Anemia of chronic disease

Updated: 2023-08-18

Description

Low red blood cells caused by certain chronic diseases.

Overview

Anemia of chronic disease occurs when a person has a low amount of healthy red blood cells and certain chronic diseases. The condition can occur with kidney disease, cancer or an infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms include weakness and shortness of breath, in addition to symptoms of the chronic disease.

Treatments

Treatment focuses on the disease that's causing the anemia. If symptoms become severe, treatment might include getting blood, called a transfusion.