Last Updated: 24th July, 2022

Anemia is a disease wherein you lack sufficient healthy red blood cells (RBCs) to supply sufficient oxygen to the tissues of your body. You might feel tired and drained once you have anemia. Several types of anemia exist, and each has its own cause. Anemia might be short-term or long-term, ranging from moderate to severe.

Anemia is the most common nutritional disorder across the world. It is known to affect an estimated of 2.36 billion individuals worldwide with high prevalence in women and children. As of 2010, anemia had a worldwide prevalence of about 32.9%.

It remains particularly pervasive in India and is the largest cause of countrywide disability. As per the 2005-06 round of India’s National Family Health Survey (NFHS) survey reports, approximately 55% of women and 24% of men aged 15 to 49 years suffer from anemia.

The prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in India was 56% and this amounts to an average 64 million girls at any point in time So to help you know about the condition, we have shed light on the top 10 symptoms of anemia or anemic symptoms that everyone needs to be aware of.

Q: Do you experience dizzy or light headed for exhaustion like climbing up stairs?

Q: Have you had problems with memory or concentrating?

Q: Have you had the feeling of a sudden eating urge?

If your answer to all of these questions is YES, then it’s time to wake up and get your health checked! The reason being you might be suffering from anemia.

Anemia: 10 Common Anemic Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Anemia is a condition characterized by a decreased number of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. It can lead to serious implications on the health right from impairment in cognitive development to a decreased productivity in adults and children. There are several causes of anemia such as excess loss of blood in the menstrual cycle through injury, however the most usual cause is iron deficiency.

Symptoms of anemia are often subtle and uncertain, so we begin to ignore them, however such anemic symptoms may eventually leave catastrophic risks unknowingly. Take a glance at these 10 key anemia symptoms to keep you healthy.

1. Fatigue

In anemia, there is a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body which affects the oxygen supply to the other parts of the body. As the red blood cells (RBCs) do not carry an ample amount of oxygen to all the body parts, it may ultimately lead to fatigue. Hence, if you have been experiencing fatigue even after a good night’s sleep or feel tired more often than not, then it’s time to consult your doctor at the earliest and get tested to know the cause of it.

2. Shortness Of Breath

If you feel a loss of breath or face difficulty in breathing, especially when climbing stairs, during exercise or lifting something, then do not ignore it. This is because, shortness of breath is one of the common symptoms of anemia. It is clearly due to the lack of sufficient supply of oxygen in the body which leads to breathing difficulty when the body is exerted.

3. Brittle Nails

If you notice your nails are becoming thinner and breaking easilyf, then do not think it could be due to poor nail hygiene or lack of vitamin deficiency. Instead, it could be a sign of iron deficiency and may indicate anemia. So do not ignore even the simplest changes that happen to your nails as it could be a sign of any underlying disease such as anemia.

4. Pale Skin

Insufficient blood supply to the skin can result in pale and dull skin. This could be caused due to lack of Vitamin B12 or iron and may indicate anemic. So keep a tab on your skin and any changes in the skin color and texture mean you should book an appointment at your doctor’s clinic.

5. Strange Cravings

It is not just during pregnancy that a woman experiences craving. It could also be due to a deficiency. If you feel to have items without any nutrients such as ice cubes, baking soda, clay, chalk or pencils, it can be identified as a symptom of iron deficiency anemia.

6. Chest Pain

A mild but a constant chest pain can also be a telltale sign of anemia. This is attributed to lack of oxygen supply to the heart. It is a key sign which should never be ignored as it could also indicate heart disease.

7. Numbness

Numbness is a feeling of pins and needles in your hands and feet. If you are also suffering from such feelings, you may be anemic. The reason behind numbness of hands and feet is anemia resulting from lack of Vitamin B12 and inadequate supply of oxygen to the extremities.

8. Black Stools

Anemia could also be diagnosed by black stools, blood in stools, or rectal bleeding. In such a condition, you should consult with your doctor immediately as these can be signs of gastrointestinal disorders.

9. Irregular Bleeding and Heavy Periods

When it comes to menstrual flow, women are the most vulnerable victims of anemia. Anemia can also result from excessive, irregular, and painful blood loss due to the presence of fibroids in the uterine cavity. Get in touch with your gynecologist to know the exact cause of heavy periods and irregular bleeding.

10. Restless Legs Syndrome

If you get an urge to constantly move your legs, particularly during sleep every night, then you may have an iron deficiency. So head straight to your doctor’s clinic and get tested as it could mean you might have anemia.

Closing Notes
Anemia can be treated with simple at-home tips and tricks such as taking a lot of Vitamin C or drink orange juice regularly, including beetroots, dates, pomegranate in your diet as they are rich in folic acid and eating lots of spinach.

Your doctor might indeed recommend that you take some supplements of iron and vitamin b12, vitamin b12 supplements to control anemia. Early diagnosis can help in treating the condition and prevent health complications caused due to anemia. So eat healthily to stay healthy!