Mercy's Dr. Jonathan Rich Discusses Symptoms of and Treatment For Anemia

Shortness of breath or being more tired than usual could be signs of anemia. Anemia is a medical condition caused by a decrease in the number of red blood vessels in the body that are responsible for carrying oxygen.

According to Jonathan Rich, D.O., of Mercy Medical Center, people with mild cases of anemia may not have any symptoms, and it can be caused by a number of factors, such as major blood loss from something like an accident, chronic kidney disease, side effects from certain medications or heavy menstrual cycles.

Anemia can be detected by a simple yearly blood test.

"Your provider will usually try to investigate where that's coming from. First, taking a very thorough history and physical, what kind of symptoms you're having, what kind of medical history do you have, what kind of medicines you're on, and then from that, they may need to do additional blood testing," Rich said.

Treatment will vary depending on what's causing the anemia. Eating iron-rich foods may help, but Dr. Rich noted that an iron supplement could be needed. In more serious cases involving blood loss, a blood transfusion might be necessary.

To view Dr. Jonathan Rich’s interview about anemia, its causes and treatment, click here.