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Common Symptoms of Anemia

Anemia is a common blood disorder in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutritional deficiency or difficulty processing iron, lead poisoning, sudden or chronic blood loss, or as a side effect of other systemic diseases.

  1. Fatigue

    • Because red blood cells are responsible for bringing oxygen to all the cells of the body, a decrease in the number or health of red blood cells typically results in decreased oxygenation, which leads to fatigue. This fatigue is usually more pronounced the more serious the anemia becomes. This is one of the most frequently seen symptoms and is common to most types of anemia.

    Shortness of Breath

    • Because of a low oxygen level, a person who is anemic is likely to find him or herself becoming short of breath, particularly during exercise. This shortness of breath is not related to any type of heart problem and is out of proportion to the amount of work that is being exerted.

    Pale Skin

    • Another symptom that often accompanies anemia is pale skin. The hue of skin is, in large part, a result of the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body, and when the body's ability to oxygenate is decreased for any reason, the skin becomes dull and pale. Nail beds and lips may also be pale, and in more severe cases of anemia, the sufferer may also get dark circles around his or her eyes.

    Dizziness

    • Dizziness also results from a lack of oxygen and can be especially pronounced in cases of anemia that are caused by a B12 deficiency, which can affect neurological functioning. People with anemia may also find themselves breathing shallowly, particularly when exercising, due to shortness of breath, which can exacerbate dizziness.

    Leg Cramps

    • Leg cramps are a symptom of moderate to severe anemia. They often develop during exercise as a result of decreased circulation to the legs and feet. When leg cramps are accompanied by chest pain and extreme shortness of breath, medical advice should be sought. This symptom is rarely seen in mild cases of anemia.

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