Believe it or not, these aren’t just signs of a sinus infection or bad cold. They can be linked to anemia, a bloody troublesome condition if it’s not under control. Most of us hear anemia, and the first thing that comes to mind is an iron deficiency. But there’s much more to anemia.
What is anemia?
It's important to have a good understanding of anemia before trying to pinpoint symptoms. In short, anemia has to do with red blood cells and hemoglobin. If the body does not have enough red blood cells or if the red blood cells do not make enough hemoglobin, it can result in anemia.
Hemoglobin is important because it carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of your body. Furthermore, the body’s organs and tissues cannot work properly without sufficient hemoglobin. Therefore, the body will develop complications if the organs and tissues don't get sufficient hemoglobin due to a deficiency in the red blood cells.
There are many reasons why someone might develop anemia. For example, women are at high risk for anemia because of menstruation. Blood loss can cause anemia, so women with heavy periods are at greater risk.
Another contributing factor for anemia is difficulty producing red blood cells. Without enough red blood cells, the body cannot get the hemoglobin it needs to function well. Similarly, the body may not be able to produce enough red blood cells, and red blood cells may die before the body has a chance to make replacements.
Unfortunately, the risk of anemia is higher if two or more of these occurrences take place at once. Major diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, can lead to anemia.
Is there more than one type of anemia?
You may be surprised to know that there is more than one type of anemia. Although they may have similar signs, the various types of anemia have different impacts on health. To illustrate, there are three leading types of anemia: iron deficiency anemia (IDA), vitamin deficiency anemia (megaloblastic anemia) and inherited blood disease. It’s important to get the facts about each condition to differentiate the symptoms.
Frist, IDA is most frequently the type of anemia doctors see in patients. Sometimes referred to as “iron-poor” or “tired” blood, people with IDA do not produce enough iron. Because iron is used to make hemoglobin, an iron deficiency results in anemia. While blood loss is a common cause of IDA, factors that may cause blood loss are:
- childbirth;
- uterine fibroids;
- ulcers;
- colon polyps;
- colon cancer;
- pain medications;
- infection;
- low-iron diets;
- Crohn’s disease;
- Celiac disease;
- surgery; and
- severe injury.
Likewise, vitamin deficiency anemia is caused by low levels of vitamin B12 or folate. When considering B12, it is important to note that B12 is needed to produce red blood cells. When sufferers cannot produce a sufficient amount of red blood cells, they may develop anemia. Often, lack of B12 could indicate an autoimmune disorder that prevents the body from absorbing B12 from foods. Low levels of folic acid can cause anemia because folic acid is used to make red blood cells. Folate is a B vitamin that can be found in green, leafy vegetables, fruits, and dried peas and beans.
Another cause for concern – genetics. Anemia can be passed down in genes as well. Called inherited blood diseases, sickle cell, thalassemia and aplastic anemia are the three most common types of genetic anemia. In sickle cell patients, red blood cells have a hard or rounded edge that makes it difficult for the cells to move through blood vessels.
If they get stuck, the red blood cells restrict the blood that goes to organs and limbs. Conversely, people with thalassemia have trouble making hemoglobin and have a low red blood cell count. In contrast, aplastic anemia is rarer than the previous types. People with aplastic anemia have trouble producing any type of blood cell.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
According to the Office on Women’s Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, here are some symptoms that may indicate the presence of anemia.
- fatigue;
- pale skin;
- shortness of breath;
- rapid or irregular heartbeat;
- dizziness;
- chest pain;
- irritability;low body temperature;
- trouble focusing on tasks;
- restless leg syndrome;
- headaches;
- craving non-food substances like ice;
- anxiety;
- hair loss;
- underactive thyroid; and
- changes in the appearance or texture of the tongue.
Also consider whether you have undergone a major surgery, are recovering from a major infection or have recently given birth. See how your symptoms develop over a short period and notify your doctor if you believe you could be developing any type of anemia.
Should I be tested for anemia?
The decision to be tested for any disease can be a significant step in finding out what your symptoms mean. If you decide to get tested for anemia, the outcome, whatever it is, could bring you closer to figuring out what is causing the scary symptoms.
Because these issues can be the result of a disease or illness other than anemia, even if you are told that you don’t have anemia, you may be able to address whatever is causing the problems. However, if you find you are anemic, then you can begin the process of alleviating symptoms and improving your overall health through treatments. Either way, you might gain peace of mind.