Anemia of chronic disease is one type of anemia. It can happen in people who have a long-term disease or condition such as arthritis or cancer. � �
What are the symptoms of anemia of chronic disease? " � Most people with anemia of chronic disease have no symptoms. They find out they have it after their doctor does blood tests for another reason. � �
People who do have symptoms might: � �
- Feel tired or weak, especially if they try to exercise
- Have headaches
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � Yes. If you have a long-term disease or condition and get the symptoms listed above, tell your doctor or nurse. � �
Is there a test for anemia of chronic disease? " � Yes. Your doctor or nurse will do different blood tests to check for anemia of chronic disease. � �
Some people might need a test called a bone marrow biopsy. During a bone marrow biopsy, your doctor will take a small sample of your bone marrow (the tissue in the middle of certain bones). Then another doctor will look at the sample under a microscope. � �
How is anemia of chronic disease treated? " � Treatment depends on whats causing the anemia and if your anemia is causing symptoms. � �
Your doctor will treat the long-term condition that's causing your anemia. � �
Other treatment depends on your symptoms. If your anemia of chronic disease is causing no symptoms, it does not need to be treated. � �
If your anemia of chronic disease is causing symptoms, your doctor might treat it with: � �
- Medicines to help your body make more red blood cells
- A blood transfusion " � During a blood transfusion, you will get blood that has been donated by someone else. The donated blood goes into your vein.
It is common for people with anemia of chronic disease to also have another type of anemia called "iron deficiency anemia. " � Iron deficiency anemia is usually caused by a loss of iron from your body, for example, from bleeding too much. If you also have iron deficiency anemia, you might need to take extra iron. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 17028 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Copyright
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �