Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells in the blood is decreased, making it difficult for oxygen to be transported from the lungs to other parts of the body. People with cancer, autoimmune diseases, or excessive menstrual bleeding have a relatively higher risk of developing anemia.

Generally, the treatment of anemia includes taking supplements or medications to help the blood produce more red blood cells. If the anemia is more severe, intravenous drug injection, blood transfusion, or even surgery may be required.

Based on different etiologies, anemia can be divided into several types, but many symptoms are the same. Common symptoms of anemia include headache, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

The severity of the symptoms experienced by patients varies, depending on the severity and progression rate of the anemia. In the early stage of anemia, there may be no symptoms. As the anemia progresses, if left untreated, the symptoms may worsen.

Feeling tired or lethargic is the most common symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. This symptom is also associated with aplastic anemia and hemolytic anemia.

Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen in the body, and the human body needs oxygen to provide energy. When the level of red blood cells is low, human tissues and muscles cannot obtain sufficient oxygen or energy.

In addition, the heart has to work harder than usual to transport oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. All these factors combined lead to extreme fatigue.

Pale skin is a common symptom of all types of anemia. Pallor is related to blood flow. When the number of red blood cells decreases, the number of red blood cells flowing to the skin surface decreases, causing the skin to lose some of its color.

When a healthcare provider diagnoses anemia, the first thing to observe is the condition of pale skin.

The pallor may cover the whole body or be limited to specific areas. People with anemia may particularly notice the pallor of the nails, palms, and around the eyes.

Many types of anemia are accompanied by headache, sometimes accompanied by migraine, but the specific cause is not yet fully understood. There is evidence that iron deficiency (the most common cause of anemia) may be the root cause of headache, especially in women and girls and during menstruation.

Anemia is also considered a risk factor for idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a disease in which increased pressure around the brain leads to symptoms such as headache. This relatively rare disease often affects obese adult women.

During anemia, when the level of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) is low, the oxygen level is also low. As a result, the muscles and tissues will lack oxygen-rich blood.

When this happens, normal daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even just making the bed become more difficult. You may feel short of breath and sometimes dizzy or lightheaded.

If you find yourself frequently having difficulty breathing, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Difficulty breathing is not only a symptom of anemia but also a sign of other serious diseases.

Hemoglobin helps transport oxygen throughout the body. When you have anemia, a low hemoglobin level causes your heart to work harder to transport oxygen.

This additional cardiac stress may lead to an irregular heartbeat or a rapid or abnormal heartbeat. However, more research is needed to confirm this connection.

Anemia may cause a nail abnormality called koilonychia. This condition is characterized by thin, brittle, spoon-shaped nails and is common in patients with chronic iron-deficiency anemia.

Dry skin and hair loss may also be associated with anemia because low oxygen levels can cause dry and weak skin. If you have iron-deficiency anemia, you may notice that your hair is not growing or that you are losing more hair than normal.

If you notice any changes in your nails, hair, or skin, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider. Even if these changes are not related to anemia, they may be signs of other diseases.

Sometimes, there are signs and symptoms of anemia inside the mouth or on the tongue. For example, a study found that 76% of patients with iron-deficiency anemia reported a burning sensation in the mouth.

In the same study, people also reported symptoms of stomatitis and dry mouth, as well as a smooth, pale, and swollen tongue.

Other potential symptoms associated with anemia include oral ulcers, painful and red cracks at the corners of the mouth.

If you have pernicious anemia (caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12), you may experience nerve damage. This damage can cause a tingling and numbness in the hands and feet.

Nerve damage may also cause a loss of reflexes and muscle weakness, which may lead to unsteady steps, balance problems, and difficulty walking.

Children and infants may develop iron-deficiency anemia because they grow rapidly and need more iron. A diet low in iron or excessive milk consumption that affects iron absorption can lead to anemia.

The symptoms of anemia in children and infants mainly include: fatigue, shortness of breath, abnormal craving for food or decreased appetite, irritability, headache or dizziness, tongue pain, pallor, very pale or bluish whites of the eyes, and brittle nails.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention promptly. Mild to moderate anemia usually has no obvious symptoms, so even seemingly mild symptoms such as fatigue and headache may be signs of more severe anemia.

If left untreated, anemia can lead to serious complications, including organ failure and the exacerbation of other diseases such as cardiovascular diseases.

Pregnant women should also consult a healthcare provider about symptoms related to anemia. Anemia may lead to premature birth, low birth weight of the baby, and an increased risk of anemia in the baby.

A healthcare provider can provide a diagnosis to determine whether you have anemia or other health conditions. Then, they can determine the appropriate treatment plan for you.

In conclusion, anemia is a disease in which the number of red blood cells in the blood is reduced. Since red blood cells carry oxygen, anemia leads to a decrease in the amount of oxygen transported from the lungs to other parts of the body.

The symptoms of anemia include fatigue, pale complexion, shortness of breath, etc. Some patients may also experience headache, palpitations, and changes in hair, skin, and nails.

If you experience any symptoms of anemia, you should consult a healthcare provider in a timely manner. They can confirm the diagnosis and help you receive appropriate treatment.