Anemia is a condition that develops when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently to your tissues and organs. This lack of oxygen can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms that affect your overall well-being. However, despite these symptoms, anemia can be easy to overlook.
Anyone can get anemia, but having cancer can significantly increase your risk, and our team at Houston Cancer Institute is here to help. Maria Scouros, MD, and our expert staff offer anemia treatment at our offices in Houston and Katy, Texas. Learning to recognize the warning signs early can help you get the right care to prevent complications, as covered in this month’s blog.
There are several types of anemia, but iron-deficiency anemia is the most common. Anemia symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. However, some of the most common signs include:
Feeling extremely tired or weak, even after a full night’s sleep, is one of the most common and noticeable symptoms of anemia. Without sufficient oxygen from your blood, your cells can’t produce the energy they need and you may feel drained even after minimal exertion.
When your red blood cell levels drop, your skin may begin to look pale or dull. Sometimes, your skin may develop a yellowish tint.
With less oxygen reaching tissues and organs, your heart and lungs must work harder to compensate when you have anemia. So if you feel out of breath after light activities like climbing stairs or walking short distances, anemia could be the cause.
A lack of oxygen in your blood can make you feel dizzy or as if you might faint, especially when you stand up too quickly. Frequent or persistent headaches may also develop when your brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen due to anemia.
Anemia can contribute to poor circulation and leave your hands and feet feeling cold, even in warm temperatures.
Your heart may beat faster or irregularly as it works harder to pump oxygen throughout your body.
People with cancer are at a higher risk of developing anemia for a few different reasons.
For example, cancer can cause long-term inflammation that disrupts the way your body produces and uses iron, leading to anemia of chronic disease. Some cancers, especially those affecting the digestive system, cause internal bleeding that leads to a loss of red blood cells.
Cancer treatment can also increase your risk of anemia. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage bone marrow and reduce your body’s ability to produce red blood cells.
Nutritional deficiencies also play a role, because cancer and its treatments may lead to poor appetite or difficulty absorbing iron, vitamin B12, and folate, which are essential for red blood cell production.
If you think you might have anemia, talk to Dr. Scouros and our team. We can evaluate your symptoms and overall health to pinpoint the cause. And if you’re diagnosed with anemia, we can develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Anemia can be managed effectively, especially when diagnosed early. If you have cancer, monitoring your red blood cell levels is an important part of your treatment plan.
Iron or vitamin supplements can help manage nutrient deficiencies contributing to anemia and restore healthy levels. Eating iron-rich foods like leafy greens, red meat, and beans can also improve symptoms.
For severe anemia, a blood transfusion may be necessary to quickly increase your red blood cell levels. And in some cases, we may prescribe medications that stimulate red blood cell production.
Don’t wait to talk to your healthcare team if you’re experiencing persistent fatigue, dizziness, or other symptoms of anemia. Seeking the right care can help you feel healthier and stronger. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Scouros online or call our nearest office today to learn more.
