Anemia is a disease that causes red blood cell levels to deplete. The reduction in the red blood cells affects oxygen supply causing many problems. The article lists some of the symptoms of anemia to help you understand more about this condition.

Before knowing about the symptoms of anemia, it is important to understand more about this condition. Anemia can lead to a decline in the number of red blood cells in the body. Since it is the red blood cells that carry oxygen, anemia can cause weakness.

There are different types of anemia. Each of these types has different causes. Anemia can cause complications and needs to be treated. It can be usually treated through supplements or by undergoing certain procedures.

Types and causes of anemia
Listed below are some of the common types of anemia and their causes:

1. Iron deficiency anemia: As the name suggests, this anemia is caused due to deficiency of iron in the body. Hemoglobin deficiency is common in women.
2. Vitamin deficiency anemia: This form of anemia occurs due to deficiency in Vitamin B12 and folate. These nutrients are important in the production of red blood cells.
3. Aplastic anemia: This is a serious form of anemia which can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, and it leads to an acute shortage of red blood cells.
4. Hemolytic anemia: This happens when red blood cells begin to die faster than the bone marrow can produce new cells.
5. Sickle cell anemia: This is an inherited condition where the abnormal shape of the red blood cells cause them to die prematurely resulting in acute loss of RBC.
6. Anemia due to diseases: Anemia can also occur due to diseases like HIV, Crohn’s disease, leukemia, etc.

The symptoms of anemia
There are some common symptoms of anemia that are experienced by all anemia patients. These symptoms include:

• Fatigue or extreme tiredness is the primary symptom of anemia. This tiredness is accompanied by weakness and inability to do regular work.
• Pale skin is another common symptom.
• Chest pain may be experienced by some people due to anemia.
• Headaches can occur. This can be accompanied by a feeling of giddiness.
• Shortness of breath is another common symptom most anemic people experience.
• A strange tingling sensation in the legs is a symptom experienced by some people.
• An irregular or fast heartbeat can be experienced.
• Coldness in the hands and feet is another symptom that is experienced by anemic patients.

Other symptoms can be specific to the type of anemia.

1. Aplastic anemia can cause fever, rashes on the skin, and recurrent infections.
2. Vitamin deficiency anemia can cause irritability and a smooth tongue. It may also cause diarrhea.
3. Hemolytic anemia can cause jaundice, fever, dark-colored urine, and abdominal pain.
4. Sickle cell anemia leads to symptoms like jaundice and swelling in the hand and feet that is painful.
5. Iron deficiency anemia can cause a craving to eat clay, dirt, and chalk.