Anemia occurs when a person’s blood doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells in it.

Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without enough red blood cells, the body’s organs don’t receive enough oxygen, and can’t work normally.

There are multiple types of anemia, depending on the cause.

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What are the signs and symptoms of anemia?

Different types of anemias have different symptoms. Some people may not have any symptoms at all. Others may experience some of the following:

  • Feeling tired
  • Weakness
  • Moodiness
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Chest pain
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Headaches
  • Young children with iron-deficiency anemia may also have developmental delays or behavioral difficulties

What causes anemia?

There are multiple types of anemia, depending on the cause.

  • Anemias from when red blood cells are broken down too fast, called hemolytic anemias
    • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: When the body’s immune system destroys its own red blood cells
    • Inherited hemolytic anemias: These include sickle cell disease, thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, and hereditary spherocytosis
  • Anemias from red blood cells being made too slowly
    • Aplastic anemia: When the body stops making red blood cells due to an infection, illness, or other cause
    • Iron-deficiency anemia: When someone doesn’t have enough iron in their diet
    • Anemia B12 deficiency: When someone doesn’t get enough B12 in their diet or the body can’t absorb the B12
  • Anemia from bleeding
    • Can be due to bleeding from an injury, heavy menstrual periods, the gastrointestinal tract, or another medical issue

How is anemia treated?

Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for anemia.

Depending on the cause, anemia may be treated with medication, changes in diet, treatment of another underlying disease. At Connecticut Children’s, our hematologists specialize in pediatric blood disorders and will partner with your family for expert care.