Anemia

anemia

Anemia is a blood disorder which affects hemoglobin and red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body. You need iron to make hemoglobin. Most people who have anemia are iron deficient.

It is the number of red blood cells going below normal. Hence, the body parts lack oxygen. They cannot function and cause problems. You can develop the symptoms if your body does not make enough red blood cells or destroy them or if you lose too much blood.

It is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy.

It is very important for you to learn how bad (severe) your symptoms are.

How bad is my anemia?

Mild: Hemoglobin (Hgb) level is between 10.0 g/dL to 13.2 g/dL. You may have headaches, fatigue and dizziness. Most of the time, mild anemia can be safely managed at home (see the section below).

Moderate: Hgb level is between 8.0 -10.0 g/dL. You may also experience chest pain, yellowish skin, weakness, cold hand and feet. It can sometimes be safely managed at home or may require the attention of medical team.

Severe: Hgb level is less than 8.0 g/dL. You may have shortness of breath, heart palpitation and pale skin. Also you are at high risk of getting infection. It may be an emergency and require additional medical treatments or hospitalization.

Keep track of your Hgb levels using Ankr (myAnkr web portal or the Ankr app). It will help you describe the severity to your doctor or nurse.

Supportive care for anemia?

  • Take iron by mouth
  • Eat foods with vitamin C to absorb iron.
  • Consume foods high in folic acid and vitamin B12.
  • If you have chronic kidney disease, or CKD, opt for intravenous (IV) infusion iron supplements
  • Transfusions of red blood cells.

Warning signs/severe symptoms of anemia that need immediate medical attention

Talk to your doctor if you have risk factors or notice any signs or symptoms of anaemia including fatigue (tiredness), breathlessness, rapid heart rate, pale skin, or any other symptoms. You may not need hospitalization until you experience serious conditions. Your doctor may generally prescribe you medications and provide other treatments to manage your body’s level of red blood cells.

What tests are needed to diagnose anemia?

The specific blood tests ordered may vary depending on the suspected cause of anemia and the individual’s medical history and symptoms. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of anemia.

What caused my anemia?

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy to large areas of the body can damage bone marrow.
  • Bone cancer
  • Nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
  • surgery in the recent past
  • internal bleeding due to tumour

How can Ankr help with your anemia?

Don’t try to treat an anemia by yourself. Use Ankr to:
(1) learn about the common symptoms of anemia
(2) send message to your Doctor if they use Ankr platform*
(3) be better informed about how to prevent another anemia

Sign up for a free 30-day trial now

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