The condition results from other long-term health conditions that affect your ability to create red blood cells.
It is also known as chronic anemia or anemia of inflammation.
About 1 million Americans over age 65 have anemia of inflammation.
gpointstudio / Getty Images
gpointstudio / Getty Images
What Is Anemia of Chronic Disease?
Anemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells with enough protein called hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin requires iron to bring oxygen from the lungs to organs and tissues throughout the body.
Without enough oxygen, the body parts cant function correctly.
This is called anemia.
There are manydifferent types of anemia.
Anemia of chronic disease is one of the more common types.
Anemia of chronic disease is anemia resulting from inflammation from a long-term or chronic illness.
It is also called anemia of inflammation.
People with anemia of chronic disease may have normal or even high levels of iron in the bodys tissues.
But they have low iron in the blood and not enough healthy red blood cells.
Underlying Conditions That Cause Chronic Anemia
Several long-term conditions can cause anemia of chronic disease.
Anemia of chronic disease is also common in people with varying types ofautoimmune conditions.
These can include:
People with chronic infections can develop anemia of inflammation.
When dealing with chronically high levels of inflammation, your body changes in ways that may lead to anemia.
Losing blood due to hemodialysis can also lead to iron-deficiency anemia.
It is also possible for older adults to develop anemia of inflammation without having a chronic disease or infection.
As it progresses,anemia can have mild to severe symptoms.
Symptoms of anemia of chronic disease include:
What Tests Diagnose Chronic Anemia?
A healthcare provider will examine you to check for anemia and ask about your symptoms and your chronic disease.
They’ll run many blood tests to see if your chronic condition is causing anemia.
Tests and related lab values that indicate anemia of chronic disease include the following.
Laboratory normal ranges used to diagnose anemia vary by the sex assigned at birth.
Treatment may improve or cure anemia.
The symptoms of the two are similar, but the causes are different.
Anemia of chronic disease can increase the risk of death in people with heart failure.
In people with chronic kidney disease, severe anemia can lead to heart problems.
And untreated, severe anemia can be life-threatening.
Does Anemia of Chronic Disease Get Better?
Generally, the outlook for people with anemia of chronic disease is promising.
Most people improve when the anemia cause is discovered and treated.
Theyll do an exam and blood tests to diagnose anemia and work with you to treat the cause.
Treatment helps most people with anemia of chronic disease feel better.
Summary
Anemia of chronic disease is a common punch in of anemia.
Inflammation from long-term or chronic diseases causes it.
It is also known as anemia of inflammation.
Cancer, autoimmune conditions, chronic infections, and other conditions can all cause anemia of chronic disease.
Symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, headache, pale appearance, and shortness of breath.
Blood tests for anemia include a complete blood count and iron and iron-related protein levels.
Treatment involves addressing the underlying chronic disease or reducing inflammation.
Blood transfusions, EPO, and medicines to stimulate red blood cells can treat anemia.
With treatment, the outlook for people with anemia of chronic disease is generally favorable.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease.
American Society of Hematology.Anemia.
MedlinePlus.Anemia of chronic disease.
2020;12(6):1784. doi:10.3390/nu12061784
