Symptoms of Anemia

• The symptoms of anemia vary according to the type of anemia, the underlying cause, the severity and any underlying health problems, such as hemorrhaging, ulcers, menstrual problems, or cancer. Specific symptoms of those problems may be noticed first.

The body also has a remarkable ability to compensate for early anemia. If your anemia is mild or has developed over a long period of time, you may not notice any symptoms.

 Symptoms common to many types of anemia include the following:

 Easy fatigue and loss of energy

• Difficulty concentrating
• Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise
• Shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise
• Dizziness
• Pale skin
• Leg cramps
• Insomnia

Other symptoms are associated with specific forms of anemia.

Anemia Caused by Iron Deficiency

People with an iron deficiency may experience these symptoms:

• A hunger for strange substances such as paper, ice, or dirt (a condition called pica)
• Upward curvature of the nails, referred to as koilonychias
• Soreness of the mouth with cracks at the corners

 Anemia Caused by Vitamin B12 Deficiency

People whose anemia is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B12 may have these symptoms:

• A tingling, "pins and needles" sensation in the hands or feet
• Lost sense of touch
• A wobbly gait and difficulty walking
• Clumsiness and stiffness of the arms and legs
• Dementia

Anemia Caused by Chronic Lead Poisoning

Chronic lead poisoning may lead to these symptoms:

• A blue-black line on the gums referred to as a lead line
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Vomiting

Anemia Caused by Chronic Red Blood Cell Destruction

Anemia caused by chronic red blood cell destruction may include these symptoms:

• Brown or red urine
• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• Leg ulcers
• Failure to thrive in infancy
• Symptoms of gallstones

Sickle Cell Anemia

Symptoms of sickle cell anemia may include:

• Fatigue
• Susceptibility to infection
• Delayed growth and development in children
• Episodes of severe pain, especially in the joints, abdomen, and limbs

Anemia Caused by Sudden Red Blood Cell Destruction

Symptoms of anemia caused by sudden red blood cell destruction may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Brown or red urine
• Jaundice (yellow skin)
• Small bruises under the skin
• Seizures
• Symptoms of kidney failure

 WHAT IS ANAEMIA?

Anemia is the shortage or reduction in blood. This can be confirmed with simple test called haematocrit or Packed Cell Volume (PCV)

Get your PCV check, if you notice any signs or symptoms of anemia including:

• Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, pale skin, or any other symptoms of anemia; seek emergency care for any trouble breathing or change in your heart beat.
• Poor diet or inadequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals
• Very heavy menstrual periods
• Symptoms of an ulcer, gastritis, hemorrhoids, bloody or tarry stools, or colorectal cancer
• Concern about environmental exposure to lead
• A hereditary anemia runs in your family and you would like genetic counseling before having a child

 

For women considering pregnancy, you are recommend to begin taking supplements, especially folate, even before conception. These supplements benefit both mother and baby.