Anemia
What is anemia?
Anemia is a condition that causes your body’s red blood cell count to drop. Because these cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body, they’re responsible for giving you the energy you need from day to day. Anemia makes people feel weak, tired, short of breath and chronically fatigued.
What causes anemia?
Anemia is a common side effect of kidney disease due to a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which tells your body to make red blood cells. When kidneys are unable to produce enough EPO, it causes a red blood cell shortage that leads to anemia.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
One of the most recognizable sign of anemia is chronic fatigue and exhaustion. Other symptoms include poor appetite, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, shortness of breath and depression.
How is anemia treated?
It varies based on the cause. When anemia is due to kidney disease, treatment often involves an injected drug called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) that help the body make red blood cells. Other treatments include iron supplements swallowed in pill form or administered directly into a vein.