Anemia is a condition that is suffered by over three million people in the United States of America alone. This page provides a free guide to the main symptoms of anemia and comprehensively answers the common question ‘what is anemia?’. Not only do we help you easily recognise what the signs of anemia are but we also have informative pages on the many different types of anemia (such as sickle cell anemia and the most common type, iron deficiency anemia), explanations as to the causes of anemia for each different types there is and also important information on the treatment of anemia.
So first things first, what is anemia? The word 'anemia' derives from the Greek language and it means 'lack of blood‘. The simple explanation is that anemia is a medical condition that sees an abnormally low amount of healthy red blood cells circulating around the body, red blood cells carry oxygen to important organs and tissues. Fewer red blood cells means less oxygen is transported, without enough oxygen these organs and tissues fail to work as effectively as normal. When this happens the body tires and anemia symptoms become present.
It is a very common disorder and effects millions of people worldwide. Those at greatest risk of anemia are women, children and people who suffer from chronic disease, this will become clearer throughout the site. Although it is often referred to as a 'disease' anemia is simply a condition or disorder resulting from low levels of haemoglobin(the iron induced pigment of the red blood cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues). In short it is an iron deficiency in the blood. Of course this is the 'what' but if you want to know the 'why' please see our 'causes of anemia' section.
If you suffer from the symptoms of anemia you are referred to as 'anemic'.
Diagnosing Anemia
It is not possible to self diagnose yourself with anemia, you must seek medical advice if you suspect that you are suffering from one or a combination of the anemia symptoms that are highlighted here. Once you have consulted your doctor they will arrange for blood to be taken and sent away in order for the red blood cells to be analysed, this type of blood test is known as a CBC blood test. For a clearer picture your doctor may also wish to do a thorough medical examination and discuss your diet, family medical history and any medicine that you may be taking as these can all be factors capable of causing the symptoms and signs of anemia. If the diagnosis is positive then you will need to be treated. For further information please see our 'treatment for anemia' page.
The symptoms of anemia
Now that the focal question 'what is anemia?' has been answered let's focus on what the symptoms and signs of anemia are.
Anaemia symptoms are often not particularly obvious at all and as a result people can suffer from anemia for a period of time without actually realising it. It is possible that anemia may not even be noticed until you have a blood test about a completely unrelated condition which will inadvertantly pick it up.
Symptoms of anemia are specific to what the actual cause is as there are several different types of anemia all with different causes. For signs of anemia by category please see our types of anemia page.
The common symptoms of anemia no matter the type are extreme tiredness and weakness because a sufficient amount of oxygen is not reaching organs and tissue around the body of the victim.
However, as the symptoms of anemia can vary the following are examples of the most frequent or main anemia symptoms experienced by people who are subsequently diagnosed with the illness. These symptoms can occur because the heart is working much harder to pump oxygen sufficient red blood cells around the body.
- Abnormal menstruation by excessive bleeding or missing periods
- Tiredness
- Feeling run down
- General weakness
- Dizziness
- Loss of concentration
- Low blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Increased heart rate
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty sleeping
- Swelling of the spleen
- Intestinal disorder which will show through a change in colour of, or blood in the excrement
- Feeling short of breath
- Feeling unusually cold
- Paleness of the skin
- Possible yellowness to the skin
- Possible yellowness to the eyes
- Abnormal sweating
- Severe heartburn
- Swelling of limbs
In the cases of severe anemia
- Fainting
- Heart attacks
- Angina
If you experience a combination of these anemia symptoms then you should seek medical advice. Remember certain symptoms of anemia are linked to certain the types of anemia. It is very important to recognise what these are and other medical conditions that are associated with them as they could be linked with something much more serious.
As there are several causes of anemia the anemia signs will vary and can depend on what the underlying cause is. Sometimes anemia is inherited(Sickle cell anemia and thalassemia) but it can also occur due to insufficient nutrition (iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia).
The fact that many anemia symptoms are very general does not in any way make this a simple condition. As we have mentioned there are several types of anemia and with each type there are different causes. This page is designed to help you recognise what the early symptoms and signs of anemia are and also which type of anemia they may relate to. We also have pages dedicated to the actual causes of anemia by type and also and perhaps more importantly the treatment for anemia. As we have mentioned it is not possible to diagnose yourself with anemia so even if you are displaying a few or many of the symptoms of anemia that we have mentioned it is imperative that you see your doctor as soon as possible as a quick diagnosis can lead to a more effective treatment.
More details on the Treatment of Anemia