Definition
Kidney disease can reduce erythropoietin, the hormone supporting red-cell production; other causes may coexist.
Symptoms
Fatigue, pallor, exertional breathlessness or palpitations.
How it may be discovered
Blood-count monitoring during kidney care.
When to seek care
Discuss unusual fatigue; chest pain, collapse or breathlessness at rest needs urgent advice.
Investigations and tests
Haemoglobin, iron studies and targeted assessment for deficiency or bleeding.
Reaching a diagnosis
Not every anemia in kidney disease is caused by the kidneys.
Treatment options
Correct iron deficiency and consider erythropoiesis-stimulating treatment in selected cases under specialist monitoring.
These kidney guides are educational. Medical kidney disease may require coordinated care with a nephrologist.
Explore this topic further
Continue with related explanations of how the body works and treatment options.