Anemia may develop early in kidney disease, but you may not have symptoms until the late stages of the disease.
As anemia gets worse, you may:
The two main treatments for anemia in kidney disease are iron and erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA).
Both treatments can be given through an I.V. during dialysis.
Other possible treatments include:
Your doctor can decide if you have anemia of chronic kidney disease when you have both anemia and chronic kidney disease and there is no other reason for anemia.
Your doctor will do blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), to learn about your red blood cells and possible reasons for your anemia.
There are things you can do that might help. For example, go to all of your appointments for treatment and follow-up tests. If your doctor suggested changes to your diet, follow your treatment plan. If you're having problems, let your doctor know.
Anemia of chronic kidney disease means that kidney disease has caused your anemia. Your doctor will have ruled out other causes of anemia.
Anemia means that you do not have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to your body's tissues. If your tissues and organs do not get enough oxygen, they cannot work as well as they should.
Anemia is common in people who have chronic kidney disease. It can make you feel weak and tired. With treatment, you may feel better and enjoy life more.
Red blood cells are made by the bone marrow. To get the marrow to make red blood cells, the kidneys make a hormone called erythropoietin, or EPO. When the kidneys are damaged, they may not make enough EPO. Without enough EPO, the bone marrow does not make enough red blood cells, and you have anemia.
In most cases, the more damaged the kidneys are, the more severe the anemia is. In general, people whose kidneys are not working at the normal level may get anemia.
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