Treatment of Anemia

Published at 24 September 2024

Anemia treatment varies according to the cause and type of anemia, whether it is iron deficiency, or deficiency in some vitamins important for making red blood cells, or other causes. What is the treatment for anemia? (1)

Treating anemia depending on the cause can be explained as follows:

1.Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, and is generally treated by: (2)(12)

·Iron supplements in the form of pills or syrup once daily, usually for 3-6 months.

·Intravenous iron injections in severe cases, or if oral pills are not effective.

·Increase your intake of iron-rich food, such as: green leaves, dried fruits, meat, and legumes, along with supplements.

During the treatment course, the patient undergoes regular blood tests to check his iron levels and his response to treatment. (12)

2.Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency

Anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency is usually treated using B12 injections intramuscularly every two days for two weeks. In some cases, doctors treat B12 deficiency with pills instead of injections. (3)

A diet rich in foods containing vitamin B12 helps. animal sources, such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and eggs, are considered rich food sources of vitamin B12. (3)

It is also important that you undergo a medical assessment to find out the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency, to manage it appropriately and prevent it from decreasing again. Sometimes the doctor may recommend vitamin B12 injections every few months if you have a medical reason that causes persistent B12 deficiency. (3)

3.Anemia due to folic acid deficiency

Anemia caused by folic acid deficiency is treated with folic acid supplement pills. It is also recommended to follow a diet rich in food that contains folic acid, such as: green leafy vegetables, legumes, fortified grains, and citrus fruits. (4)

4.Sickle cell anemia

It is a hereditary disease, for which there is no definitive treatment. Treatment methods depend on the condition and its severity and may include: (9)(10)

Analgesics.
Cancer medication hydroxyurea.
Blood transfusion.
Folic acid supplements, to support healthy red blood cell production.
Antibiotics and vaccinations to prevent infection.
Oxygen therapy. (8)
Intravenous fluids. (8)
Bone marrow transplantation in severe cases. (8)

5.Thalassemia

It is a hereditary disease, for which there is no definitive treatment. Most of cases are simple and do not require treatment, but severe cases may require regular blood transfusions, removal of excess iron, and folic acid supplements. The doctor can prescribe medications such as: luspatercept (Reblozyl) to reduce the need for blood transfusions. and hydroxyurea to reduce complications, and rarely requires Splenectomy. (12)

6.Anemia of inflammation

Some chronic inflammatory diseases cause anemia, such as: chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid disease, Crohn's disease, and others. In general, treatment for this type of anemia focuses on treating the cause. In severe cases, medications can be prescribed to stimulate the production of red blood cells, such as: erythropoietin injections. (Erythropoietin), or blood transfusion. (5)

7.Hemolytic anemia

It occurs because red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced, and in general treatment includes the following: (6)

Blood transfusion.
Immunosuppressant medications, such as cortisone, if the immune system attacks red blood cells.
Splenectomy.
Change or stop the medication causing the condition.

8.Aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia occurs due to decreased production of red cells within the bone marrow due to problems in the blood formation process, and not due to the destruction of red cells. Treatment may include: (7)

Blood transfusion.
Medicines to prevent your immune system from destroying stem cells in your bone marrow.
Medicines to help the body make new blood cells.
Bone marrow transplantation in severe cases.

9.Anemia associated with bone marrow disease

Diseases such as leukemia and bone marrow cancer (Myeloma) can affect how the bone marrow produces blood, and treatment may include some medications, chemotherapy, or a bone marrow transplant. (8)

For more inquiries about anemia and methods of treating it, refer to the Internal Medicine Department at Al-Ahli Hospital, which includes the best consultants and doctors in the field.

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