How Do Chronic Diseases Contribute to Anemia?

Anemia Community
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Chronic diseases can contribute to anemia through various mechanisms. For instance:

  1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. CKD can lead to decreased erythropoietin production and anemia.

  2. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Conditions: Chronic inflammation can affect the body’s ability to use iron and produce red blood cells, leading to anemia of chronic disease.

  3. Cancer: Cancer can cause anemia through blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, bone marrow infiltration, or the effects of chemotherapy and radiation.