Anemia occurs when the blood does not contain enough red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues of the body. When there are too few red blood cells, your body tissues do not get enough oxygen to do their work. Hemoglobin and hematocrit tests evaluate the red blood cell count. Ask your doctor if medication would be helpful in increasing your red blood cell count.

Your goals

• Recognize symptoms early.
• Get professional help when needed.

Signs and symptoms to report to your doctor or nurse

• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Unusually tired or weak
• Pounding in the head or ringing in the ears

What you can do at home

• Get plenty of sleep.
• Save your energy by having short periods of activity with rests between them.
• To avoid getting dizzy, rise slowly when you've been lying down. Sit up for several minutes before standing.
• Add green leafy vegetables and liver to your diet when possible.

"Symptom Management" - Table of Contents >>  Suggestions for Coping with Care at Home >>  Anemia >>  Anxiety >>  Bleeding >>  Body Image Changes >>  Breathing Problems >>  Change and Uncertainty >>  Constipation >>  Dehydration >>  Depression >>  Diarrhea >>  Fatigue >>  Fever >>  Hair Loss >>  Infection >>  Kidney and Bladder Effects >>  Memory and Concentration >>  Mouth Pain/ Mucositis >>  Nausea and Vomiting >>  Nerve and Muscle Effects >>  Pain >>  Sexuality >>  Sleep Disturbances >>  White Blood Cells >>  Symptom Notes