Kidney disease and anemia
Anemia is one of the most significant complications of kidney disease.
It is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body's tissues.
One study found that the prevalence of anemia was approximately 15.4% in those suffering from chronic kidney disease, representing an estimated 4.8 million people.
That study further noted a correlation between the prevalence and the stages of kidney disease. For example, it found that anemia was present in 8.4% of those with stage 1 kidney disease, but that prevalence increased to 53.4% in those with stage 5 kidney disease.
Comparatively, the prevalence of anemia in individuals who do not have kidney disease is 6.3%.
These numbers show that chronic kidney disease patients risk developing anemia as their condition progresses.
This blog post will explore the relationship between kidney disease and anemia, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What is anemia?
Anemia is a medical condition that occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the tissues.
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
When the body does not produce enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, it can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Causes of anemia in chronic kidney disease
Anemia is a common complication of kidney disease, and there are several reasons why kidney disease can cause anemia, including:
Reduced production of erythropoietin: Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys. That hormone stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In people with kidney disease, the kidneys may not produce enough erythropoietin, decreasing red blood cell production.
Iron deficiency: Iron is an essential nutrient for producing hemoglobin. Iron deficiency is one of the symptoms of kidney issues. It can occur in people with chronic kidney disease due to decreased iron absorption from the diet or blood loss from frequent dialysis treatments.
Blood loss: People with chronic kidney disease may experience blood loss from frequent blood draws or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Inflammation: Inflammation is a common feature of kidney disease and can lead to anemia by interfering with the production of red blood cells.
Symptoms of anemia in kidney disease
The symptoms of anemia in chronic kidney disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
Fatigue: People with anemia may feel tired or weak, even with minimal physical activity.
Shortness of breath: Anemia can cause shortness of breath, particularly during exercise or physical exertion.
Dizziness: Those with anemia may experience decreased blood pressure, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.
Pale skin: Anemia can cause the skin of a kidney disease patient to appear pale or yellowish.
Cold hands and feet: Because anemia can cause a decrease in blood flow to the extremities, it can lead to cold hands and feet.
Rapid heartbeat: Anemia may cause the heart to work harder to supply the body with oxygen, leading to a rapid heartbeat.
Treatment of anemia in kidney disease
The treatment of anemia in those who suffer from kidney disease will depend on the condition's underlying cause.
Some standard treatment options include the following:
Iron supplementation: Iron supplementation may be necessary to treat iron deficiency anemia in people with kidney disease. Typically, iron supplementation is administered through oral supplements or intravenous (IV) iron therapy.
Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs): ESAs are synthetic versions of erythropoietin that can stimulate the production of red blood cells in people with kidney disease. ESAs are administered through injection or IV infusions.
Blood transfusions: In severe cases of anemia, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace the lost red blood cells.
Treatment of underlying conditions: Treatment of underlying conditions such as inflammation, infections, or bleeding disorders may be necessary to improve anemia in people with kidney disease.
Dialysis: Dialysis is a standard treatment for late-stage kidney disease patients. However, it can also help improve anemia by removing excess fluids and waste products from the blood. Dialysis can also remove excess red blood cells, which can help stimulate the production of new red blood cells.
Prevention of anemia in kidney disease
Those suffering from chronic kidney disease need to work toward anemia prevention.
Thankfully, there are specific steps that kidney disease patients can take to prevent anemia, including:
Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in iron and other nutrients can help prevent iron deficiency anemia in people with kidney disease.
Monitoring blood pressure: High blood pressure is a common cause of kidney disease and can contribute to anemia. Monitoring and controlling blood pressure can help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and prevent anemia.
Managing underlying conditions: Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and infections can help prevent kidney disease and anemia.
Avoiding medications that can cause anemia: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause anemia in people with kidney disease. Avoiding these medications can help prevent anemia.
Kidney disease and anemia: the bottom line
Anemia is a common complication of kidney disease that can significantly impact the quality of life of affected individuals.
The causes of anemia in kidney disease are complex and multifactorial, but several treatment options are available.
Prevention of anemia in kidney disease is essential. You can prevent anemia by eating a healthy diet, managing underlying conditions, and avoiding medications that can cause anemia.
If you have kidney disease and are experiencing symptoms of anemia, it is important to talk to your nephrologist to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
If you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, the Reset Kidney Health team is here to help. We know from experience that early treatment for kidney disease saves lives. With Reset, you can easily schedule appointments with our world-class kidney specialists and nutritionists to manage your diet for optimal kidney health and to reduce the risk of developing anemia, all from the comfort of your home. We are currently accepting new patients. Contact us today to speak with a member of our care team.
