Anaemia with COPD

[Salt69]

My husband has COPD, and is also on "Epo" injections for red blood cells that are wrong shape and wrong size, which affect his breathing also. His blood tests show that he is anaemic. Should he be having a suppliment?

[Pam1952]

Hello and welcome. I'm afraid that this is something I'm not familiar with, but I've just been reading an article about it which does state that anyone who has copd and anaemia should discuss treatment options with their doctor. Sorry I can't be of more assistance, but I'm sure someone will be along soon who knows more.

Take care.

Pam XXX

[furgus]

I have iron deficiency anaemia and I am very breathless even walking slowly and have very little energy. I have 100% oxygen saturation using a finger monitor because my blood is carrying the maximum amount of oxygen it is capable of carrying. The problem is that the blood isn't capable of carrying as much oxygen as I need so I become breathless. Fast or deep breathing or being given oxygen doesn't help because I'm already getting the maximum oxygen my blood can carry, it's not possible for it to carry any more.

I don't have COPD but imagine if I did and my saturation wasn't 100%. My blood isn't carrying enough oxygen when it is 100% and now because of COPD the saturation is lower so it's two reasons for not having enough oxygen, just different reasons. It's not ideal but it's not possible to say whether your husband should have a supplement or not. It depends on the type and severity of anaemia and also other results in his blood. He should check with his doctor.

[Comcerned]

EPO is produced naturally in the body, mostly by the kidneys. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. If the body does not produce enough EPO, severe anemia can occur.

I would be careful with iron supplements as to much could be toxic, you could ask to do a blood test to see if his iron is low.

[Tracytrackerb]

Hi yes defo shud be..i have c.o.p.d and anemia i have tablets and injection for this...get the doctor to talk it through with ya..

[Tracytrackerb in reply to Tracytrackerb]

Just wanted ti add...my breathing was really bad andi was struggling daily...since i have been given meds for my anemia i feel so much better....worth taking time out and talk to your doctor or nurse..anemia is not a good thing to have with c.o.p.d..its a double whammy to the system..take care hope you get it sorted 💛

[Salt69]

Many thanks to all you kind people who have taken the trouble to reply. I will do as you all suggest, and will get an appointment with Dr and discuss this. It was very interesting about the oxygen saturation, as my husband is usually about 97 or 98. He does not have the usual symptoms of COPD apart from breathlessness, and has an oxygen alert card. He does however have quite frequent chest infections. Maybe the problems are more his blood than his chest.

Happy New Year to you all, more importantly though Good Health.

Thanks for your support.