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Anemia

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  1. Anemia
Anemia
Reduced ability of blood to carry oxygen
Other namesAnaemia, erythrocytopenia
Pronunciation/əˈniːmiə/
SpecialtyHematology
SymptomsFeeling tired, pale skin, weakness, shortness of breath, feeling faint1
CausesBlood loss, decreased red blood cell production, increased red blood cell breakdown1
Diagnostic methodBlood hemoglobin measurement1
Frequency1.92 billion / 24% (2021)2

Anemia (also spelt anaemia in British English) is a in which the has a reduced ability to carry . This can be due to a lower than normal number of , a reduction in the amount of available for oxygen transport, or abnormalities in hemoglobin that impair its function.

Last edited
3 Nov 2026
blood disorder
blood
oxygen
red blood cells
hemoglobin
3
4

For other uses, see Anemia (disambiguation).

When anemia comes on slowly, the symptoms are often vague, such as tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, headaches, and a reduced ability to exercise.1 When anemia is acute, symptoms may include confusion, feeling like one is going to pass out, loss of consciousness, and increased thirst.1 Anemia must be significant before a person becomes noticeably pale.1 Additional symptoms may occur depending on the underlying cause.1 Anemia can be temporary or long-term and can range from mild to severe.5

Anemia can be caused by blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, and increased red blood cell breakdown.1 Causes of blood loss include menstruation, bleeding due to inflammation of the stomach or intestines, bleeding from surgery, serious injury, or blood donation.1 Causes of decreased production include iron deficiency, folate deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, thalassemia and a number of bone marrow tumors.1 Causes of increased breakdown include genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia, infections such as malaria, and certain autoimmune diseases like autoimmune hemolytic anemia.1

Anemia can also be classified based on the size of the red blood cells and amount of hemoglobin in each cell.1 If the cells are small, it is called microcytic anemia; if they are large, it is called macrocytic anemia; and if they are normal sized, it is called normocytic anemia.1 The diagnosis of anemia in men is based on a hemoglobin of less than 130 g/L; in non-pregnant women, it is less than 120 g/L, while in pregnant women it is less than 105–110.67 Further testing is then required to determine the cause.18

Treatment depends on the specific cause. Certain groups of individuals, such as pregnant women, can benefit from the use of iron pills for prevention.19 Dietary supplementation, without determining the specific cause, is not recommended.1 The use of blood transfusions is typically based on a person's signs and symptoms.1 In those without symptoms, they are not recommended unless hemoglobin levels are less than 60 to 80 g/L (6 to 8 g/dL).110 These recommendations may also apply to some people with acute bleeding.1 Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are only recommended in those with severe anemia.10

Anemia is the most common blood disorder, affecting about a fifth to a third of the global population.11112 Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common cause of anemia worldwide, and affects nearly one billion people.13 In 2013, anemia due to iron deficiency resulted in about 183,000 deaths – down from 213,000 deaths in 1990.14 This condition is most prevalent in children1516 with also an above average prevalence in elderly1 and women of reproductive age (especially during pregnancy).13 Women aged 15 to 49 years experienced an increase in the global prevalence from 27.6% to 30.7% between 2012 and 2023 with either no improvement or an increase in prevalence in nearly all regions.1718 In 2025, the WHO noted a rate of 35.5% in pregnant women, compared with 30.5% in non-pregnant women, along with a rate of almost 40% in children aged under 5 years.19

Anemia is one of the six WHO global nutrition targets for 2025 and for diet-related global targets endorsed by World Health Assembly in 2012 and 2013. Efforts to reach global targets contribute to reaching Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),20 with anemia as one of the targets in SDG 2 for achieving zero world hunger.21

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