Do you have anemia? Do you have a question about anemia you would like to ask a doctor? Leonard J. Horwitz, MD, of Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Hematologic Oncology & Blood Disorders, answers your questions about anemia, including diagnosis, treatment and management of this medical problem. Get answers to your health questions and concerns. It’s easy to be part of our live chat events, led by Cleveland Clinic doctors and health professionals.
Featured ExpertAnemia is one of the most common medical problems, affecting about 5 percent of the population and up to one-third of hospitalized patients. Though blood loss and inadequate nutrition account for much of this, the causes are more widespread, and there may be more than one explanation for a particular person’s anemia. People with chronic illnesses, such as kidney disease, malignancies, chronic infections, and arthritic conditions often are affected. Almost everyone will develop some degree of anemia after surgery or acute illness. Others are anemic due to inherited problems. Many of these medical problems will produce symptoms that overlap those associated with anemia, such as fatigue, weakness and headache.
Many of the conditions that lead to anemia affect the whole body in general, including iron and B12 deficiency, chronic inflammation and even general debility from other medical conditions. Treating just the anemia may not alleviate associated symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, headache or shortness of breath. Understanding the relationship between anemia and general health will lead to better awareness of treatment choices and expected outcomes.
Dr. Horwitz is on Staff in the Department of Hematologic Oncology & Blood Disorders at Cleveland Clinic’s main campus. Dr. Horwitz graduated magna cum laude from Yale University and received his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y. He was in private practice in hematology/oncology in Cincinnati, Ohio, until coming to Cleveland Clinic in 2007. His clinical interest lies in non-malignant blood disorders. Dr. Horwitz is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians (fellow) and American Society of Clinical Oncology, among others. He is board-certified in hematology and in medical oncology and by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
This health chat will open on Monday, June 25, 2012, to allow you to submit questions. We will try to answer as many questions as possible during the chat. Please create an account to attend the chat and submit your questions.
