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Anaemia is a common illness among millions all over the world. It arises when your body lacks enough red blood cells or haemoglobin to deliver adequate oxygen to your body tissues and organs. These can manifest as simple flu-like malaise to potentially grave consequences if not properly addressed. By identifying the signs early, you can receive the right treatment. Here, let’s look at the five major symptoms of anaemia explained by a medical specialist.
5 Signs of Anaemia
Let’s explore the five common signs of anaemia in detail:
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Fatigue and Weakness
One of the most apparent signs of anaemia is fatigue, even when you are well-rested. But this tiredness goes beyond getting consistent drowsiness. It is an exhaustion that could hinder you from carrying out your daily activities. The reason behind this is simple. Red blood cells work by acting as carriers of oxygen to your tissues. These tissues experience a breakdown whenever the count is low.
If you feel easily exhausted after lifting a bag of groceries or climbing the stairs, immediately run a haemoglobin test. Chronic tiredness signals that your body is not getting the required oxygen. Disregarding this sign can deteriorate your health further.
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Shortness of Breath
Another sign of anaemia is difficulty in breathing(shortness of breath). Take note if you feel like this during normal activities of the day. This might be evidenced by you feeling out of breath after light exercise or walking at a moderate speed. This is because your body is struggling to supply the tissues with enough oxygen. This forces your heart and lungs to work harder to transport oxygen.
For instance, climbing stairs was easy for you. But now, does it feel like a marathon? Catching your breath has become a severe struggle. This is probably signalling that your red blood cell count is low. In such a situation, do not think twice to consult your doctor.
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Pale Skin
Skin that looks pale or yellow indicates that your blood is not receiving adequate oxygen. This paleness is most apparent on the face. This is especially noticed around the eyes and cheeks, in the lower eyelids, and in the palms of the hands as well as the nails. Lower haemoglobin level simply implies that less blood is being carried to your outer skin layer. This results in a pale complexion.
Paleness can often be mistaken for mere fatigue or bad lighting. However, if you find your skin losing its lustre or if others are commenting on how pale or ill you look, then it’s time to look at your iron intake. It is one of the most prominent signs of being anaemic. Do not ignore this indicator.
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Headaches and Dizziness
If headache, dizziness, and symptoms alike are occurring frequently, you can attribute them to anaemia. These uncomfortable symptoms are associated with constricted oxygen supply to your brain. Sometimes, you may feel dizzy after standing up from a sitting position. Or, you may experience chronic headaches, which are not getting solved with normal over-the-counter drugs.
Such symptoms can be attributed to stress or dehydration. However, if these are accompanied by tiredness and pale skin, the probability of anaemia is more evident. Do you often take headache medication? Do you often feel like you are going to faint? Then, it is high time to get yourself checked up.
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Cold Hands and Feet
Are your hands and feet continuously cold even when other parts of your body are warm? This may be indicative of anaemia. Low concentrations of oxygen in the blood affect the circulation, especially in the limbs. This means that your hands and feet will always feel cold. Or there will be a numb sensation in them. This prevails even when the environment is warm.
This cold feeling is not simply uncomfortable. They are warning that your body is struggling with adequate blood flow. Are you constantly looking for ways to keep warm? Pay attention. Is everyone around you just feeling fine, but you are not? Your blood cell count may have lowered. Do not wait anymore. Consult a healthcare specialist today.
If you’re experiencing any of these five tell-tale signs, don’t ignore them. Anaemia is a treatable condition. However, early detection to learn what is anaemia is crucial. This will prevent you from getting more severe complications. Keep an eye on the symptoms. Do not ignore the warnings. See your doctor to receive appropriate treatment. These can be dietary changes, supplements, or medications.
Remember, taking action sooner can make all the difference.
FAQ's
Anaemia is typically diagnosed through a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC), which measures your haemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and other factors that help determine if you’re anaemic.
Various factors, including iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic diseases, or blood loss can cause anaemia. It’s important to identify the underlying cause to receive proper treatment.
Yes, anaemia can often be prevented through a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Regular health check-ups can also help detect anaemia early, allowing for timely intervention.
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