Anemia of chronic kidney disease

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.

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:

• Feel weak and tire out more easily.
• Feel dizzy.
• Be irritable.
• Have headaches.
• Look very pale.
• Feel short of breath.
• Have trouble concentrating.

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.

Anemia of chronic kidney disease is treated with iron and a human-made hormone called ESA (erythropoietin-stimulating agent). Iron can be given as a pill or through an injection into your vein (I.V.). ESA is usually given as a shot. Both treatments can be given through an I.V. during dialysis.

Eating more foods high in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 may also help. But don't make changes to your diet until you talk to your doctor first.

In rare cases, a blood transfusion may be needed if the anemia is severe.

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.