Iron Deficiency Anemia – Signs & Symptoms | Iron Deficiency – Early & Late Signs
Fatigue and low energy: This is often the most common early symptom and can feel like general tiredness or weakness.
Pallor: Your skin may appear pale or have a yellowish “sallow” tint.
Headaches and dizziness: These can occur due to reduced oxygen flow to the brain.
Cold hands and feet: This can happen because your body is trying to conserve heat for vital organs.
As the anemia worsens, additional symptoms may appear:
Shortness of breath: Even mild exertion can feel difficult.
Rapid heartbeat: Your heart may have to beat faster to try to compensate for the lack of oxygen in your blood.
Brittle nails or hair loss: This can be due to the impaired production of red blood cells, which also affect hair and nail growth.
Restless legs syndrome: This can be an uncomfortable feeling of needing to move your legs, often worse at night.
Unusual cravings for non-food items: This is called pica and can involve cravings for ice, dirt, paper, or other strange things.
In children, additional symptoms may include:
Irritability or fussiness
Poor growth and development
Rapid heart rate
Sore or swollen tongue
Enlarged spleen
It’s important to note that not everyone with iron deficiency anemia will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary greatly.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially fatigue, paleness, or shortness of breath, it’s important to see a doctor to get a blood test and determine if you have iron deficiency anemia. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/your-guide-anemia
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034?p=1
American Society of Hematology: https://www.hematology.org/education/clinicians/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-practice-guidelines
Sources
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