This common pop in of anemia can be identified with a blood test.
Identifying the cause and getting treatment are important aspects of managing normocytic anemia.
This article will explore symptoms of normocytic anemia as well as causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Is Normocytic Anemia?
Normocytic anemia shows up when you have a lower-than-normal amount of red blood cells.
However, the blood cells are still typically normal size.
The condition is also marked by low hemoglobin levels.
What Are the Symptoms of Normocytic Anemia?
What Causes Normocytic Anemia?
Normocytic anemia can happen due to bleeding, chronic disease, or low red blood cell production.
Some people are born with the disorder.
Chronic inflammation can lead to reduced production of red blood cells.
Common causes of normocytic anemia include:
Chronic diseasemay shorten red blood cells' lifespan, contributing to anemia.
Sometimes, the cause and risk of low red blood cells are known before normocytic anemia becomes symptomatic.
How Is Normocytic Anemia Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of normocytic anemia is established with blood tests.
Sometimes, normocytic anemia is diagnosed incidentally due to a routine CBC blood test done for a checkup.
What Are the Treatments for Normocytic Anemia?
Treatment for anemia is important, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Anemia can worsen your overall health and make it harder for you to recover from illnesses.
Prognosis: What to Expect?
Summary
Anemia is low red blood cell number or function.
It can develop due to blood loss, low red blood cell production, or chronic disease.
Red blood cell loss can often be stopped with medical or surgical interventions.
The symptoms and red blood cell count will usually improve with treatment of the cause of anemia.
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