Description
Low red blood cells caused by certain chronic diseases.
Overview
Anemia of chronic disease occurs when a person has a low amount of healthy red blood cells and certain chronic diseases. The condition can happen with kidney disease, cancer or an infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of anemia include weakness and shortness of breath, in addition to symptoms of the chronic disease.
Treatments
Treatment for anemia of chronic disease focuses on the disease that's causing the anemia. If symptoms become severe, treatment might include getting blood, called a transfusion.
Last Updated: December 26th, 2025
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