Notice
Road and parking lot construction in Madison, Wis. may result in travel delays and route changes to UW Health clinic and hospital locations. Please plan accordingly.Read more
Road and parking lot construction in Madison, Wis. may result in travel delays and route changes to UW Health clinic and hospital locations. Please plan accordingly.Read more
When your red blood cell count is low, you have anemia. Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. They carry oxygen throughout the body. When there are fewer red blood cells, the body tissues may not get enough oxygen. Anemia can be measured by a blood test.
Men
Hematocrit (Hct): 40-52%
Hemoglobin (Hgb): 13.6-17.2
Women
Hematocrit (Hct): 34-46%
Hemoglobin (Hgb): 11.6-15.6
Common causes include:
Low iron levels
Low levels of folate or vitamin B12
Cancer
Medicines, such as chemotherapy
Radiation
Blood loss
Chronic kidney disease
Sickle cell disease
Thalassemia
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Trouble breathing when walking, climbing stairs or talking
Pale skin
Ringing in the ears
Light-headedness
Pounding or fast heart rate
Chest pain
Blood in your stool
Dark brown or red vomit
Treatment depends on the cause of your anemia. Your provider may have you take iron supplements, vitamins, hormones or growth factors. Your provider will also decide if you need a blood transfusion.
Plan frequent, short rest periods
Change positions slowly:
Lying to sitting
Sitting to standing
Stand awhile before walking
Dress warmly
Eat a well-balanced diet and drink lots of fluids (8-10 8oz glasses)unless your provider gives you other instructions
Talk with your providers and nurses about an exercise plan to deal with fatigue
Ask for Health Fact #4384, Cancer-Related Fatigue
Call if you have any of the listed symptoms.
Call: __________________________
Hours: ________________________