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Anemia

The patient suffering from this condition has a significantly lower number of Red Blood Cells (RBC's). In a kidney patient's blood test, anemia usually means low hemoglobin levels in the blood.

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Hemoglobin carries oxygen in your blood and delivers it throughout the body. Overall, it works as the main protein in red blood cells. Low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen carrying capacity for the body's tissues or organs.

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Symptoms

 

Though the symptoms of anemia can be mild in the beginning - making them almost impossible for you to notice them; but they get worse with time and so does your health. Some major symptoms are:

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  • Fast or unusual heartbeat

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or feeling of about to pass out

  • Headache

  • Pain in your belly, chest, bones, and joints

  • Shortness of breath

  • Problems in normal growth of children & teens

  • Pale or yellowish skin 

  • Unexplained fatigue and weakness

  • Cold hands & feet

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Causes of Anemia in Kidney Disease

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RBCs are made by bone marrow. To start the process of making RBCs, the kidneys release a hormone erythropoietin (EPO). If you have kidney disease, they may not release enough EPO, which leads to not enough RBCs and eventually anemia.

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Normally, the more severe is your kidney disease, the more severe your anemia is going to be. Individuals whose kidneys are already one-third damaged of the normal level are more prone to get anemia.

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Diagnosis

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Your doctor will ask about your medical history. He will also perform a physical examination and ask to submit a few blood test reports for confirmation.

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You should be clear about symptoms if you have any, medical history of your family, your diet, alcohol intake and any medications you are taking.

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The blood tests might include:

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  • CBC (Complete Blood Count): This test will determine the number, volume, size, and content of hemoglobin in your RBCs

  • Iron and serum ferritin level in your blood: This test works as the best indicator of total iron stored in your body

  • Vitamin B12 and Folate Level: These are necessary vitamins for RBCs production

  • Bilirubin & Reticulocyte count and other blood & urine tests: These are performed to check if you have hemolytic anemia or how quickly your blood cells are restored, if RBCs in your blood have a short life span

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In some rare cases, your doctor may need to remove a bone marrow sample to confirm the cause of anemia in your body.

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Prevention

 

You can follow a well-balanced diet rich in iron, folate and vitamin B12 to prevent anemia. Below listed are the steps you can take to ensure an iron-rich diet:

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  • If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, consult a nutritionist or your doctor to check if your current diet needs any changes or any possible need for supplements

  • Confirm with your nutritionist or doctor if you’d take vitamin C as its consumption will make your stomach more acidic but may also improve iron absorption in your diet

  • Choose iron-fortified bread and cereals

  • Decrease the consumption of tea and caffeinated products in your diet as they can decrease the absorption of iron in your body. Some other offenders are fiber, calcium in large amounts and the phytates

  • Follow safety guidelines carefully if you are in an occupation involving regular contact with lead-infused materials like petroleum, paint and batteries

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