14477 Anemia Of Chronic Disease

Overview

Anemia of chronic disease is a type of anemia that happens when a long-term health condition, such as an ongoing infection, an autoimmune disease, kidney disease, or cancer, affects the way your body uses iron. Because of this, your bone marrow makes fewer healthy red blood cells, so less oxygen travels through your body. This can make you feel tired, weak, and short of breath.

Yes. Anemia of chronic disease is the second most common type of anemia worldwide, after iron-deficiency anemia. It is especially common in people with chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, or advanced kidney disease.

It can affect anyone with a chronic (long-lasting) illness. It is more common in people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, chronic kidney disease, cancer, long-term infections, and conditions that cause ongoing inflammation.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling tired or weak
• Pale or sallow skin
• Shortness of breath, especially with activity
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Headaches
• Feeling cold more often than usual

Symptoms in children

• Being less active than usual
• Poor appetite
• Trouble concentrating in school
• Pale skin
• Feeling tired or irritable

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or forgetfulness
• Increased fatigue
• Feeling faint or unsteady
• Worsening of heart or lung problems
• Difficulty doing everyday tasks

Causes

Main causes

• Chronic inflammation from autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Long-term infections such as tuberculosis or HIV
• Chronic kidney disease or liver disease
• Cancer and cancer treatments
• Other inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease

Risk factors

• Having a long-term inflammatory disease
• Having a chronic infection
• Having kidney disease
• Having cancer
• Being older
• Being in the hospital for a serious illness

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or feel you might faint, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If you have new confusion or feel extremely weak, seek care the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment if you have been feeling unusually tired, weak, or pale for a few weeks.
• If you have a chronic condition and your fatigue is getting in the way of daily life, talk to your doctor.
• If you are already being treated for a chronic disease and you notice new or worsening anemia symptoms, contact your healthcare team.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms, do a physical exam, and order blood tests. The tests help show whether your body has enough red blood cells and how your body is handling iron. To tell anemia of chronic disease apart from iron-deficiency anemia, your doctor will look at several iron measurements together.

Tests that may be done

• Complete blood count (CBC) to check hemoglobin and red blood cell levels
• Iron studies (including serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation)
• Ferritin test to look at your body's iron stores
• C-reactive protein (CRP) or other markers of inflammation
• Kidney function tests
• Tests for the underlying condition, depending on your symptoms

What to expect at your appointment

You will likely need a blood test at a clinic or hospital. You usually do not need to fast for these tests, but follow your doctor's instructions. Results will come back within a few days, and your doctor will discuss them with you. You may need extra tests to check for the condition causing the anemia.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on managing the underlying chronic condition. When that condition gets better, the anemia often improves too. Your doctor may also suggest ways to support your body's red blood cell production, such as eating a balanced diet. Specific treatments depend on the root cause and how severe the anemia is.

Self-care at home

• Eat a balanced diet with iron-rich foods, but do not take iron supplements unless your doctor tells you to.
• Get plenty of rest and allow yourself to pace activities.
• Keep all follow-up appointments with your healthcare team.
• Tell your doctor about any other medicines or supplements you take.
• Stay hydrated by drinking enough fluids, unless your doctor says to limit them.

Medical treatments

Medical treatment is directed at the underlying illness. For example, your doctor may prescribe medicines that reduce inflammation or treat an infection. In some cases, if the anemia is more severe, your healthcare team may discuss giving iron through a vein (intravenously) or using medicines that help the bone marrow make more red blood cells. In rare and severe situations, a blood transfusion may be considered. Your medical team will talk with you about the best approach for your situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a direct treatment for anemia of chronic disease. However, you may need surgery to treat an underlying condition, and your care team will make sure your anemia is managed before and after any procedure.

Living with this condition

Living with anemia of chronic disease means learning to manage your energy. Some days you may feel better than others. Plan your activities around your energy levels, take short rests when you need them, and keep open communication with your healthcare team about how you are feeling.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active within your limits, such as walking or gentle stretching.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as these can worsen fatigue and inflammation.
• Find ways to relax, like breathing exercises or listening to music.
• Try to get good, regular sleep.
• Stay connected with friends and family for support.

Diet and exercise

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods, such as lean meats, beans, leafy greens, and iron-fortified cereals. However, do not take iron supplements unless your doctor prescribes them, because this type of anemia is not caused by a lack of iron in your diet. Gentle exercise, like short walks, may improve your energy, but listen to your body and rest when needed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a chronic condition and anemia can be frustrating and tiring. It is normal to feel low or anxious at times. It is important to talk to your doctor or a counselor about your feelings. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, reach out to your local crisis support or emergency services right away.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent anemia of chronic disease because it happens as a result of another condition. The best way to reduce your risk is to manage any underlying chronic illness carefully with the help of your healthcare team and to attend regular medical check-ups.

Vaccines

Staying up to date with recommended vaccines can help prevent infections that might trigger or worsen chronic conditions. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

If you have a chronic condition that is linked to anemia, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to check for low hemoglobin. Ask your healthcare team how often you should be checked.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe and persistent fatigue that makes daily activities difficult
• Heart problems, such as an enlarged heart or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath and reduced ability to exercise
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Worsening of other underlying health conditions

Long-term outlook

With proper management of the underlying condition, many people see improvement in their anemia and feel more energetic. Even if the anemia is long-lasting, your healthcare team can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Treatments continue to improve, and there is good support available.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.