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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Anemia is a condition in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues. Having anemia may make you feel exhausted.

There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can be temporary or long term, and it can range from mild to severe.

See your doctor if you suspect you have anemia, because anemia can be a sign of serious illnesses. Treatments for anemia range from taking supplements to undergoing medical procedures. You may be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet.

References
  1. Anemia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/anemia/anemia_all.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2011.
  2. Marks PW. Approach to anemia in the adult and child. In: Hoffman R, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06715-0..X5001-8--TOP&isbn=978-0-443-06715-0&uniqId=230100505-56. Accessed Jan. 6, 2011.
  3. Anemia. American Society of Hematology. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Blood-Disorders/Anemia/5225.aspx. Accessed Jan. 12, 2011.
  4. How is pernicious anemia treated? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/prnanmia/prnanmia_treatments.html. Accessed Jan. 13, 2011.
  5. How is hemolytic anemia treated? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ha/ha_treatments.html. Accessed Jan. 13, 2011.
  6. How is sickle cell anemia treated? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Sca/SCA_Treatments.html. Accessed Jan. 13, 2011.
  7. Laboratory reference values. Hematology group. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; January 2011.
DS00321 Feb. 19, 2011

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