Anemia: Signs, Symptoms, and Causes
                     ANEMIA: 
SIGN, 
SYMPTOMS, 
AND 
CAUSES
WHAT IS 
ANEMIA?
Anemia occurs when there are 
not enough healthy red blood 
cells to carry oxygen to your 
body’s organs. As a result, it’s 
common to feel cold and 
symptoms of tiredness or 
weakness.
Source: 
my.clevelandclinic.org
CONCERNS
• There are many types of 
anemia. All have different 
causes and treatments. 
• Some forms like the mild 
anemia that happens during 
pregnancy aren’t a major 
concern. 
• But some types of anemia 
may reflect a serious 
underlying medical condition.
Source: www.webmd.com
TYPES OF 
ANEMIA
• There are more than 400 
types of anemia, and they’re 
divided into three groups:
• Anemia caused by blood 
loss
• Anemia caused by 
decreased or faulty red 
blood cell production
• Anemia caused by 
destruction of red blood 
cells
Source: www.webmd.com
ANEMIA 
SYMPTOMS
• The signs of anemia can be so 
mild that you might not even 
notice them. 
• Depending on the cause of the 
anemia, symptoms may 
include:
• Dizziness
• Fast or unusual heartbeat
• Headache
• Pain, including in your 
bones, chest, belly, and 
joints
• Problems with growth, for 
children and teens
• Shortness of breath
Source: www.webmd.com
CAUSES OF ANEMIA
ANEMIA 
CAUSED BY 
BLOOD LOSS
Causes can include:
• Gastrointestinal conditions 
such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, 
gastritis and cancer
• Non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 
such as aspirin or ibuprofen, 
which can cause ulcers and 
gastritis
• A woman’s period, especially 
if you have a heavy 
menstruation.
Source: www.webmd.com
ANEMIA CAUSED 
BY DECREASED 
OR FAULTY RED 
BLOOD CELL 
WitPh RthisO tyDpeU ofC aTneImOia,N your 
body may not create enough 
blood cells, or they may not work 
the way they should. This can 
happen because there’s 
something wrong with your red 
blood cells or because you don’t 
have enough minerals and 
vitamins for your red blood cells 
to form normally.
Source: www.webmd.com
CONDITIONS 
ASSOCIATED 
• Bone marrow and stem cell 
problems
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Sickle cell anemia
• Vitamin-deficiency anemia, 
specifically b12 or folate
Source: www.webmd.com
ANEMIA 
ASSOCIATED 
WITH OTHER 
CHRONIC 
ThisC usOuaNlly DhapIpTenIsO wNhenS your 
body doesn’t have enough 
hormones to make red blood 
cells. Conditions that cause this 
type of anemia include:
• Advanced kidney disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Old age
• Long-term diseases, such as 
cancer, infection, lupus, 
diabetes, and rheumatoid 
arthritis
Source: www.webmd.com
ANEMIA 
TREATMENT
The treatment will depend on 
your type of anemia. 
• If you have aplastic anemia, 
you might need medication, 
blood transfusions or a bone 
marrow transplant.
• If you have hemolytic anemia, 
you might need medication 
that will hold back your 
immune system. 
• Your primary care doctor may 
refer you to a doctor who 
specializes in vascular 
problems.
Source: www.webmd.com