Acute Posthemorrhagic Anemia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Acute posthemorrhagic anemia
is a condition that develops when you lose a large amount of blood quickly. Anemia is a low number of red blood cells or a low amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body.
Common signs and symptoms of acute posthemorrhagic anemia:
You may have any of the following, depending on how much blood you lost:
- Feeling weak, tired, dizzy, or lightheaded
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Pale or cold, clammy skin
- Shortness of breath, or fast, shallow breaths
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Urinating little or not at all
- Trouble concentrating, or confusion
- Headache or seizures
- Chest pain or sweating
Call 911 or have someone call 911 for any of the following:
- You lose consciousness or cannot be woken.
- You have severe chest pain.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have dark or bloody bowel movements.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Your symptoms are worse, even after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment:
Your healthcare provider may have you stop any medicines that are causing bleeding. Treatment depends on the amount of blood you lost, the cause of the bleeding, and your symptoms:
- A blood transfusion may be needed if your body cannot replace the blood you have lost.
- Surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding, or to fix an injury.
- Fluids may be given through an IV to help increase your blood pressure.
- Iron supplements may be given if your iron level is too low.
- Extra oxygen may be needed if your oxygen level is too low.
Manage your symptoms:
- Rest as needed. Anemia may make you more tired than usual. Rest will help you heal and can help prevent more bleeding.
- Eat healthy foods rich in iron together with foods rich in vitamin C. Nuts, meat, dark leafy green vegetables, and beans are high in iron and protein. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges and other citrus fruits. Ask your healthcare provider for a list of other foods that are high in iron or vitamin C. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
- Drink liquids as directed. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink and which liquids are best for you. For most people, good liquids are water, juice, and milk.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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