Anemia Diagnosis and Treatment for Adults

Anemia is a condition in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells or enough hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. When oxygen delivery drops, you can feel tired, weak, cold, dizzy, or short of breath. Iron deficiency is the most common cause, and anemia can also stem from blood loss, vitamin deficiencies, chronic disease, or inherited conditions. Avita MD primary care providers diagnose and treat anemia for adults in Los Altos, Mountain View, and Los Gatos, finding the cause and matching treatment to it.

What are the symptoms of anemia?

Mild anemia may cause no symptoms at all. As it progresses, the most common signs reflect the body working harder to move oxygen:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Cold hands and feet
• Headache or trouble concentrating

Because these symptoms are easy to dismiss as everyday tiredness, a simple blood test is the way to know for sure.

How does Avita MD diagnose and treat anemia?

At Avita MD, diagnosis starts with a complete blood count to confirm anemia, often followed by iron studies and vitamin levels to find the cause. Our on-site phlebotomy means blood can be drawn during your visit instead of at a separate lab, and same-day and next-day appointments let us act quickly when you feel unwell. We review your results with you and look for the source, whether that is low iron, a vitamin deficiency, blood loss, or a chronic condition.

Treatment depends on the cause. Iron-deficiency anemia is often treated with dietary changes and iron supplements, while B12 or folate deficiency is treated by replacing those vitamins. The table below lists everyday iron-rich foods:

Food group	Iron-rich examples
Animal sources	Lean red meat, salmon, eggs
Plant proteins	Beans, peas, tofu
Vegetables	Dark green leafy vegetables
Fortified foods	Iron-fortified breads and cereals
Fruits	Dried fruits such as raisins and apricots

When anemia points to blood loss or a more complex cause, Avita MD coordinates referrals to gastroenterology, hematology, or women’s health and follows up to confirm your levels recover. We track hemoglobin over time through longitudinal records so we can confirm treatment is working and catch any recurrence.

When should you see a doctor about anemia?

Make an appointment if you have ongoing fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath with normal activity, dizziness, or an unusually fast heartbeat. Anemia found on a routine blood test also deserves a follow-up to find the cause. Seek urgent or emergency care for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or signs of significant bleeding such as black or bloody stools alongside weakness. Because anemia can be the first clue to another condition, getting evaluated protects both your energy and your overall health.