health
Anemia
Resources & Support
At UCSF Health, we are renowned for our highly specialized and cutting-edge medical care. Along with innovative medicine, we strive to provide a variety of services to ensure that patients and families are fully supported while in our care. UCSF has a team of experienced social workers and condition-specific support groups as well as classes to help patients and families navigate their experiences while in our clinics and hospitals.
Our support services also include unique programs to help heal the mind and spirit, such as Art for Recovery, Healing Through Dance and complimentary spa treatments during infusion therapy. During an unfamiliar and stressful time, UCSF's support services are ready to lend a hand whenever patients and families need it most.
