Anemia
Gastroenterologist in Beverly Hills
Anemia is when the red blood cell counts are lower than they should be. Anemia can occur rapidly when there is a sudden loss of blood or can be the result of small amounts of blood loss over a longer period of time. Often, the source of this blood loss can be from the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon (large intestine). This is often seen as vomiting blood or rectal bleeding. Patients may feel dizzy because their blood pressure drops, especially when standing up. Anemia can also occur from chronic blood loss from the GI tract. Symptoms are more subtle and progressive and this often leads to iron deficiency.
Common symptoms of anemia include:
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Chronic lack of energy
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your GI doctor will likely start with blood tests to measure the hemoglobin levels in your red blood cells. If hemoglobin is deficient, an endoscopy, capsule endoscopy or colonoscopy may be ordered to locate the source of the bleeding.
Treatment for anemia includes:
- Iron supplements
- Iron infusions, given by injection, for more severe cases of iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin B12 infusions
- Stricter diet and nutrition management
EGD/colonoscopy and small bowel capsule endoscopy can locate and stop the source of bleeding. These tests are also used to ensure that there is no underlying cancer as the cause of bleeding.
Contact Center for GI Health at (310) 657-4444 to make an appointment with our Beverly Hills gastroenterologist.
