Medical IDs for Anemia
Millions of Americans live with anemia, a blood disorder that affects the red blood cells. Read below to learn how a medical ID can protect you and your loved ones.
The confidence to live with anemia
Millions of Americans live with anemia, a blood disorder that affects the red blood cells. Although it can be mild and is often easily treated, it can cause serious complications if not addressed quickly. People struggling with chronic anemia symptoms should consider a medical ID for anemia from to ensure that their initial treatment is safe and effective in case of an emergency.
How MedicAlert protects those with anemia
One thing you shouldn’t worry about is what could happen if there’s an emergency. MedicAlert’s protection plans offer benefits that extend beyond the ID, providing safety and peace of mind for people living with anemia, their families and caregivers.
24/7 Emergency Response
Our team provides first responders the information they need to provide fast, accurate care.
Digital Health Profile
All your vital information, all in one place for you and your caregiver.
Emergency Contact Notification
In an emergency, we connect families so that no one is alone in a crisis.
Patient Instructions
Share the information that’s important to your care, such as use of rescue medications or contraindication for tests like MRIs.
Pair a medical ID with the protection plan that’s right for you.
What is anemia?
Our red blood cells carry hemoglobin proteins from the lungs to the rest of the body, providing essential oxygen. Anemia negatively affects the production and/or function of red blood cells, which can cause issues throughout the body. When the tissues do not get enough oxygen to function well, several different symptoms can develop.
Types of anemia
There are a few different types of anemia. Some can be addressed with some simple lifestyle changes. Others are genetic or related to chronic conditions and autoimmune disorders.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
This is a common type of anemia that occurs when the body is deficient in iron. Iron is a necessary component in creating red blood cells and a deficiency can decrease production, causing anemia. Iron supplements can usually address the issue.
Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
Like iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not have sufficient resources for creating healthy red blood cells, such as vitamin B-12, vitamin C, and folate. Supplements may be used to treat this type of anemia, but diet changes may be necessary as well. A healthy, varied diet is important for the body to function properly.
Thalassemia
A genetic blood disorder, thalassemia reduces the amount of hemoglobin the body produces. This can easily lead to anemia, although not everyone with thalassemia requires treatment. Severe cases, however, may require blood transfusions.
Aplastic Anemia
A rare and serious condition, aplastic anemia can develop at any point during a person’s life. It is most frequently caused by the immune system attacking bone marrow. Since the bone marrow stem cells are responsible for blood cell production, anemia occurs when production slows down. As this type of anemia can be life-threatening, treatments are often drastic.
Sickle Cell Anemia
This condition is characterized by blood cells that form in a “sickle” shape. Healthy red blood cells are round, so the sickle cells have difficulty traveling efficiently through the body, causing anemia symptoms. It is a genetic disorder with no cure, but it can be managed with the help of a doctor.
Anemia FAQ's
Our red blood cells carry hemoglobin proteins from the lungs to the rest of the body, providing essential oxygen. Anemia negatively affects the production and/or function of red blood cells, which can cause issues throughout the body. When the tissues do not get enough oxygen to function well, several different symptoms can develop.
Anemia can cause a variety of symptoms affecting daily life. These may include:
- Fatigue/exhaustion
- Weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Cold extremities
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowed skin
Anemia symptoms can get worse over time. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms are not unique to anemia so getting a diagnosis can sometimes take a while. It’s important to check with your doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing symptoms.
There are many different causes of anemia. As people get older, they become more susceptible. This is because aging typically increases health concerns that could trigger anemia. The causes of anemia in elderly females, for example, can range from simple iron or vitamin deficiencies to chronic health conditions.
Stress can have a major impact on all systems of the body, especially if it is chronic. Because of this, there is a link between stress and anemia. Your doctor may suggest several different lifestyle changes to help you get your anemia under control.
Depending on the type of anemia, it can be possible to “cure” it. That doesn’t mean it can’t come back, though. Iron and vitamin deficiencies and stress can typically be addressed easily with lifestyle changes to allow the body to function properly once again.
Other types of anemia cannot be cured, such as sickle cell anemia. For these patients, lifelong management strategies with a medical professional are necessary. However, most patients with anemia can live overall normal lives.
Engraving your MedicAlert ID for anemia
MedicAlert offers free custom engraving on all our anemia bracelets and medical ID products. The engraving on medical IDs for anemia should include any critical medical information that can protect and save your life if you are in an accident or have a medical emergency.
The best things to engrave on a medical bracelet for anemia include:
- Your type of anemia
- Medications that could affect treatment
- Allergies
- Other medical conditions
- Any additional medical information that needs to be communicated to first responders
Sample engraving. Consult our team if you need help engraving your medical ID for anemia.
Find your medical ID.
Treatment and management options for those living with anemia
People with anemia need to work with their healthcare providers to develop an individual treatment plan. This may include dietary changes, supplements, treatment for underlying disorders, and/or pain and symptom management.
Living with anemia? Get peace of mind.
Pair your ID with a MedicAlert Membership.
We'll be your voice. If you can’t speak for yourself due to a medical emergency, your ID will speak for you – informing others about your anemia and any medications you’re taking.
We provide 24/7 emergency protection. Our team will relay your critical medical information to first responders in an emergency, no matter where or when it happens.
We keep you connected. You or a loved one should never have to be alone in an emergency. That’s why MedicAlert will reach out to your emergency contacts when needed if you are unable to do so.
We enable you to live with confidence. MedicAlert will be there for you every step of the way. You’ll have the confidence and freedom to live your life with anemia, knowing we’ve got you covered.