Red blood cells are the main carriers of oxygen throughout the body. When the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, the resulting condition is called anemia.

Low iron is the most common cause of anemia. Some people are born with anemia, and anemia can sometimes be a symptom of an illness.

There are many types of anemia, and the condition can be mild or severe. Anemia types include:

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Vitamin deficiency anemia
• Anemia of chronic disease
• Aplastic anemia
• Anemias linked with bone marrow disease
• Hemolytic anemia
• Sickle cell anemia
  
• Thalassemia

Several kinds of blood tests can help detect anemia.

• Complete blood count (CBC) checks:
• The number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
• The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells
• The portion of the blood sample made of red blood cells

Other tests include:

• Iron, vitamin B12 and folate levels
• Stool sample
• Urine analysis
• Endoscopy: A long, flexible lighted tube checks the upper digestive system for signs of bleeding
• Colonoscopy: A lighted tube checks for tumors or other problems in the large intestine
• X-rays
  
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
  
• MRI
  

Anemia may cause some of these symptoms, but other conditions may cause the same symptoms. See a doctor if you have any of these problems:

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Cold hands and feet
• Pale skin
• Chest pain

Anemia treatment depends on the kind of anemia and how severe it is. Possible treatments include:

• Iron supplements
• Blood transfusions
• B-12 injections or vitamins
• Surgery
• Synthetic hormone injections
• Medicine to suppress the immune system
• Bone marrow transplant
• Chemotherapy
• Surgery to remove the spleen
• Folic acid supplements

• Women of childbearing age are more at risk due to pregnancy or heavy periods
• A diet low in iron, vitamins and minerals
• Blood loss from surgery or injury
• Chronic or serious illnesses such as kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease), liver disease or thyroid disease
• Chronic infections
• Family history of anemia such as in sickle cell anemia or thalassemia