Another goal is to treat the underlying cause of the anemia. This type of anemia is called iron-deficiency anemia. Vitamin B-12 is instrumental in the treatment of vitamin deficiency anemia. Symptoms and signs may include fatigue, pale skin, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. To diagnose anemia, your doctor is likely to ask you about your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and run the following tests:Normal adult hematocrit values vary among medical practices but are generally between 40% and 52% for men and 35% and 47% for women.

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If the cause of iron deficiency is loss of blood — other than from menstruation — the source of the bleeding must be located and the bleeding stopped. Certain damaging factors can be removed from the blood by a treatment called If hemolytic anemia persists despite treatment, your doctor may recommend You can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia by eating a well-SOURCES: American Academy of Family Physicians. The best diet plan for anemia includes foods rich in iron and other vitamins essential to hemoglobin and red blood cell production. Vitamin deficiency anemias. The most common cause of anemia is low levels of iron in the body. All rights reserved.

In extremely rare cases of life-threatening iron-deficiency anemia, treatment may involve a blood transfusion.Treatment depends on the cause of the deficiency.

For some cancers, like blood cancers, anemia is a symptom. Good dietary sources of folate include fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts); dairy products; and whole grain cereals. Treatment for this form of anemia usually involves taking iron supplements and changing your diet. Anemia Caused by Blood Loss If you suddenly lose a … Anemia Treatment for Chronic Diseases. Anemia (lack of blood) symptoms can vary depending on the cause. There are several anemia types. A long-term or chronic illness can also cause anemia. Steroids can halt the body's immune attack on its own red blood cells. Good dietary sources of iron include red meat, beans, egg yolk, whole-grain products, nuts, and seafood. Finding the cause of the anemia will lead you to the best treatment.

Treatment for this type of anemia often involves increasing the levels of said nutrients via supplements or shots. Occasionally, it can be necessary to study a sample of your bone marrow to diagnose anemia.If the cause of iron deficiency is loss of blood — other than from menstruation — the source of the bleeding must be located and the bleeding stopped.

What causes anemia? The American Medical Athletic Association. Normal adult hemoglobin values are generally 14 to 18 grams per deciliter for men and 12 to 16 grams per deciliter for women.If you receive a diagnosis of anemia, your doctor might order additional tests to determine the cause. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). This is done by raising the red blood cell count and/or hemoglobin level. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This might involve surgery.If your digestive system has trouble absorbing vitamin B-12 from the food you eat, you might need vitamin B-12 shots. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders (hematologist), the heart (cardiologist) or the digestive system (gastroenterologist).Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.For anemia, basic questions to ask your doctor include:Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Eventually, you'll need shots just once a month, possibly for life, depending on your situation.Depending on the cause or your hemolytic anemia, you might be referred to a heart or vascular specialist.A cancer drug called hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea, Siklos) also is used to treat sickle cell anemia.Make an appointment with your primary care doctor if you have prolonged fatigue or other signs or symptoms that worry you. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. For other cancers, anemia may be a side effect of treatment… Anemia treatment plans often include dietary changes. Finding out that you have anemia is just the beginning. In rare cases, your doctor may prescribe iron injections or give you iron intravenously (through a needle in the vein). Anemia treatment depends upon the type. 1.