What causes moderate anemia?

In general, moderate anemia may be caused by malnutrition, glomerulonephritis, gastric ulcer, thalassemia, leukemia, or other conditions. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Malnutrition

A deficiency in essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid may impair the synthesis of hemoglobin in red blood cells, leading to a reduced red blood cell count or decreased hemoglobin concentration, thereby causing moderate anemia. It is recommended to improve dietary structure and increase nutritional intake as early as possible.

2. Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is caused by inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, which may lead to disruption of the glomerular filtration membrane, allowing red blood cells to leak into the urine and resulting in anemia. Additional symptoms may include pain, fatigue, and fever. Treatment may include medications such as valsartan capsules, bailing capsules, or jinshuibao capsules, taken as directed by a physician.

3. Gastric Ulcer

Gastric ulcers are primarily caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. When ulcers occur in areas of the gastric mucosa rich in blood vessels, chronic minor bleeding may gradually reduce red blood cell counts, leading to moderate anemia, weight loss, and related symptoms. Patients may take medications such as colloidal bismuth pectin capsules, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, or compound chenxiang stomach tablets under medical guidance.

4. Thalassemia

Thalassemia results from impaired globin production in red blood cells within the bone marrow. Its main feature is suppressed or damaged red blood cell production, leading to reduced red blood cell counts and low hemoglobin levels, which can cause moderate anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and other symptoms. Treatment may include medications such as deferasirox tablets, folic acid tablets, or hydroxyurea tablets, taken as prescribed by a doctor.

5. Leukemia

Leukemia is caused by abnormal proliferation of leukemic cells in the bone marrow, which may interfere with normal hematopoiesis, including red blood cell production, leading to symptoms such as moderate anemia and pleural effusion. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be performed under medical supervision.

In daily life, patients should avoid spicy and irritating foods, and instead consume light, easily digestible foods such as egg custard, rice porridge, and Chinese yam to support recovery.