Anemia is a common condition that occurs when there are not enough red blood cells in your body. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen to all the organs and tissues in your body.

When you have anemia, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, which can cause a variety of symptoms. Here are 10 warning signs of anemia to look out for.

1. Fatigue

Feeling tired all the time is one of the most common symptoms of anemia. This is because your body is not getting enough oxygen to meet its needs. You may feel sleepy, weak, and have trouble concentrating.

2. Paleness

When you have anemia, you may notice that your skin, nail beds, and gums look pale or whitish. This is because there are fewer red blood cells circulating in your body to give your skin its normal color.

3. Shortness of Breath

If you find yourself getting out of breath easily, even when performing simple activities like climbing stairs or walking short distances, you may have anemia. Lack of oxygen can make it hard to catch your breath.

4. Chest Pain

In severe cases, anemia can cause chest pain or discomfort. This is because your heart is working harder to pump blood with fewer red blood cells. Chest pain should always be evaluated by a doctor to rule out other serious conditions like heart attack.

5. Headaches and Dizziness

Low levels of oxygen can also cause headaches and dizziness. You may feel lightheaded or dizzy when standing up or moving around quickly.

6. Cold Hands and Feet

Reduced blood flow to your extremities can cause your hands and feet to feel cold. This is because your body is trying to conserve heat for your vital organs.

7. Irregular Heartbeat

In some cases, anemia can cause an irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations. This happens when your heart is trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen in your body.

8. Restless Leg Syndrome

You may experience restless leg syndrome if you have anemia. This is a condition where you feel an irresistible urge to move your legs, especially at night. This can disrupt your sleep and make you feel tired and irritable during the day.

9. Brittle Nails

Anemia can also cause your nails to become brittle and break easily. You may notice ridges and lines on your nails, and they may curve inward at the edges.

10. Pica

In rare cases, anemia can cause a condition called pica, where you have an intense craving to eat nonfood items like ice, clay, and dirt. This is thought to be the body’s way of trying to get the iron it needs to produce more red blood cells.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor for an evaluation. Anemia can be treated with iron supplements, changes to your diet, or other medical interventions.

By addressing anemia early on, you can prevent more serious complications from developing.