You may have overheard someone say that they are anemic, but what exactly is anemia? Someone who is anemic has a reduced count of healthy red blood cells. That low red blood cells count means that someone with anemia can not get enough oxygen throughout the tissues in their body.
Keep reading to discover some of the common symptoms that might indicate that you are anemic.
Fatigue is probably the top symptom listed for most people suffering from anemia. Fatigue describes the lack of energy or tiredness that anemic patients feel. It is the main anemic symptom for all five types of the condition (congenital or acquired).
If you feel tired all of the time or find yourself suffering from low energy levels, you should talk to your primary care physician. They can run tests to determine if you are anemic or eliminate it as a cause of concern.
Most people suffering from anemic conditions from birth (congenital) will likely be tested and diagnosed before adulthood. Anyone (including those with a family history but no previous symptoms) can develop the condition through diet deficiencies. Anemic fatigue can be a sign of low iron, folate, or vitamin B-12.
A pale complexion, also called paleness, denotes an abnormal lightness in skin color when compared to a person's normal skin tone. It might result from a lack of blood in the skin (being frightened, cold air, lack of sunlight exposure). A lack of red blood cells from anemic symptoms can also cause pale skin.
Paleness is detectable on sight except in those with dark complexions. In these instances, a primary care physician will look at mucous membranes or the inner portion of the eyelid to check for this anemic symptom.
Yellowing of the skin is a common anemic symptom specifically listed with paleness under Thalassemia and Vitamin Deficiency types of anemia. Diet changes, including supplementation, can improve symptoms of acquired anemia. If you have congenital anemic conditions, it will require other treatments.
Another common sign of anemic conditions is shortness of breath. Several other potentially serious underlying conditions can cause you to be short of breath, so you need to call 911 right away.
Anemic individuals suffering from shortness of breath can develop other health issues and should seek medical help right away (even if they are aware of what is causing it).
Those suffering from anemic conditions lack sufficient red blood cells, so the body forces the lungs to work harder to bring in more oxygen. The existing red blood cells can not distribute the extra oxygen, and the lungs continue to be overworked.
A lack of oxygen can result in several other problems, some of which are very serious. Shortness of breath is an anemic symptom commonly experienced by those dealing with Aplastic Anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia, and Vitamin Deficiency Anemia.
An irregular heartbeat, called arrhythmia, describes a potential anemic symptom where the heart beats improperly. It can indicate a fast or slow heartbeat compared to a normal rhythm.
Tachycardia describes a fast heart rate, speeding up the heart to over 100 beats per minute at rest. Bradycardia is the opposite, where the resting heart rate is below 60 beats per minute. Irregular heart rates from an anemic condition produce Tachycardia as the heart compensates for low oxygen levels by pumping more blood.
If you are experiencing an irregular heartbeat, you should contact emergency services immediately.
Chest pain can indicate serious problems, so call 911. Other symptoms include heart fluttering, shortness of breath (another anemic indicator described above), dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue (a potential anemic symptom that can have other causes), and sweating.
While dizziness is often a result of injuries, infections, and problems with the inner ear, it can also be an anemic symptom. Most people dealing with anemia will experience other symptoms, along with dizziness.
Anemic patients become dizzy due to a lack of oxygen from reduced red blood cells or things like an irregular heart rate. Dizziness includes feeling lightheaded, spinning (vertigo), lost balance, floating, and even double-vision.
Dizziness is an anemic symptom often experienced with acquired anemia. It can also stem from other anemic symptoms.
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.