Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Harsha Moole, MD. Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Anemia?
A hematologist, a blood doctor, often treats anemia. Many people start with a primary care doctor, like a family doctor or internist, who runs blood tests and treats common types such as iron-deficiency anemia. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is anemia?
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Most are made in the bone marrow, the soft tissue in the center of bones. Healthy red blood cells last between 90 and 120 days.
Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. People with anemia do not have enough of it, so the body gets less oxygen. This can make you feel tired or weak. About 3 million people in the United States have it. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type.
Symptoms
You may have no symptoms if the anemia is mild or if the problem develops slowly. Early signs can include:
- Feeling weak or tired more often than usual, or with exercise.
- Headaches and problems concentrating.
- Irritability or loss of appetite.
- Numbness, tingling, or cold in the hands and feet.
If anemia gets worse, symptoms can include:
- Pale skin.
- Shortness of breath with mild activity.
- Lightheadedness when you stand up.
- Brittle nails, a sore tongue, or mouth ulcers.
- A desire to eat ice or other non-food things, called pica syndrome.
Causes and who gets it
Anemia is not one disease. Many things can cause it. Blood loss is one. When you lose blood, you lose iron. This can happen with heavy menstrual periods, an injury, surgery, or slow bleeding from a stomach ulcer or colon cancer.
Another cause is too few nutrients. Iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are three key ones for making red blood cells. A diet low in these can cause anemia. So can conditions such as celiac disease that stop the intestines from absorbing nutrients well.
Other causes include red blood cells being destroyed earlier than normal, a problem called hemolysis. This may come from immune system problems. Some types, such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia, can be inherited. Long-term diseases such as kidney disease, cancer, or rheumatoid arthritis can also cause anemia. So can problems with the bone marrow, such as leukemia or aplastic anemia, and certain medicines.
Some people have a higher risk. They include women during their menstrual periods and pregnancy. So do people who do not get enough iron or vitamins. A hormone called erythropoietin, made in your kidneys, signals your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. People with kidney disease do not make enough of it.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will use your medical history, a physical exam, and blood tests to diagnose anemia. The exam may find pale skin, a rapid heart rate, or a heart murmur.
Blood tests can include a complete blood count (CBC), which counts your blood cells, and hemoglobin levels. The doctor may also check blood iron levels and ferritin levels, which show how much iron your body has. Blood tests may include a reticulocyte count.
Treatment
Treatment targets the cause of the anemia. For iron-deficiency anemia, iron supplements, also called iron pills or oral iron, are the most common treatment. It often takes three to six months to restore iron levels. Side effects can include a bad metallic taste, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach. Iron can also go through a vein (IV) for serious cases.
Supplements of vitamin B12 or folic acid treat those types. Erythropoietin is a medicine that helps your bone marrow make more blood cells. Blood transfusions quickly increase red blood cells and may be used for serious anemia. Medicines that suppress the immune system treat some types. Surgery may be needed to stop internal bleeding.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor if you have any symptoms of anemia. Call 911 right away for chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop. Severe anemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the heart and can lead to heart failure.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This doctor can run blood tests to find the cause of anemia and treat common types like iron-deficiency anemia. They can also check your blood over time and refer you to a blood specialist when needed.
Common questions
What is the most common type of anemia?
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It develops if you do not have enough iron in your body. Blood loss, problems absorbing iron, and a diet low in iron can all lead to it.
What foods help with anemia?
Good sources of iron include beans, eggs, lean red meat, salmon, tofu, and dark green leafy vegetables. Foods with vitamin C, such as oranges and tomatoes, help your body absorb iron. Black tea can reduce iron absorption.
Is anemia dangerous?
It can be, depending on how severe it is. Mild anemia is common and treatable. But severe anemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the heart and can lead to heart failure. Untreated iron-deficiency anemia may also cause heart problems or pregnancy complications.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
