Symptoms Of Anemia
If you've been feeling sluggish lately, then you might have anemia. Only your physician can officially diagnose this condition, but there are symptoms of anemia you can watch out for. If you notice any of them happening in your life, then talk to your doctor about getting tested for this condition.
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What Is Anemia?
Generally speaking, anemia is a condition where your body doesn't have enough red blood cells. Without enough healthy and functioning red blood cells, your body can't transport enough oxygen from your lungs to the many cells all throughout your body. As such, the primary effects of anemia are feelings of weakness and tiredness.
Anemia has several different forms, and it can range from mild impact to severe. This condition can last a short while or for a long time.
Various kinds of anemia include:
- Vitamin deficiency anemia
- Thalassemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Aplastic anemia
Fortunately, the fact that so many causes of anemia are known is because scientific and medical research has looked into this group of conditions so much already. Many symptoms are known that can indicate anemia. You can use those to know when to see your doctor, who can then confirm the condition and identify the right treatment vector.
Symptoms of Anemia
The symptoms of anemia will vary based on the specific cause. When chronic diseases cause anemia, the disease might actually mask the symptoms. This is why doctor visits and lab tests are necessary to actually diagnose the condition.
- Chest Pain: Pain in this area can happen with anemia since the lungs and heart are so directly impacted by a lack of sufficient oxygen being transported. Considering how chest pain can also signal serious heart issues, this is one symptom you should never ignore.
- Cold Feet and Hands: Blood doesn't just transport oxygen to cells but also heat and warmth at times. Since these extremities are farther away from the heart than most of the rest of the body, they can feel the effects of low oxygen more drastically.
- Dizziness/Lightheadedness: The mechanisms of the inner ear responsible for balance can quickly fall out of whack if they don't get enough oxygen internally. Even slight adjustments to the internal/external pressure balance can put them off, and that makes moving around harder to do.
- Fatigue: Any internal mechanism that hinders the body's ability to generate energy is going to make your available energy levels plummet. Fatigue is inevitable in many cases, although it might happen so slowly over time that you don't notice it at first.
- Headaches: The human brain often uses more oxygen than any other part of the body. This isn't surprising given how active it is. It's particularly even more needy of fuel and nutrition when you're awake. Being deprived of oxygen can make it physically hurt to the point of you noticing.
- Irregular Heartbeats: Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body so all your individual cells can breathe. However, it's the heart's job to pump those red blood cells. Even it needs oxygen, so a lack of it will make it harder to do its work at a time when it has more work than it should have to deal with.
- Shortness of Breath: Since anemia is an actual lack of oxygen being transported throughout your body, it's no surprise that you'll wind up feeling like you're not getting enough.
- Weakness: Again related to the lack of oxygen, when your body doesn't have enough fuel for energy, you will definitely feel a lack of energy through and through. Your whole body is going to feel tired, and you may feel this way around the clock.
- Yellowish or Pale Skin: Your skin may reflect a lack of oxygen for two crucial reasons. First, it's the biggest individual organ of your entire body, and as such needs things more than any other. Second, as it's the external layer of your body, it might sometimes be the last place blood gets to, meaning it suffers more from a lack of oxygen than the rest of your body.
You should know that anemia can be present without symptoms. Also, the first symptoms might be so mild that they go unnoticed. However, they can also worsen as anemia progresses.
Treatment for Anemia
Treatment is possible. It can include:
- Prevention through proper diet
- Supplements
- Undergoing certain medical procedures
Your doctor can usually determine anemia through simple lab work and examination. Once the actual level and kind of anemia are known, appropriate treatment can begin that restores your normal healthy functions.
When to See Your Doctor
Consult your doctor if you have otherwise unexplained feelings of exhaustion. Also, if you are told you can't donate blood due to low hemoglobin count, then you should be checked for anemia or related conditions. Any of the symptoms on the above list, particularly if two or more present themselves at the same time, warrant a visit to the doctor's office.
Key Takeaways
If you remember anything about anemia, then know this:
- Anemia is a condition where the human body is lacking in red blood cells.
- Having enough healthy cells of this kind is necessary to get oxygen throughout the body.
- Many symptoms of anemia exist, but the biggest one is feeling exhausted.
- Anemia itself can be a symptom of life-threatening illnesses.
- Only your doctor can officially diagnose this condition, but treatment is possible.
Consult your physician for more information or any concerns that you have.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
