“Anemia cannot cause leukemia but could be a sign of bone marrow that's not producing enough red blood cells,” Dr. Wetmore explained. “This requires an investigation (lab tests) into the cause of low numbers of red blood cells.”
Hypoproliferative anemia
An individual has this form of anemia when their bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells. Because leukemia begins in the bone marrow, it can lead to hypoproliferative leukemia.
Severe anemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the heart, and can lead to heart failure.
Shortening of red blood cell survival is frequent in chronic lymphocytic leukemia,4,5 but only in some patients the hemolysis becomes "overt." Severe anemia develops4 when the bone marrow is not able to compensate for the accelerated red cell destruction.
Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. Conditions that may lead to anemia include: Heavy periods. Pregnancy.
Untreated anemia can be life-threatening and can even cause death. Anemia results in a decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. In the short term, the body can compensate with an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate. If left untreated, anemia can cause multi-organ failure.
For all of the tested groups, moderate anemia corresponds to a level of 7.0-9.9 g/dl, while severe anemia corresponds to a level less than 7.0 g/dl.
Anemia can be caused by cancer, cancer side effects, or cancer treatment. It can also be caused by factors unrelated to cancer. Common causes of anemia in people with cancer include: Chemotherapy.
Call Your Doctor About Anemia If:
Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, pale skin, or any other symptoms of anemia; seek emergency care for any trouble breathing or change in your heart beat. Poor diet or inadequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals. Very heavy menstrual periods.
Your doctor will conduct a complete blood count (CBC) to determine if you have leukemia. This test may reveal if you have leukemic cells. Abnormal levels of white blood cells and abnormally low red blood cell or platelet counts can also indicate leukemia.
The last stage is iron deficiency anemia. It is characterized by a low hemoglobin concentration with small (microcytic), pale (hypochromic) RBCs. Symptoms include fatigue upon exertion, weakness, headaches, apathy, pallor, poor resistance to cold temperatures, low physical work capacity, and poor immune function.
Living with anemia
Following treatment, most people go on to live normal, healthy lives. However, anemia can have lasting, or life-threatening, effects. These are more common if the condition is chronic, severe, or left untreated.
Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. In most cases, anemia has more than one cause. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. It can be a warning sign of serious illness.
Weakness. Pale skin. Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath. Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness.
With treatment, most people recover from iron-deficiency anemia in 2 to 3 months. You may need to take iron supplements for several months longer, though, to build up your reserves of iron.
Anemia if not treated for a long period can lead to serious complications. These include heart failure, severe weakness and poor immunity. Anemia is a medical condition in which the person does not have enough red blood cells or RBCs. The RBCs in the blood carry iron a specialized protein called hemoglobin.
While some types of anemia are short-term and mild, others can last for a lifetime. There are several ways to help manage anemia, including: Following a healthy diet: Poor diet is the primary reason why people develop anemia. Ask your healthcare provider about iron-rich foods and other foods you should eat.
If you suspect you might have an anemic disorder, check yourself for the following symptoms and call your doctor for further advice. A sudden lack of energy and chronic fatigue are warning signs that you might be lacking enough iron.
Foods to avoid
milk and some dairy products. foods that contain tannins, such as grapes, corn, and sorghum. foods that contain phytates or phytic acid, such as brown rice and whole-grain wheat products. foods that contain oxalic acid, such as peanuts, parsley, and chocolate.
For all types of anemia, particularly iron and vitamin deficiency anemia, symptoms such as exhaustion and lack of energy can make it difficult to exercise. A lack of physical activity can result in weight gain.