Understanding Anemia: What You Need to Know 

By Sandeep Singh, MD 

 

What is Anemia?  

Anemia happens when your body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen. Hemoglobin is a part of red blood cells that helps move oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. If you have anemia, you may feel tired, weak or short of breath. Anemia can be temporary or long-lasting, and it can be mild or severe. Sometimes, it can be a sign of another health problem. 

 

Types of Anemia: 

There are different types of anemia, including: 

1. Iron deficiency anemia: Happens when your body does not have enough iron, often due to blood loss or not eating enough iron-rich foods 
2. Vitamin deficiency anemia: Caused by low levels of vitamin B-12 or folic acid 
3. Aplastic anemia: When the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells 
4. Sickle cell anemia: A genetic condition that makes red blood cells shaped like a sickle instead of round 
5. Thalassemia: A genetic condition that affects how hemoglobin is made 
6. Anemia of chronic disease: Caused by long-term health issues like kidney disease or cancer 

 Symptoms of Anemia:  

Anemia symptoms can be different for everyone. Some people may not notice anything at first, but symptoms can get worse over time. Common signs include: 

• Feeling very tired 

• Weakness 

• Shortness of breath 

• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded 

• Pale or yellowish skin 

• Fast or irregular heartbeat 

• Chest pain 

• Cold hands and feet 

• Headaches 

• Brittle nails 

• Restless legs 

If you have these symptoms, talk to a doctor to find out if anemia is the cause. 

 

How is Anemia Diagnosed?  

To find out if you have anemia, a doctor will: 

• Ask about your health and family history 

• Do a physical exam 

• Order blood tests, such as: 

• • Complete blood count (CBC): Checks your red blood cell levels and hemoglobin 

• • Peripheral blood smear: Looks at the shape, size and color of your red blood cells 

• • Iron, vitamin B-12 and folate tests: Finds out if you have any vitamin or mineral deficiencies 

• • Bone marrow test: Sometimes needed to check if your bone marrow is making enough red blood cells 

Normal hemoglobin levels are usually between 14-18 grams per deciliter for men and 12-16 grams per deciliter for women. 

 

How is Anemia Treated?  

The treatment for anemia depends on the cause, and there are several possible causes for anemia: 

• Iron deficiency anemia: Treated with iron supplements and eating more iron-rich foods. If anemia is caused by bleeding, the doctor will find and stop the source of bleeding. 

• Vitamin deficiency anemia: Treated with vitamin B-12 or folic acid supplements and dietary changes. Some people may need vitamin B-12 shots. 

• Anemia of chronic disease: Treatment focuses on addressing the disease causing it. In some cases, blood transfusions or special injections may help. 

• Aplastic anemia: May require blood transfusions or a bone marrow transplant. 

• Hemolytic anemia: Treatment may include stopping certain medicines, treating infections or taking medicine to slow down the immune system. 

• Sickle cell anemia: Managed with pain relievers, fluids, oxygen therapy and blood transfusions. A medicine called hydroxyurea can also help. 

• Thalassemia: Mild cases may not need treatment, but severe cases may require blood transfusions, folic acid supplements or even a bone marrow transplant. 

Get Expert Care for Anemia If you think you may have anemia, I am here to help. As a hematologist and oncologist, I specialize in diagnosing and treating anemia. 

 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sandeep Singh: 

📞 Call: 601-518-7054
📧 Referral Email: ashli.palmer@scrmc.com 

For expert care, ask to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sandeep Singh when calling or sending a referral to ensure direct, specialized treatment. 

 

Your health is important. Let’s work together to treat and manage anemia!