Anemia
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Virginia Cancer Care
Ravneet Grewal, MD
Board Certified Medical Oncologist located in Reston, VA & Leesburg, VA
With over 400 identified types, anemia is the most common blood disorder in the United States. Dr. Ravneet Grewal, a board-certified medical oncologist at Virginia Cancer Care, with locations in Reston and Leesburg, Virginia offers women and men comprehensive treatment for the many types of anemia. Whether you have an acute or chronic form, expect to receive the latest treatment options from a compassionate, caring medical team. Call either office location or schedule a consultation online.
Anemia Q & A
What is anemia?
An anemia diagnosis means you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells in your system to adequately provide the required oxygen to your body’s tissues. There are many causes for the more than 400 types of anemia, and you may have an acute (temporary) or chronic form.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
The lack of oxygen in your body caused by the types of anemia can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Common symptoms of anemia include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness and headaches
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellow skin color
- Cold hands or feet
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Pounding in your ears
What are the most common types of anemia?
The most common type of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia. When you don’t have enough iron in your body, the cause is typically one of two things — either your blood is not sufficiently absorbing it, or you’ve experienced blood loss from another condition or surgery.
Pregnancy-related anemia occurs because your body uses a great deal of iron during this special time.
Vitamin-deficiency is another common form of anemia that may be caused by low levels of vitamin B12 or folic acid. The causes of these deficiencies are usually your diet or because your gastrointestinal tract can’t absorb the proper amounts of vitamin B12.
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited health condition that causes your red blood cells to become rigid and clog the circulation flowing through your tiny blood vessels.
How is anemia treated?
The range of treatment options depends on the type of anemia you have. For example, iron-deficiency may respond to iron supplements, and vitamin B12 shots may alleviate vitamin-deficiency anemia.
For sickle cell anemia, you may require oxygen therapy, pain relief medications, or intravenous fluids.
If you suspect you have anemia, prompt treatment can increase the possibility of avoiding further health complications. Call either the Leesburg or Reston office, or schedule a consultation online.
