Symptoms of anemia

Do you think you suffer from anemia?

It can be hard to know if you suffer from anemia or not. People can continue their daily lives for long periods of time without knowing that they are suffering from an iron deficiency. Given that iron in the blood is essential for the healthy function of the body's tissues, organs, brain and heart, normal iron levels are vital for long-term livelihood.

If you suspect that you might have an iron deficiency, and if you suffer from any number of the following symptoms, contact your doctor. You may experience only a few or many of these symptoms if you are anemic. The only way to confirm anemia is through a blood test. Also note that it is possible to be anemic and not express any of these symptoms. If you are on a vegetarian diet or suffer from heavy menstruation, it is wise to get your iron levels checked during your regular check ups.

Below is a comprehensive list of symptoms related to anemia. There are three main types of anemia: Iron deficiency anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, and Folic acid deficiency anemia. (Note that it is possible to experience many of these symptoms and not have them be related to anemia, but rather to other less or more serious health conditions.)

Iron Deficiency Anemia

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Headache
• Constipation: this can be an early sign of anemia
• Loss of appetite and or strange food cravings (perhaps even for non-food items)
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat: If the blood cells do not carry enough iron which carries oxygen, then the heart will have to work harder to pump oxygen to the brain. This will lead to rapid heart beating, rapid or shallow breathing and is a sign of more severe anemia.
• Short breath and/or chest pains: When at rest, or a greater than usual increase in breathlessness during physical exercise
• Low blood pressure: Signs of lower blood pressure can include dizziness upon rising from sitting or in bending over and rising back up.
• Poor circulation or cold extremities
• Difficulty sleeping: In spite of exhaustion and fatigue, moderate to severe anemia can lead to difficulty in sleeping or staying asleep.
• Lack of concentration
• Depression or changes in mood
• Pallor/Pale complexion: Sometimes those who suffer from more severe anemia will look washed out or pale.
• Lack of color in the mucosal membranes: Red lining of eyes, lips and gums is paler than normal.
• Bruising: Skin may bruise more easily or seem more fragile.
• Irregular menstruation: Some women experience Amenorrhea or cessation of period; while others might experience very heavy menstruation (which actually might be contributing to the anemia.)
• Tinnitus: high pitched ringing in the ears that can come and go and often is worst at night when trying to sleep.
• Spoon shaped fingernails and/or toenails

Vitamin B12 Anemia

Symptoms for Vitamin B12 anemia are similar to those of iron-deficient anemia but might also include:

• Jaundice- as noted by a yellowing of the skin
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• Balance and Equilibrium issues
• Confusion: sense of being lost or unsure of surroundings
• More advanced depression or other personality changes
• Hairloss: might experience heavier than normal hair shedding

Folic acid Deficiency anemia

Symptoms are similar to vitamin B12 anemia but might also include:

• Stool color abnormality: Black, maroon or bloody stool
• Abdominal and or chest pain
• Weight loss
• Extreme Fatigue

There are many causes of anemia at times related to an underlying health disorder. It is important to work with your doctor to not only treat the anemia but also to identify what might be causing it.

Related links

• Anemia
• Vitamin_B12