Anemia & Kidney Disease

Your doctor may have diagnosed you with anemia, or maybe you’ve heard of the condition before, but you’re not sure what it is. Anemia happens when your body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. This can leave you feeling tired, weak, or short of breath. The good news is that anemia is treatable, especially when connected to kidney conditions.

At Southwest Kidney Institute (SKI), we are here to guide you through your diagnosis and treatment with personalized care.

Anemia and CKD often go hand-in-hand, as damaged kidneys have difficulty producing enough of a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which signals the body to make red blood cells.

• Kidneys play a key role in red blood cell production.
• When kidneys are weakened, EPO production decreases, leading to fewer red blood cells.
• This is a common complication in patients with CKD, but treatments are available to help manage it.

Many people with CKD develop anemia, particularly in the later stages of kidney disease progression.

• Anemia can develop early, but it becomes more common as CKD progresses.
• Around 1 in 2 people with CKD stages 3-5 have some degree of anemia.

Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing anemia with CKD, such as:

• Advanced stages of CKD
• Having other conditions, such as diabetes
• Individuals in older age groups- aged 65 years or older, face a greater risk
• Being female

While anemia is treatable, it is important to address it early to avoid complications. These can include:

• Increased fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath and dizziness
• Increased risk of heart problems
• Reduced quality of life

Recognizing the symptoms can help you seek treatment sooner. Look for signs like:

• Unusual tiredness or fatigue
• Shortness of breath with little effort
• Feeling dizzy or light-headed
• Pale skin and cold hands or feet
• Trouble concentrating

Several factors contribute to anemia in CKD, such as:

• Reduced production of erythropoietin (EPO) due to kidney damage
• Iron deficiency, often due to blood loss or poor absorption
• Chronic inflammation or malnutrition
• Shortened lifespan of red blood cells

At SKI, we focus on treatments that improve your red blood cell levels and overall well-being. Our personalized approach includes:

• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs): Medications to boost red blood cell production.
• Iron supplements: These can be given orally or through an IV, depending on your needs.
• Dietary adjustments: We’ll work with you to ensure you’re getting the right nutrients to support red blood cell health.
• Regular monitoring: We’ll keep a close eye on your hemoglobin levels to adjust treatment as necessary.

We’re Here for You

At Southwest Kidney Institute, our goal is to provide comprehensive care that leaves you feeling supported and confident in your treatment plan. If you or a loved one has CKD and is worried about anemia, know that you are not alone—our team is here to help you manage your health every step of the way.

Don’t let an anemia diagnosis add unnecessary stress to your life. Request an appointment with our top-rated providers today and take the first step toward better health and peace of mind.