About this topic
Your blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Anemia is when the body does not have enough red blood cells. Anemia of chronic disease happens in people with a long-term disease like cancer or arthritis. This anemia may make you feel tired sooner than you normally would. You may also have pale skin. ‚
The best treatment for anemia of chronic disease is to treat the long-term illness. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get plenty of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs. Tell your doctor before you take any new drugs.
- Lie down if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may need to have blood tests to check on your iron and red blood cell counts.
- You may need to have other tests to see if you have a chronic health problem or if your chronic problem is getting worse.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to treat your existing health problem. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
No, but you may want to rest more than you normally do. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat a healthy diet. Ask your doctor if you need to make any changes in your diet. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Eat many kinds of healthy foods.
- Balance your activity with rest.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- Follow your doctors orders to treat the chronic disease you have that is causing this problem.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- So tired you cannot finish everyday tasks
- Heart is beating very fast, even when you are at rest
- Hard to breathe, even when you are at rest
- Hands or feet feel numb or cold
- Stool is black and tarry or you see blood in your stool
Helpful tips
- Avoid coffee and tea with meals. They make it harder for your body to absorb iron.
- If you smoke, talk with your doctor about how to quit smoking.
- Do not take iron supplements unless your doctor orders them for you.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet, drugs, or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if my heart is beating very fast or it is hard to breathe.
Where can I learn more?
Iron Disorders Institute ‚
http://www.irondisorders.org/anemia-of-chronic-disease ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/1220/viewAbstract ‚
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚