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Anemia (cont.)

Medical Treatment

Medical treatment of anemia varies widely and depends on the cause and the severity of anemia.

If anemia is mild and associated with no symptoms or minimal symptoms, a thorough investigation by a doctor will be done in the outpatient setting (doctor's office). If any cause is found, then treatment will be started. For example, if anemia is mild and is found to be related to low iron levels, then iron supplements may be given during further investigation to determine the cause of the iron deficiency is carried out.

On the other hand, if anemia is related to sudden blood loss from an injury or a rapidly bleeding stomach ulcer, then hospitalization and transfusion of red blood cells may be required to relieve the symptoms and replace the lost blood. Further measures to control the bleeding may occur at the same time to stop further blood loss.

Blood transfusion may be required in other less critical circumstances as well. For example, an individual who is receiving chemotherapy for a cancer may be expected by the treating physician to have bone marrow problems related to the chemotherapy. Therefore, the doctor may check blood counts routinely, and if the levels get to a low enough level, he or she may order a red blood cell transfusion to help with the symptoms of anemia.