Anemia is a disease that occurs when the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood and the level of oxygen transported by them to the organs decreases. This condition is associated with many chronic diseases and the symptoms of the disease appear gradually. Anemia is diagnosed most often on the basis of a blood test that shows hemoglobin and red blood cell counts.

Anemia can be caused by:

• blood loss
• reduction of red blood cell production
• excessive destruction of red blood cells

The most common type of the disease is iron deficiency anemia associated with iron deficiency. Most affected by iron deficiency are:

• Young women (it is associated with menstruation)
• Patients with chronic bowel disease (Crohn's disease, colitis), associated with intestine wall damage and iron absorption disorders
• Strict dieters, vegetarians, as their menu may not contain enough iron in a well-fitting form.
• Patients, who underwent gastric surgery
• Children in fast growing periods
• Elderly people

In generally it is not possible to treat anemia with iron-rich diets, the treatment contains eliminating of the causes and using of iron supplements or, if necessary, vitamin B12 and folic acid.

Contact family nurse or doctor if you have:

• tiredness, weakness
• paleness
• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• heart palpitations
• a rash that does not go away despite treatment with home remedies