Anemia Side Effects

Anemia occurs when the boy does not have adequate healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemia can be short or long in duration, or it can be mild or acute and very serious.

Causes

• There are many causes of anemia, and anemia is often the result of an underlying illness. Anemia can be bought on by a lack or iron, vitamin deficiency, cancer, AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, bone marrow diseases and hereditary disease such as Sickle Cell anemia.

Significance

• Depending on the cause, the symptoms, the length and severity will vary. Fatigue is one of the most telltale signs. Pale skin, shortness of breath, and an irregular heartbeat are other symptoms. Chest pain can occur as well as headaches and dizziness. A person may also feel cold all of the time.

Duration

• Anemia can last be quickly treated in some patients and for others it may last a long time. Anemia that endures can take a heavy toll and be damaging to the body, the muscles, the organs and the tissues.

Transfusion Side Effects

• If a blood transfusion is needed, some side effects may rarely occur. Fever, chills, and hives are some side effects. Also, when multiple transfusions are received a patient may develop antibodies that do not interact well with the donated blood.

Infections

• Blood used for transfusions is very carefully screened, but there is always the risk of infection. Rejection of blood is another concern.

Iron Overload

• If a person suffers from excess iron when being treated for anemia it must be removed. Too much iron can cause stomach and liver problems. The over abundance of iron can be treated with oral iron chelation therapy.