Anemia of Chronic Disease
Anemia of Chronic Disease
Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD) happens when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells because of a long-term illness. Red blood cells carry oxygen. Without enough of them, your body may feel tired and weak.
This type of anemia is often caused by other ongoing health problems, such as:
Kidney disease
Cancer
Lupus or other autoimmune diseases
Infections that last a long time
Heart failure
Rheumatoid arthritis
Other chronic (long-term) illnesses
These diseases can change how your body uses iron or how it makes red blood cells.
You may not notice symptoms at first. But over time, you may have:
Feeling tired or weak
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fast heartbeat
Feeling cold, especially in your hands and feet
You may not always be able to prevent anemia of chronic disease, but you can help by:
Taking your medications as prescribed
Keeping your chronic condition under control
Eating a healthy diet with enough iron, vitamins, and protein
Going to your check-ups and lab tests
Staying active as your doctor allows
Contact your nurse or doctor if you:
Feel more tired than usual
Notice you’re getting short of breath with simple tasks
Feel dizzy or lightheaded
Have pale skin or cold hands and feet
Feel your heart beating fast even when resting
Go to the ER right away if you:
Feel very weak or like you might pass out
Have chest pain or trouble breathing
Notice your heart is racing or pounding
Feel confused or can’t think clearly
Have black or bloody stools (poop)
Anemia of chronic disease is a sign that your body is dealing with another illness. With good care and follow-up, it can be managed. Always talk with your home health team or doctor if you notice changes in how you feel.
Patient Homework/Assessment Test
Please Circle the Correct Answer. If the Statement is False, please make the statement Correct.
1.True or False: Anemia of chronic disease is caused by a lack of red blood cells.
2.True or False: Red blood cells carry sugar to the muscles.
3. True or False: Long-term illnesses like kidney disease and cancer can cause anemia.
4. True or False: Anemia of chronic disease usually starts with severe symptoms right away.
5. True or False: Feeling tired or weak can be a sign of anemia.
6.True or False: Eating a healthy diet has no effect on anemia.
7. True or False: Anemia of chronic disease can make your skin look pale.
8. True or False: Chest pain or trouble breathing can be a sign to go to the emergency room.
9.True or False: Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are not linked to anemia.
10.True or False: It's important to take medications as prescribed to help manage anemia.
11.True or False: Anemia means you have too many red blood cells.
12. True or False: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded could be a symptom of anemia.
13. True or False: You should only go to the ER if your you have spoke to your doctor and he tells you to go to the emergencyroom.
14. True or False: A fast heartbeat while resting can be a symptom of anemia.
15. True or False: Chronic infections can lead to anemia of chronic disease.
16.True or False: Staying active is never recommended for people with anemia.
17. True or False: Anemia of chronic disease can be managed with proper care.
18.True or False: It is okay to ignore feeling weak or tired for several days.
19.True or False: Black or bloody stools may be a reason to go to the emergency room.
20. True or False: Anemia of chronic disease means your body is fighting another health problem.
ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK
Can you explain in your own words why your chronic condition might cause your anemia?
What symptoms might you notice if your anemia becomes worse, and how would it affect your daily activities?
Do you know what tests, such as hemoglobin or hematocrit, your doctor uses to monitor your anemia?
What steps can you take at home to help manage your anemia and support your overall health?”
ANSWER KEY:
True — Anemia of chronic disease happens when your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells, or they don’t work well, due to a long-term illness.
False — Red blood cells carry oxygen, not sugar. Oxygen is what your body needs to make energy.
True — Chronic illnesses like kidney disease, cancer, and autoimmune diseases can affect red blood cell production and cause anemia.
False — Symptoms of anemia of chronic disease often develop slowly and may be mild at first.
True — Feeling tired or weak is one of the most common signs of anemia because your body isn’t getting enough oxygen.
False — A healthy diet with iron, protein, and vitamins can help manage anemia, even if it doesn’t cure it.
True — Pale or cool skin can happen when there’s less oxygen in the blood due to anemia.
True — Chest pain or trouble breathing can be serious signs of low oxygen and should be treated right away in the ER.
False — Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are common causes of anemia of chronic disease.
True — Taking your medications can help control the underlying illness that’s causing anemia.
False — Anemia means you have too few red blood cells, not too many.
True — When your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded — a common anemia symptom.
False — Some symptoms like chest pain, confusion, or very fast heartbeat require emergency care even before calling your doctor.
True — A racing heart can happen when your heart tries to pump more blood to carry extra oxygen.
True — Chronic infections can affect the bone marrow or how your body uses iron, leading to anemia.
False — Mild activity (as your doctor allows) can improve circulation and energy levels. Rest is important, but full inactivity is not always helpful.
True — With good medical care and regular follow-up, anemia of chronic disease can be managed over time.
False — Ignoring tiredness or weakness may lead to serious complications. Always report new or worsening symptoms.
True — Black or bloody stools can mean internal bleeding, which may make anemia worse and requires emergency care.
True — This type of anemia is often a result of the body fighting another disease over a long time.