In a given year, roughly 2.8 million Americans are diagnosed with anemia. If you experience chronic fatigue, cold extremities, or lightheadedness, schedule an anemia evaluation with the board-certified gastroenterologists at Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates in Douglaston, New York. You can conveniently book your anemia exam online or call to speak with a team member directly.
Anemia is a chronic condition that means that you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen around your body, which is vital to the health of cells and tissues.
You can become anemic if your body simply doesn’t produce enough blood cells or if your body mistakenly destroys red blood cells. It’s also possible to struggle with anemia because of blood loss, including abnormally heavy periods.
Some of the most common causes of anemia include:
While anyone can develop anemia at any age, your risk is higher if you’re over age 65. Anemia also regularly affects alcoholics since excessive alcohol consumption can lead to poor nutrient absorption.
Anemia leads to a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity of the underlying condition. As your anemia progresses, you may experience:
Anemia is also commonly associated with very pale or yellowish skin. If any of these issues affect you, contact Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates for an evaluation. The team of board-certified doctors runs expanded laboratory testing to determine the severity of your anemia and pinpoint the underlying cause.
Once your dedicated physician evaluates and diagnoses you, they talk with you about all possible treatment solutions. Treating anemia may involve a combination of the following:
If you have a malabsorption issue, such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, that may inhibit your ability to properly absorb nutrients, specialized intravenous infusions may help. These treatments bypass your digestive tract and deliver essential nutrients directly into your bloodstream to better promote red blood cell development.
The team at Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates has you check in regularly for ongoing laboratory testing. Your doctor may change your medications or supplements as needed to treat your anemia.
Before anemia impacts your health any further, schedule an evaluation at Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates. Book your visit online or over the phone today.
