Anemia occurs when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin—the protein that carries oxygen throughout your body. It can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Iron deficiency is the most common cause, but not all anemia is due to low iron. Identifying the underlying cause helps your provider choose the right treatment.

Common Anemia Symptoms

Mild anemia may not cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating

These symptoms can have other causes, so a medical evaluation is important.

What Causes Anemia?

Anemia can develop when your body loses blood, doesn’t produce enough red blood cells, or destroys them too quickly.Common causes include:

• Iron deficiency: Often related to blood loss, inadequate iron intake or difficulty absorbing iron
• Vitamin deficiencies: Low vitamin B12 or folate may result from inadequate intake or absorption problems
• Chronic conditions: Kidney disease, inflammatory conditions, and some cancers can affect red blood cell production
• Inherited disorders: Sickle cell disease and thalassemia affect hemoglobin
• Hemolytic anemia: Red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them
• Bone marrow disorders: Conditions such as aplastic anemia interfere with blood cell production

Heavy menstrual periods and bleeding in the digestive tract are major causes of iron-deficiency anemia. Treatment should address the source of blood loss, not merely replace iron.

How Is Anemia Diagnosed?

Your provider will review your symptoms, medical history, diet, and medications. A complete blood count (CBC) measures hemoglobin and other blood components to help identify anemia.

Depending on the results, additional tests may assess iron stores, vitamin B12, folate, or how well your body is producing new red blood cells. Further evaluation may be needed to identify bleeding or an underlying condition.

Anemia Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Options may include:

• Iron replacement for confirmed iron deficiency
• Vitamin B12 or folate replacement when a deficiency is present
• Treatment for blood loss or an underlying condition
• Specialist care for inherited, bone marrow or other complex disorders

Severe anemia may require a blood transfusion or other specialized treatment.

Don’t start iron supplements without medical guidance. They don’t treat every type of anemia, and excess iron can be harmful.

Can Anemia Be Prevented?

Not all types are preventable. For iron-deficiency anemia, eating iron-rich foods—such as lean meat, beans, and fortified cereals—and addressing blood loss or absorption issues can help. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from plant foods.

When to Seek Care

Schedule an evaluation for persistent fatigue, weakness, dizziness or shortness of breath. Seek immediate medical care for black, tarry stools or vomiting blood. Call 911 for new or unexplained chest pain.

Get Help for Anemia Symptoms

Feeling unusually tired or concerned about anemia? Schedule an appointment with tru Primary & Urgent Care to discuss your symptoms and next steps.