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Anemia

There are many different types of anemia, each of which has a unique cause, symptoms, treatments, and prognosis. Anemia is a reduction in the red blood cells of the blood. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues. The level of red blood cells is measured by the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The common causes of anemia include nutritional deficits (B12, iron, and folate), blood loss, chronic disease, bone marrow conditions, and some medications.

Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia is the name for the type of anemia which is caused by certain medication. This type of anemia prompts antibody formation whereby the immune system destroys red blood cells. There are a number of drugs which can cause anemia. Certain antibiotics (the penicillin family), some NSAIDs (Phenylbutazone), anti-malarial drugs, anti-tuberculosis medications, some blood pressure drugs, and other medications may cause a person to develop anemia.

When a person develops drug-induced anemia, they may experience a number of symptoms. Weakness and fatigue, pale or yellowish skin tone, rapid heart beat, enlarged spleen, dark urine, shortness of breath, and chest pain are all possible symptoms of anemia. This type of anemia is not contagious.

When a person develops some of these symptoms of anemia, a doctor will perform a complete physical examination and gather information about the patient's medical history, including current and recent use of certain medications. A CBC, or Complete Blood Count, will be taken to determine the patient's red blood cell levels. Other blood tests may also be performed to diagnose or rule out anemia. If a person is diagnosed with drug-induced anemia, the physician will determine the appropriate treatment for the patient.

A doctor may recommend that a person stop taking the medication believed to have caused the anemia. Corticosteroids, like prednisone, may be prescribed to suppress the immune system and prevent it from depleting the blood's red blood cells. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the spleen (splenectomy).

With proper treatment the risk of death or serious complications from anemia are low. Because anemia causes low oxygen levels in the blood, heart attack and other complications are possible. People with lung or heart conditions are at an increased risk of developing further damage caused by anemia.

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