Anemia due to chronic kidney disease
Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Chronic kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should. This damage can cause wastes and fluid to build up in your body.
What are the symptoms of anemia in someone with chronic kidney disease?
Anemia related to CKD typically develops slowly and may cause few or no symptoms in early kidney disease. Symptoms of anemia in CKD may include:
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Unusually pale skin
- Weakness
- Body aches
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Sleep problems
- Trouble concentrating
What causes anemia in chronic kidney disease?
The risk of developing anemia grows as kidney disease progresses. You may be at higher risk of anemia if you’re:
- Older than 60
- Female
- On dialysis
Other factors may also increase your risk of developing anemia with CKD, including:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Kidney failure
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Malnutrition
- Blood loss, including from frequent blood draws or dialysis treatment
What are the types of anemia in chronic kidney disease?
Types of anemia in chronic kidney disease include:
- Iron-deficiency anemia: The most common type of anemia is Iron-deficiency anemia. It occurs due to the lack of iron in the body related to blood loss or poor absorption of iron.
- Vitamin deficiency anemia: This happens due to low levels of folic acid or vitamin B12. It’s often related to poor dietary intake or inability to absorb these vitamins through the gastrointestinal tract.
- EPO deficiency: Your kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which tells the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In CKD, the kidneys may not produce enough EPO hormones to keep up with your body’s demand for red blood cells.
How do you treat anemia?
The treatment will depend on the exact reason of your anemia. If your anemia is due to kidney disease, your healthcare provider will treat you with:
Drugs called erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs): ESAs help your body make red blood cells. Your healthcare provider will give the ESA to you as an injection under the skin.
Extra iron: Your body also needs iron to make red blood cells—especially when you are receiving ESAs. Without enough iron, your ESA treatment will not work as well. Your healthcare provider may give you iron to take as a pill. Another way to receive iron is directly into a vein in your doctor's office or clinic.