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Diseases
Anemia
Anemia is defined as the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. As a result, the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is decreased.
Click on the statements/questions below to reveal the answers to the causes, symtoms and
signs of this particular disease.
Causes of anemia
There are many different causes of anemia. For the purposes of this website, we’ll focus on those related to the gastrointestinal tract. This can include:
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
- Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
- Ulcers in the stomach or colon
- Hemorrhoids
- Angiodysplasia (leaky blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract)
- Celiac disease or Celiac Sprue (CS)
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Diverticulitis
- Tumors in the esophagus, stomach, small bowel (small intestine) or colon (large intestine)
Symptoms and signs
As described above, iron-deficiency anemia decreases oxygen delivery to the entire body. Therefore, symptoms are related to this reduced oxygen delivery and may include:
- Being pale or having yellow “sallow” skin
- Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy
- Shortness of breath or chest pain, especially with activity
- Unexplained generalized weakness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Pounding or “whooshing” in the ears
- Headache, especially with activity
- Craving for ice or clay (picophagia)
- Sore or smooth tongue
- Brittle nails or hair loss
How is anemia diagnosed?
Iron-deficiency anemia is diagnosed by blood tests. If anemia is suspected or determined, your gastroenterology specialist may recommend one of the following tests to determine the source of blood loss:
- blood tests
- colonoscopy
- upper endoscopy or EGD
- capsule endoscopy
Words to Know
Colonoscopy:
This is the “gold standard” of tests and examines the entire 5-6 foot long colon. It is typically performed under light to moderate sedation. Not only can a colonoscopy discover polyps, this exam allows the physician to remove the polyps at the same time.
Capsule Endoscopy:
This procedure enables your physician to examine the lining of the middle part of your gastrointestinal tract. You swallow a video camera the size of a pill which provides your doctor with images he or she will view later.
Upper Endoscopy or EGD:
This procedure involves passing a thin tube (endoscope) down your esophagus to examine the lining of your stomach. For more information on EGD, you can visit the Procedures section of our site.