Treatment and Prevention of Anemia

Treatment is directed at the cause of the anemia. Severe anemia is life-threatening and can be treated in the hospital with blood transfusions. The treatment of different types of anemia will be discussed in detail in their respective topics. In general, depending upon the cause and severity, treatment of anemia may include the following:

• Nutritional supplements—iron, vitamin B₁₂ or folic acid.
• Dietary change.
• Treatment of underlying disorder.
• Treatment with erythropoietin injections.
• Transfusion of packed RBCs for patients who are actively bleeding and for patients with severe, symptomatic anemia.
• Corticosteroids are useful in the treatment of autoimmune HA.
• Splenectomy is useful in the treatment of autoimmune HA and in certain hereditary hemolytic disorders.

Many kinds of anemia, particularly those caused by nutritional deficiencies may be prevented by consuming a diet rich in those deficient nutrients or by taking the appropriate supplements. Other types of anemia can be prevented by treating the underlying cause for the condition such as an internal bleeding or chronic worm infestation. Some forms of hereditary anemia such as SCA cannot be prevented, therefore it is important to have the appropriate investigations for diagnosis and to follow specific directions for treatment.