Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues. Having anemia for a long time can cause serious health problems. Let’s take a look at what can happen if anemia goes untreated.
What is anemia?
Anemia occurs when the number of red blood cells or the hemoglobin in those cells drops below normal. Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to transport it throughout your body. When you’re anemic, your blood has a lower than normal amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
There are many types of anemia. The most common are:
- Iron deficiency anemia – due to a lack of iron
- Anemia of chronic disease – chronic conditions can interfere with red blood cell production
- Vitamin deficiency anemia – lack of folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin C
- Aplastic anemia – bone marrow’s inability to produce enough red blood cells
- Hemolytic anemia – red blood cells destroyed prematurely
Anemia has a wide range of causes including poor diet, intestinal disorders, menstrual problems, cancer, malaria, HIV, kidney disease, and genetic factors. Anemia can be temporary or long term, and it can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms of anemia
The most common symptoms of anemia are:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Chest pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Headache
However, mild anemia may have minimal symptoms or none at all. The signs are often subtle at first and become more noticeable as the anemia gets worse.
What happens when anemia goes untreated?
Leaving anemia untreated allows it to progress and the symptoms to worsen over time. Potential complications include:
Fatigue and weakness
Fatigue is one of the most common early symptoms of anemia. You may feel constantly tired or worn out despite getting adequate sleep and rest. As anemia advances, fatigue often increases until it begins to interfere with your daily life. Physical weakness commonly accompanies worsening fatigue.
Shortness of breath and fast heart rate
Oxygen delivery to your tissues is impaired when you have anemia. Initially, your heart rate goes up in an attempt to compensate for the low oxygen levels. Your breathing rate also increases as your body tries to increase oxygen intake. Mild activity can leave you feeling winded.
As anemia worsens, you may develop palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and congestive heart failure. Lack of oxygen can also lead to pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure affecting the arteries in your lungs and right side of your heart.
Cognitive problems
Oxygen deprivation to the brain can result in a range of neurological symptoms. You may experience difficulty concentrating, dizziness, headaches, depression, and even mild forms of dementia in chronic anemia cases.
Problems during pregnancy
Anemia is fairly common during pregnancy due to increased demands on the body. Untreated anemia raises the risks of preterm delivery, low birth weight, postpartum depression, and poor fetal growth. It can also increase the need for blood transfusions after delivery.
Growth and development issues in children
Infants and children with chronic anemia may exhibit slow growth and development. Iron deficiency anemia can impair cognitive function, motor skills, immunity, and endurance in kids.
Digestive disturbances
Some types of anemia, like pernicious anemia, megaloblastic anemia, and iron deficiency anemia, affect digestion. You may have reduced appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, or constipation. These disorders can lead to poor nutrient absorption.
Decreased immune function
Anemia restricts oxygenation needed by your immune system to function normally. You become more vulnerable to infections. Older adults with anemia have a greater chance of developing respiratory infections like pneumonia.
Frequent infections
Along with a compromised immune system, chronic anemia taxes your body’s ability to fight off infections. Even common colds and viruses can become serious illnesses.
Coldness
Poor circulation causes decreased blood flow to your hands and feet. You may suffer from chronically cold extremities. This problem worsens in severe or long-term anemia cases.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor promptly if you have any symptoms of anemia. Early treatment can correct it before complications develop. Also consult your physician if you have a condition or take medications that put you at higher risk of anemia.
Request an appointment if any of the following apply:
- Fatigue, weakness or dizziness is impacting your daily life
- Shortness of breath, rapid heart rate or chest pain
- Menstrual flow that soaks through a pad/tampon each hour
- Frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums
- Bloody or tarry stools
- Frequent infections
- Cold intolerance in hands and feet
- Pale skin or nails
- Pregnancy
- Recent surgery
- Medical conditions like cancer, kidney failure, Crohn’s, celiac or rheumatoid arthritis
- Taking ulcer, seizure, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer medications
See a doctor immediately if you experience severe chest pain, fainting, or sudden shortness of breath, as these may indicate a crisis needs urgent care.
Risk factors for anemia
Certain people have an increased likelihood of developing anemia. Risk factors include:
| Risk factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Women | Due to blood loss from menstruation |
| Pregnancy | Higher iron requirements |
| Children and teens | Rapid growth requires more nutrients |
| Over 65 years old | Greater incidence of chronic diseases |
| Intestinal disorders | Celiac, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis impair absorption |
| Surgery | Blood loss |
| Cancer and chemotherapy | Bone marrow suppression |
| Kidney failure | Inability to produce erythropoietin |
Additionally, those with poor diets low in iron, vitamin B12, folate and other nutrients have higher anemia risks. Heavy alcohol use can cause a lack of nutrients. Chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, HIV/AIDS, and autoimmune disorders are linked to a higher incidence of anemia.
Diagnosing anemia
A physician will diagnose anemia through a medical history, physical exam, and lab tests. Your doctor will ask about symptoms, medical conditions, family history, medications, and dietary habits. Tests used to diagnose anemia include:
- Complete blood count (CBC) – measures red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet levels. A CBC determines hemoglobin levels and hematocrit, the percentage of blood that is composed of red blood cells.
- Iron tests – measure iron and ferritin (stored iron) levels. Helps identify iron deficiency.
- Vitamin deficiency tests – checking levels of folate, B12, and other vitamins.
- Reticulocyte count – indicates how fast red blood cells are replenished.
- Bone marrow tests – examine bone marrow for problems in blood cell production.
Additional testing for an underlying condition may be ordered depending on exam results and suspected causes. Your doctor can determine the type and severity of your anemia with these diagnostic blood tests and assessments.
Treating anemia
Treatment targets the underlying cause:
- Iron supplements – for iron deficiency. Oral or IV iron.
- Vitamin supplements – B12, folic acid, C supplements.
- Dietary changes – Increased iron, vitamin C, folic acid foods.
- Underlying condition management – Treatment programs for chronic kidney disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders, etc.
- Blood transfusions – Used in more severe or acute cases.
- Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents – Medications that stimulate red blood cell production.
- Blood marrow stimulants – Immunosuppressant medications in certain cases.
- Surgery – Removal of part of the stomach in pernicious anemia.
The outlook and recovery timeline depend on the cause and severity. Nutritional deficiency anemia can resolve within a few weeks with supplementation and diet changes. Hemolytic anemia treatment focuses on managing the underlying disorder. Chronic conditions causing anemia may require ongoing therapy.
Preventing anemia
You can reduce your anemia risk by:
- Eating iron, folate, B12, vitamin C, and protein-rich foods.
- Treating underlying gastrointestinal conditions.
- Avoiding NSAIDs and anticoagulants if possible.
- Having an annual CBC if at higher risk.
- Taking a multivitamin with iron.
- Preventing blood loss through injury precautions.
- Avoiding excess alcohol intake.
Pregnant women need 30 mg of iron a day from diet or supplements, with higher doses if deficient. Women with heavy periods may need treatment for blood loss and extra iron.
Conclusion
Left untreated, anemia can have serious consequences on your physical and mental health. It may lead to complications such as heart problems, frequent infections, and pregnancy risks. However, anemia is usually manageable with dietary changes, supplements, medication, or transfusions in severe cases. See your doctor promptly at the first signs of anemia for proper diagnosis and treatment. With a treatment plan targeting the underlying cause, most people fully recover.