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Anemia is a condition in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues. It occurs when the level of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body becomes too low. This can lead to health problems because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. Anemia can cause a variety of complications, including fatigue and stress on bodily organs.

People with anemia are suggested to have a doctor check up for quick. But, how do we know if we are one of them? How is it screened and diagnosed?

In many cases, we need to do blood tests as part of a routine physical examination. A complete blood count (CBC) may indicate that there are fewer red blood cells than normal. Doctors will also diagnose anemia with the help of our medical history.

Some of your blood may also be examined under a microscope to study the size, shape and color of your red blood cells, which may indicate a diagnosis. For example, in iron deficiency anemia, red blood cells are smaller and paler in color than normal. In vitamin deficiency anemias, red blood cells are enlarged and fewer in number.

If you receive a diagnosis of anemia, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the underlying cause. For example, iron deficiency anemia can result from chronic bleeding of known or unknown ulcers, benign polyps in the colon, colon cancer, tumors, or kidney failure. Your doctor may test for these and other conditions that may underlie the anemia.

Adapted from materials provided by MayoClinic

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