Patient education: Anemia in adults, possibly from low iron – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

While you were in the ED, the doctor found you have anemia. This means you have too few red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

Anemia is most often caused by low iron. The body uses iron to make red blood cells.

You might have low iron because you lost blood over time, or your body might have trouble absorbing the iron from the food you eat. The doctor will try to find out what is causing your anemia and help you get more iron if needed.

You might be waiting on test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also do the following:

●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to. You might need to get more blood tests.

●Take iron pills, if the doctor told you to:

•Make sure you know the dose and how often to take the pills. You might have to take them once a day or once every other day. Keep track of when to take the pills. You might have to take them for a few months.

•Iron pills can cause side effects such as upset stomach and constipation (too few bowel movements, or bowel movements that are hard or painful).

•Store the pills safely. Make sure children cannot get to them. A child can get seriously poisoned if they take iron pills accidentally. If a child takes your pills, call the Poison Center right away. In the US, the phone number is 1-800-222-1222.

●Try to rest more often. Feeling tired or short of breath are signs of anemia. You might also have other symptoms like having very little energy, restless legs, and craving ice. It might take a few weeks until your red blood cell counts increase.

When should I get emergency help?

●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

•You have chest pain or severe trouble breathing.

●Return to the ED if:

•You vomit blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.

•Your bowel movements are black or tar colored.

•You feel weak, or you pass out.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if:

●You have new or worsening symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: Low iron (The Basics)
Patient education: Anemia overview (The Basics)

Patient education: Anemia caused by low iron in adults (Beyond the Basics)