Anemia is a health condition caused due to a lack of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. Besides performing other functions, these cells are responsible for circulating oxygen to various organs. Anemia has many types, each caused by different reasons. This health condition can also be short or long-term. To ensure one receives the appropriate treatment, let us look at some of its symptoms.

1. Shortness of breath
RBCs contain a protein called hemoglobin that transports oxygen to various body parts through the bloodstream. However, with anemia, there is a lack of hemoglobin due to the deficiency of healthy RBCs. Consequently, the patient experiences shortness of breath while climbing the stairs or doing low-intensity movements. This shortness of breath might go away after some rest when the body adjusts to the decline in RBCs.

2. Pale skin
If one’s body is deficient in iron, the skin starts looking pale, washed out, or yellow. Patients can check this out by taking a closer look at the inside of their bottom eyelids, lips, or gums. The nail color can also change to a pale pink or yellow. Besides changing color, the skin might also feel dry and get bruised easily.

3. Fatigue and tiredness
A significant symptom of anemia and iron deficiency is the feeling of exhaustion and tiredness. Getting exhausted once in a while, especially after physical activity or a long day of work, is perfectly normal. However, if one’s fatigue starts impacting their focus or thinking ability, and they often feel groggy or irritated, it might be anemia. So one should visit a doctor for a check-up if the exhaustion lasts for long and the patient does not feel refreshed even after sufficient rest.

4. Heart palpitations
When the body lacks iron, the heart has to work extra hard to pump oxygen to all organs. So if someone feels that their heart is beating abnormally fast, it might be a symptom of anemia. However, this sign is only noticed if the person has been suffering from iron deficiency anemia for a long time.

5. Frequent falls
A person with anemia might experience difficulty concentrating, dizziness, confusion, and other issues. These can cause problems in maintaining balance while performing daily activities. Hence, falls in anemia patients are common, particularly in older adults. However, older people get used to these symptoms with time and fail to see the connection between them, even after falling.

Depending on the severity of the condition, these symptoms of anemia can worsen. Hence, one should visit a doctor immediately on noticing the above signs. Doctors usually prescribe iron supplements to boost the hemoglobin levels in the body. But in severe cases, a blood transfusion may be advised.