234
A simple blood test will confirm whether you have iron deficiency anemia. Here are the signs to look out for.
The therapist said that extreme fatigue is a sign of anemia.
"At first, iron deficiency anemia can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. But as the body becomes more iron deficient and the anemia worsens, the signs and symptoms worsen."
Other signs and symptoms of anemia may include:
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Chest pain, fast heartbeat, or shortness of breath
- Headache, dizziness or fainting
- Cold hands and feet
- Inflammation or soreness of the tongue
- Brittle nails
- Unusual cravings for non-food substances such as ice, dirt, or starch
- Poor appetite, especially in infants and anemic children
"Anemia occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen to your body's organs. As a result, one often feels cold and has symptoms of fatigue or weakness," says the therapist. "If you or your child develop signs and symptoms that indicate anemia, see a doctor. Iron deficiency anemia is not something that needs to be diagnosed or treated on its own. See your doctor for a diagnosis rather than taking iron supplements on your own. "Overloading your body with iron can be dangerous because excessive iron accumulation can damage your liver and cause other complications," says the doctor.
If you have anemia that is not treated, it can lead to arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), an enlarged heart, or heart failure.
