Anemia

What Is Anemia?

Anemia happens when your blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen through your body. When red cells are low, you may feel tired, dizzy, or short of breath. At GastroDoxs in Cypress, we help you find the cause and the right treatment to feel better again.

Common Symptoms

Anemia can make you feel weak or slow. Signs to watch for include:

• Feeling tired all the time
• Pale skin or pale gums
• Shortness of breath during daily tasks
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Cold hands or feet
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headaches or trouble focusing

Causes

There are many types of anemia. Each one has a different cause:

• Iron deficiency anemia (ICD-10: D50) - Caused by low iron levels
• Microcytic anemia (ICD-10: D50-D53) - Small red blood cells often linked to iron loss
• Macrocytic anemia (ICD-10: D51-D53) - Large red blood cells often linked to low vitamin B12 or folate
• Anemia from chronic disease (ICD-10: D63) - Associated with long-term illnesses
• Sickle cell anemia (ICD-10: D57) - A genetic disorder causing misshapen red cells

Treatment Options for Anemia in Cypress

Treatment includes medical therapies and lifestyle adjustments:

• Oral iron supplements: Gentle formulations such as ferrous gluconate or iron bisglycinate to boost iron stores with minimal gastrointestinal side effects.
• Dietary guidance: Increase iron-rich foods (red meat, spinach, legumes) and vitamin C sources (citrus fruits) to enhance absorption; avoid inhibitors like tea, coffee, and calcium at mealtimes.
• Vitamin B12 & folate: Delivered by oral supplements or intramuscular injections for those with absorption issues or deficiency-related anemia.
• IV iron therapy: Rapid repletion for moderate to severe iron-deficiency anemia, ideal when oral supplements are insufficient or poorly tolerated.
• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents: Medications such as erythropoietin to encourage red blood cell production in chronic disease-related anemia.
• Addressing underlying causes: Targeted treatment for bleeding, inflammation, or chronic conditions (e.g., ulcers, heavy menstruation, kidney disease) to prevent recurrence.
• Lab monitoring: Regular CBC, ferritin, iron studies, and if indicated, B12/folate levels to track response and adjust therapy.