Anemia Care in NJ, CT, and MD
Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body. In some cases, people do not have enough red blood cells to deliver the amount of oxygen needed for healthy functioning. This condition, known as anemia, can occur for a variety of reasons and can take many forms. , Regional Cancer Care Associates has the expertise and resources to treat or control anemia and other conditions, and provides patients with expert care at convenient locations in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. area.
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What Is Anemia?
Because red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, they are vital to ensuring that the body has enough energy for the day. Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which aids in carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. Anemia, or low hemoglobin levels, occurs when the body fails to produce enough red blood cells or prematurely destroys red blood cells.
As noted, anemia can arise for many reasons. Some people develop the condition at birth, but it also can arise at any age. Anemia occurs when the body cannot produce an adequate amount of red blood cells, loses red blood cells faster than it can replace them, or eliminates red blood cells. Risk factors for anemia include:
- Lack of iron, vitamin B-12, folate, and copper
- Older age
- Intestinal disorders
- Family history
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Cancer
- Certain chronic conditions
- Pregnancy
Anemia Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the cause of a patient’s anemia and other factors. In some instances, people with anemia may not feel symptoms at all. However, symptoms can appear or grow more severe if anemia worsens. Symptoms of anemia include:
- Tiredness, or fatigue
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Pale or yellow-toned skin
- Cold hands and feet
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Types of Anemia
There are many forms of anemia. Based on a thorough history and examination, along with blood work, physicians may diagnose a person with:
- Iron deficiency anemia: This stems from the blood having an insufficient amount of iron, which is a necessary element for the production of hemoglobin. This type of anemia is often found in pregnant women and people with ulcers, stomach lining inflammation, cancer, or heavy menstrual bleeding.
- anemia: This is a rare form of anemia that people can develop through the use of certain medications, toxic chemical exposure, infections, or autoimmune diseases.
- tic anemia: This type of anemia occurs when the body destroys red blood cells faster than it produces them. Patients can inherit hemolytic anemia from their parents, or they can develop it later in life.
- Vitamin deficiency anemia: This type of anemia develops from a lack of folate and vitamin B-12. These elements are necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells.
- Sickle cell anemia: This is a condition that usually emerges at birth. Sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become misshapen (sickle-shaped). This causes red blood cells to die quickly, causing patients to experience a consistent red blood cell shortage.
To diagnose which anemic condition a patient may have, physicians may conduct a variety of tests such as:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Examination of the shape and size of red blood cells
- Bone marrow analysis
Seek Anemia Treatment at Regional Cancer Care Associates
The hematology specialists and other health care professionals at Regional Cancer Care Associates use state-of-the-art technology and l practices to treat and control anemia. Depending on the severity and type of anemia, our physicians may suggest making lifestyle changes or taking supplements and medications to relieve symptoms. For severe cases, patients may undergo a blood transfusion, bone marrow transplant, or other treatment.
With a dedication to creating a comfortable health care environment, Regional Cancer Care Associates utilizes personalized care for patients in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. area. To learn more about our anemia treatment services, request an appointment today.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
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Schedule an Appointment at Regional Cancer Care Associates
If you need near-term or ongoing care for anemia or another benign blood disorder, schedule an appointment at Regional Cancer Care Associates. Patients have access to a full range of services across New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, DC area, making it easy to find a location convenient for you. Contact us today to learn more about our benign hematology services.
Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.