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Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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When to Seek Medical Care

Because anemia is typically a clue to another underlying disease, it needs to be fully evaluated by a doctor, and proper testing needs to be undertaken to determine the cause. Therefore, if signs and symptoms of anemia are present, one should contact his or her physician for evaluation.

• In the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease or lung disease, the symptoms of anemia may be more significant, and a prompt medical evaluation is prudent.
  
  
• The diagnosis of anemia at home is difficult unless bleeding is obvious. If significant bleeding is clearly evident, as in a severe injury, immediate medical attention is required and one may consider going to the emergency room. Generally, this kind of acute (short onset) anemia is more likely to cause immediate symptoms than chronic (long-lasting) types of anemia.
  
  
• Many individuals with chronic conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, know when they may be having an attack related to their disease (sickle cell crisis) and may opt to seek medical attention promptly.