What It Feels like to Have Anemia
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Pale skin
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Cold hands and feet
Headache
Irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
In some cases, people with anemia may also experience more specific symptoms, such as:
Brittle nails
Spoon-shaped nails
Restless legs syndrome
Pica (craving for non-food items)
Sore tongue
Mouth ulcers
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment. Anemia can be a serious condition, but it is often treatable.
Here is a description of what it might feel like to have anemia, based on the symptoms listed above:
Fatigue: You may feel tired all the time, even after getting a good night’s sleep. You may have trouble concentrating at work or school, and you may not feel up to doing your usual activities.
Weakness: You may feel weak and unable to do things that you used to be able to do easily. For example, you may have trouble lifting heavy objects or climbing stairs.
Shortness of breath: You may feel like you can’t catch your breath, even after mild exertion. You may also feel like you’re not getting enough oxygen.
Pale skin: Your skin may look pale or yellowish. This is because your red blood cells are not carrying enough oxygen to your tissues.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: You may feel dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up or when you’re active. This is because your brain is not getting enough oxygen.
Cold hands and feet: Your hands and feet may feel cold all the time, even in a warm environment. This is because your body is trying to conserve heat by diverting blood to your core.
Headache: You may have frequent headaches. This is because your brain is not getting enough oxygen.
Irregular heartbeat: Your heart may beat too fast or too slow, or it may skip beats. This is because your heart is trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen in your blood.
Chest pain: You may have chest pain, especially when you exercise. This is because your heart is working harder to pump blood throughout your body.
It is important to note that not everyone with anemia will experience all of these symptoms. The severity of your symptoms will depend on the type and severity of your anemia.