Anemia
Get back to the life you want.
Anemia and low hemoglobin can significantly impact your comfort and energy levels, making it hard to live life fully. Your primary care provider will provide initial testing and, if needed, refer you to a Novant Health hematologist or blood specialist for treatment.
Comprehensive anemia management
Anemia is the most common blood disorder. Anemia occurs when your body doesn't make enough red blood cells or they don't function properly, resulting in low hemoglobin levels. This prevents oxygen from being carried throughout your body.
Poor diet, intestinal disorders like IBS, and infections can put you at risk for getting anemia. Women who are menstruating or pregnant and anyone with chronic medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and kidney, liver or thyroid disease, are at highest risk for this disease.
Anemia symptoms and causes
If left untreated, anemia can leave you feeling weak and out of breath. If you experience anemia symptoms like weakness, fatigue, or shortness of breath, your primary care provider may order a blood test.
If you are diagnosed with anemia, your physician will work with you to determine the cause and best care plan. Depending on your test results, you may be referred to one of our blood specialists for more intensive diagnosis and treatment. Our hematology team will work with you to find the root cause and recommend a care plan. At Novant Health Hematology, you'll have access to top treatment options to help you get back to what matters most.
Do you have an iron deficiency?
Symptoms of anemia like shortness of breath, severe fatigue, and irritability, could signal that you have an iron deficiency. Without the correct iron levels, your body can't produce the hemoglobin it needs. Your primary care provider can test your iron levels and make recommendations for treatment or refer you to a hematologist, if needed.
Inherited blood disorders
Sickle cell anemia is a type of sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease and thalassemia are inherited and discovered through a blood test when you are born. These complex diseases require ongoing care and attention from hematologists experienced in treating benign blood disorders.
Early detection of these conditions and appropriate treatments can help you better manage your symptoms. Our specialists listen to your concerns and offer complete care that treats your condition and helps manage your overall health and well-being.
Anemia treatments & management
The anemia treatment your provider recommends will depend on the cause and symptoms of your condition. A vitamin or iron deficiency may require supplements. However, your physician may recommend factor replacement therapy infusion or blood transfusions for more extensive deficiencies or diseases like thalassemia.
When you become pregnant, it’s important to keep hemoglobin levels up to promote normal development of the fetus and avoid transfusions after your delivery.
The blood disorder specialists at Novant Health have dedicated their careers to hematology treatment. We'll carefully review your tests to determine the best form of treatment for your condition.
Access Lifespan Blood Disorder Treatment
Managing a non-malignant blood condition is often a lifetime commitment. Receive compassionate care at a Novant Health from birth through adulthood in our CDC-designated Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTC) at Novant Health locations and St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. HTCs are multidisciplinary comprehensive clinics providing holistic care for bleeding disorders. Your team will include visits with a hematologist, social worker, pharmacist, and physical therapist.