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Anemia - Anaemic syndrome

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Anemia is defined as the decrease in oxygen-carrying hemoglobin below normal limits.

The most common cause is poor iron intake. Other causes include very heavy menstrual periods, pregnancy, ulcers, intestinal polyps and blood diseases.

The main symptoms of anemia are pallor, tiredness and subjective sensation of shortness of breath.

Diagnosis is reached by collecting a complete medical history, physical examination and blood tests.

Treatments may include dietary changes, nutritional supplements, medical and/or surgery treatment, and blood transfusion.

Bibliographic references
  1. Stanley L Schrier. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. UpToDate. Jul 05, 2016.
  2. Kim SH, Lilot M, Murphy LS, et al. Accuracy of continuous noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Anesth Analg 2014; 119:332.
  3. Shamir MY, Avramovich A, Smaka T. The current status of continuous noninvasive measurement of total, carboxy, and methemoglobin concentration. Anesth Analg 2012; 114:972.
  4. Causey MW, Miller S, Foster A, et al. Validation of noninvasive hemoglobin measurements using the Masimo Radical-7 SpHb Station. Am J Surg 2011; 201:592.
  5. John W. Adamson, Dan L. Longo. Anemia y policitemia. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición. 392:399
  6. Guillermo Garcés Redondo, Mª Cristina Fernández Jiménez, Ramón Salcedo Martínez. Síndrome anémico. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010. 827:834
Author
Dr. Elvira Moreno
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Paleness

    Tiredness / fatigue

    Heavy and/or long-lasting periods

    Black stools

    Short of breath

Symptoms to watch out for

Palpitations
A feeling of shortness of breath
Blurry vision
Headache

Self-care

Eat a balanced diet: increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and white meats, and reduce consumption of fatty and fried foods.
Maintain a fluid intake of 6 - 8 cups per day.
Get regular physical activity at least 3 times a week that is appropriate for your age and physical condition.
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