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Anemia is diagnosed by the value of hemoglobin, an important element of blood. The normal range of the value for adults is between 10 and 15 g/dl. The acceptable level for a patient under chemotherapy is a minimum of 10 g/dl.
Normal cells in the bone marrow, which produces blood cells, is easily affected by anticancer drugs, and its blood cell-production capacity tends to go down. Because red blood cells have a relatively long life of 120 days, they are influenced later. Anemia, which is caused by a decrease in red blood cells, starts to appear gradually one or two weeks after starting chemotherapy with anticancer drugs.
Red blood cells deliver oxygen to all parts of the body. If they decrease in number, bodily organs cannot get sufficient oxygen supply, a state called anemia.
<Symptoms when you have anemia>
Anemia with hemoglobin up to 70% of the normal range
(Hb 9 to10 /dl) |
You donft necessarily have any symptoms of anemia. Chronic anemia develops gradually, and you may not have subjective symptoms. Usually, youfll have a poor complexion, the backs of your eyelids become pale, and the reddishness inside your mouth fades. |
Anemia with hemoglobin up to 59% of the normal range
(Hb 8 /dl) |
Your heartbeat increases because the heart is required to send out more blood than usual to make up for the decreased oxygen in the body. You might pant or run out of breath with mild exercise. |
Anemia with hemoglobin up to 40% of the normal range
(Hb 7 /dl) |
You will suffer headaches, dizziness, ear ringing, reduced concentration, and/or insomnia. You will also get tired easily, or feel cold in the hands and feet, because oxygen isnft getting everywhere in the body. You may find a lot of difficulty concentrating. |
Anemia with hemoglobin up to 30% of the normal range
(Hb 5 to 6 /dl) |
You will lose appetite, have nausea and queasiness, constipation, etc. |
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The above extents and symptoms of anemia are only shown as a reference. They will differ by age, sex, causes of anemia, and physical conditions.
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