Anemia

Diagnosis of Anemia

Diagnosing anemia involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and blood tests to determine the type and severity of the condition.

Medical history and physical exam

• Your healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, family history, diet, and any chronic conditions.

• The exam may reveal pale skin, rapid heartbeat, or other signs associated with anemia.

Blood tests

• Complete blood count (CBC): Measures red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit. Typical adult values:

  • Hemoglobin: 14–18 g/dL for men, 12–16 g/dL for women

  • Hematocrit: 40–52% for men, 35–47% for women

• Red blood cell indices: Assess the size, shape, and color of red blood cells to identify specific anemia types.

Additional tests

• Bone marrow examination: Sometimes necessary to diagnose certain anemias or determine the underlying cause.

• Other tests may include iron studies, vitamin B12 and folate levels, or tests for hemolysis depending on the suspected cause.

Treatment of Anemia

Treatment depends on the type and underlying cause of anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia

• Iron supplements and dietary changes.

• If caused by blood loss, identifying and stopping the source is essential, which may require surgery.

Vitamin deficiency anemias

• Folic acid or vitamin B12 supplements.

• People with absorption issues may need vitamin B12 injections, initially every other day, later monthly, possibly lifelong.

Anemia of chronic disease

• Focuses on treating the underlying condition.

• Severe cases may require blood transfusions or erythropoietin injections.

Anemias associated with bone marrow disease

• Treatments include medications, chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplant depending on the specific disorder.

Aplastic anemia

• Managed with blood transfusions.

• Bone marrow transplant may be needed if the marrow cannot produce healthy cells.

Hemolytic anemias

• Stop medicines causing hemolysis and treat infections.

• Immune-mediated cases may require drugs to reduce immune activity.

Sickle cell anemia

• Supportive care with oxygen, pain relievers, intravenous fluids.

• Blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, and antibiotics may be used.

• Hydroxyurea can reduce complications and improve outcomes.

Thalassemia

• Mild forms may require no treatment.

• Severe forms may require blood transfusions, folic acid, medications, stem cell transplant, or rarely, spleen removal.

Key Takeaways

• Anemia diagnosis relies on blood tests, medical history, and sometimes bone marrow examination.

• Treatment varies depending on the type of anemia and underlying cause.

• Supportive care, supplements, medications, or transfusions are used to correct anemia and prevent complications.

• Early diagnosis and treatment improve quality of life and long-term outcomes.