Anemia
What is Anemia?
Anemia is a condition where your blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. When you have anemia, your organs and tissues do not get the oxygen they need to work properly.
There are many different types of anemia. Some are mild and temporary, while others can be serious and long lasting. The most common type is iron deficiency anemia, which happens when your body does not have enough iron to make hemoglobin. Other types include vitamin deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic disease, and anemia caused by blood loss.
Anemia affects about 3 million people in the United States. It can develop slowly over months or appear suddenly. Early detection through blood testing helps you address the root cause before symptoms become severe. Most types of anemia respond well to treatment when caught early.
Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness that does not improve with rest
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Brittle nails
- Cravings for non-food items like ice or dirt
Many people with mild anemia have no symptoms at first. Symptoms often develop gradually as the condition worsens. Some people only discover they have anemia through routine blood work.
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Causes and risk factors
Anemia develops when your body does not make enough red blood cells, destroys red blood cells too quickly, or loses blood. Iron deficiency is the most common cause, often from poor diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, or internal bleeding in the digestive tract. Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12 and folate, can also prevent your body from making enough healthy red blood cells. Chronic diseases like kidney disease, cancer, and autoimmune conditions can interfere with red blood cell production.
Other risk factors include pregnancy, which increases your need for iron and vitamins. Exposure to heavy metals like lead can damage your ability to produce hemoglobin. Inherited conditions like sickle cell disease or thalassemia affect how your body makes red blood cells. Certain medications, infections, and blood disorders can also lead to anemia. Women and people with chronic health conditions face higher risk.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose anemia through blood tests that measure your red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit. Additional tests like MCV, MCH, and MCHC help identify what type of anemia you have by examining the size and hemoglobin content of your red blood cells. A reticulocyte count shows how quickly your body is producing new red blood cells. RDW measures the variation in red blood cell size.
Rite Aid offers testing for anemia through our flagship panel at over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. Our test measures hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, and related markers to help you understand your blood health. We also check vitamin B6, vitamin B2, and heavy metals like lead and aluminum that can contribute to anemia. Testing twice a year helps you track your progress and catch problems early.
Treatment options
- Iron supplements for iron deficiency anemia, often paired with vitamin C to improve absorption
- Vitamin B12 injections or supplements for B12 deficiency anemia
- Folic acid supplements for folate deficiency anemia
- Eating iron rich foods like red meat, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals
- Addressing underlying causes like heavy menstrual bleeding or digestive tract bleeding
- Treating chronic diseases that contribute to anemia
- Avoiding foods and drinks that block iron absorption, like tea and coffee with meals
- Blood transfusions for severe anemia that does not respond to other treatments
- Medications that stimulate red blood cell production in certain cases
- Chelation therapy to remove heavy metals like lead if exposure is the cause
Concerned about Anemia? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia worldwide. It happens when your body does not have enough iron to make hemoglobin, often due to poor diet, blood loss, or inability to absorb iron. Other causes include vitamin deficiencies, chronic diseases, inherited blood disorders, and exposure to toxins like lead.
Some types of anemia resolve on their own once the underlying cause is addressed. For example, anemia from temporary blood loss may improve as your body replaces the lost blood. Most cases require treatment like iron supplements, dietary changes, or medications to correct the deficiency and prevent complications.
Recovery time varies depending on the type and severity of anemia. With iron supplements and dietary changes, you may start feeling better in 1 to 2 weeks. Full recovery of your iron stores and blood counts can take 2 to 6 months. Severe cases or those with underlying conditions may take longer.
Eat iron rich foods like red meat, chicken, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and dark leafy greens. Pair these with vitamin C rich foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and peppers to help your body absorb iron better. If you have B12 deficiency anemia, include eggs, dairy, fish, and fortified cereals in your diet.
Mild anemia may not cause major problems, but untreated anemia can become serious. Severe anemia can strain your heart, cause irregular heartbeat, and lead to heart failure. It can also affect pregnancy outcomes, impair immune function, and reduce quality of life. Early detection and treatment prevent these complications.
A complete blood count measures hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count to diagnose anemia. Additional tests like MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW help determine the type of anemia. Reticulocyte count shows how fast your body makes new red blood cells, and tests for vitamins and heavy metals identify specific causes.
Stress alone does not directly cause anemia. Chronic stress can affect your eating habits, leading to poor nutrition and potential vitamin or iron deficiency. Stress can also worsen chronic conditions that contribute to anemia. Managing stress through healthy lifestyle habits supports overall blood health.
If you have anemia, your doctor may recommend testing every 3 to 6 months to monitor treatment progress. People at higher risk, like women with heavy periods or those with chronic conditions, benefit from annual screening. Rite Aid members get tested twice a year, allowing you to track your blood health over time.
Iron deficiency means your body has low iron stores but may not yet have anemia. As iron deficiency worsens, it leads to iron deficiency anemia, where your hemoglobin and red blood cell counts drop. You can have iron deficiency without anemia, but all iron deficiency anemia starts with low iron.
Yes, anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression. Pregnant women need more iron and folate to support the growing baby and increased blood volume. Most prenatal care includes anemia screening, and treatment with supplements is safe and effective during pregnancy.