Anemia

Anemia in the glossary for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia

A lack of sufficient healthy erythrocytes or hemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to bodily tissues.

Anemia describes a condition in which there is a reduced total amount of erythrocytes (red blood cells) or hemoglobin in the blood, or a decrease in oxygen transport ability by the blood. The symptoms of slow-onset anemia include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and reduced capacity for exercise. Symptoms of fast-onset anemia may include confusion, increased thirst lightheadedness and loss of consciousness. Anemia can be caused by blood loss (for example due to injury), decreased erythrocyte production (causes include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, thalassemia, and several neoplasms of the bone marrow), and increased erythrocyte breakdown (due to genetic conditions such as sickle cell anemia, infections such as malaria, and certain autoimmune diseases).¹