Internal Medicine
Anemia
Révisé par l'équipe éditoriale médicale de JordanMedHub · 13/09/2026
En bref
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, but it's far from the only one — knowing the type matters because the treatment is completely different depending on the cause.
Dans cet article
Anemia is a condition in which the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (or enough hemoglobin within them) to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues, causing fatigue, weakness, and pale skin, among other symptoms.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
The most common type by far, resulting from inadequate iron intake, poor absorption, or blood loss (including heavy menstrual periods). Anemia is also common during pregnancy, since pregnancy increases the body's iron and blood-volume needs, and it's routinely screened for and monitored as part of prenatal care. Our dedicated iron-deficiency anemia guide covers this specific type in depth.
Other Important Types
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia results from inadequate intake or absorption of these vitamins, which are essential for producing healthy red blood cells. Anemia of chronic disease occurs alongside long-term conditions like chronic kidney disease or inflammatory disorders, where the body can't use iron normally even if levels are adequate. Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them, from causes ranging from genetic conditions to autoimmune disorders. Thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies are inherited conditions that affect hemoglobin production; they're relevant in Jordan specifically because the country has a meaningful carrier rate in the population, which is why hemoglobin-disorder screening is a required part of Jordan's premarital screening program — identifying carrier status before marriage helps couples understand the chance of passing a more serious form to their children.
Why the Type Matters
Treatment differs completely by cause: iron-deficiency anemia is treated with iron supplementation and addressing the source of blood loss, B12 deficiency needs B12 (sometimes by injection, depending on the cause), anemia of chronic disease requires managing the underlying condition, and hemolytic anemia needs specific treatment for why the cells are being destroyed. Taking iron supplements for a non-iron-deficiency anemia doesn't help and can even be harmful in some cases — proper testing to identify the specific type is essential before starting treatment.
Quand consulter en urgence
Seek urgent medical care for signs of significant blood loss or severe anemia:
- Black or tarry stools, or visible blood in vomit or stool
- Chest pain, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat
- Marked shortness of breath
Diagnosis
A complete blood count (CBC) is the first step, often followed by additional tests (iron studies, B12/folate levels, or others) depending on the initial results and clinical picture.
Avertissement
This guide is for general education only and does not diagnose or recommend treatment for any individual.
Questions fréquentes
Is all anemia caused by iron deficiency?
No — while iron deficiency is the most common cause, anemia can also result from B12/folate deficiency, chronic disease, or red blood cell destruction (hemolytic anemia), each requiring different treatment.
Should you take iron supplements if you're tired all the time?
Not without testing first — taking iron for a non-iron-deficiency anemia doesn't help and can be harmful. A blood test should confirm the specific type before starting treatment.
Écrit par Équipe éditoriale médicale de JordanMedHub
Mis à jour 14/09/2026
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