Do you have any kind of an autoimmune disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) or a chronic disease (any type of infection that lasts longer than 3 months, chronic kidney disease, obesity, heart failure, or cancer)?
Do you feel tired or weak?
Do you get tired easily during or after physical activity?
Do you have pale skin?
Do you have shortness of breath?
Do you feel dizzy or do you feel like you are going to pass out?
Do you have a fast heartbeat?
Do you have headaches?
Do you have body aches?
Do you sweat more than usual?
Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have anemia of chronic disease. Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) is a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells due to an autoimmune or a chronic disease. Chronic diseases are those that last longer than 3 months. ACD is the second most common type of anemia, right after the iron deficiency anemia. Anemia of chronic disease is usually a mild condition that in some cases does not cause any symptoms, while in others it may cause fatigue, pale skin or fainting. Anemia of chronic disease is also known as anemia of chronic inflammation.
Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have anemia of chronic disease. Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) is a type of anemia that occurs in people who have chronic conditions that cause inflammation (infections, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), chronic kidney disease or cancer). Anemia refers to low levels of red blood cells or low levels of hemoglobin in your blood. It affects both men and women equally, and any person with a chronic inflammatory condition can potentially develop ACD. A diagnosis is based on blood tests. Also, your doctor may decide to perform a bone marrow biopsy.
Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have anemia of chronic disease. Anemia of chronic disease is a type of anemia that is related to many different underlying chronic inflammatory diseases. The severity of anemia can vary from one person to another, but in most cases the symptoms of the underlying disease predominate. Usually, treating the underlying disease that causes anemia will help address the anemia symptoms. Sometimes, your doctor may also recommend a blood transfusion and a synthetic form of EPO (erythropoietin - a substance that can stimulate the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow).
CLEVELAND CLINIC, Anemia of Chronic Disease
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14477-anemia-of-chronic-disease
NORD, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Anemia of Chronic Disease
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/anemia-of-chronic-disease/
NIH, Anemia of Inflammation or Chronic Disease
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/blood-diseases/anemia-inflammation-chronic-disease#common
jelena mihajlovic
Hi! I’m Jelena Radovanovic. After earning my Phd in General Medicine from the Medical University of Nis, I began a career as a physician in order to pursue my passion for medical science and help treat the people around me. I joined the Medical Center in Nis in 2010 where I gained practical knowledge in real-time situations. In addition to my primary job as a General Practitioner, I’ve worked with nonprofits to help underprivileged patients by providing them with information, services, and assistance.
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