Anemia is a condition where your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Anemia can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
If you suspect you may be anemic, check for these 6 signs:.
1. Pale skin
If you have anemia, you may look pale. This is because your body isn’t producing enough red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen.
When you’re anemic, your skin may look paler than usual, especially your lips, gums, and inner eyelids. You may also notice that your nails are pale or brittle.
2. Fatigue
If you’re anemic, you may feel exhausted and weak. Your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, so you may feel tired all the time, even if you get enough sleep. You may also have a hard time concentrating and have trouble completing daily tasks.
3. Shortness of breath
If you’re anemic, your body may not be getting enough oxygen, which can cause you to feel short of breath. This can occur even when you’re at rest or engaging in light physical activity.
You may feel like you can’t catch your breath, or feel like you’re suffocating.
Related Article
30 signs that indicate iron deficiency
4. Chest pain
If you’re anemic, you may experience chest pain or angina. This occurs due to a lack of oxygen being delivered to your heart. You may also experience an irregular heartbeat, which can be a sign of anemia.
5. Headaches and dizziness
When you’re anemic, your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which can cause headaches and dizziness. The feeling may be similar to when you stand up too fast, or it may be more persistent.
You may also experience ringing in the ears or have trouble hearing, which can also be symptoms of anemia.
6. Cold hands and feet
If you’re anemic, you may have cold hands and feet. This is because your body isn’t getting enough oxygen to stay warm. Your hands and feet may feel numb or tingly, and you may also experience cramps or muscle pain.
If you’re experiencing any of these 6 signs, you should talk to your doctor. They can perform a blood test to check for anemia and recommend a treatment plan.
Anemia can be caused by many things, such as a poor diet, a chronic illness, or an inherited condition. Treatment may involve taking iron supplements, changing your diet, or getting a blood transfusion, depending on the cause and severity of your anemia.
