Anemia is when there are too few red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues and it can be the result of many things. Anemia can result from internal bleeding, not getting enough iron or B12 in your system (which is an easy way to treat it), or it could happen at birth. If you have Sickle Cell anemia or thalassemia, then those are types of congenital anemic conditions.
There are treatments for anemia so therefore, as long as it is treated accordingly, your red blood cell count can replenish. But you don’t want to ignore any strange but silent symptom of anemia you have. Let’s go over 8 silent anemia symptoms.
You Are Dizzy
If you are constantly dizzy you may think you have an inner ear condition and may run over to your ENT. However, if you are not receiving enough hemoglobin which is the protein that gives red blood cells the function they need – then you are not having enough oxygen delivered to your body. And it also means it can cause vestibular disturbances. Before you run to your ENT, go to your GP and have your iron counts checked.
You Have Shortness Of Breath
You would assume that your lung function would be compromised for whatever reason if you are struggling to breathe. But your lungs may be fine. It could be that the oxygen you are attempting to take in is not being distributed throughout your body the right away due to not having enough hemoglobin in the system. If you have your iron count checked and they are normal, then you will want to look into your lungs.
You Have Terrible Fatigue
One of the telltale signs of anemia is fatigue. Even though you may not necessarily tie the possibility of being anemic to fatigue you experience because fatigue can represent anything. But you never want to ignore your body if you are constantly exhausted. Continuous fatigue means you are in dire need of bloodwork.
You Are Pale
Have you been told that you look like a ghost? That is because those healthy red cells are not abundant and are causing you to appear pale. Your healthy rosy-fleshy skin color is because of those red blood cells, but if there are too few of them, it is not hard to imagine how you would be pale.
You Are On A Vegan Diet
Veganism is a diet based on morale but the fact of the matter is that getting iron from plant-based proteins or soy, tofu, or leafy greens is just not enough. You don’t have to give up your vegan lifestyle. But you need to take enough B12 supplements to prevent anemia.
You Are Craving Non-Edible Items
Are you craving ice cubes, clay, or baking soda, or dirt? Then that is what is known as pica. It is still unknown as to why anemic patients often crave non-edible items but this is something that is linked to anemia.
You Have Cold Hands And Feet
Do you need to always wear the socks you wear during winter even if it is the middle of summer? Do you also need to wear gloves? Cold hands and feet are also a sign of anemia. There are not enough red blood cells circulating to keep them warm which is the culprit of why this is the case.
Your Chest Hurts
Anytime you have a painful chest, you may think you are having a heart attack. However, there are many reasons for a painful chest such as anxiety, or anemia. How can anemia be tied to a painful chest? When your heart is pumping hard to circulate the few red blood cells that are in your body, then it has to work extra hard. Therefore, when your heart is working extra hard, it can cause your chest to hurt.
Fortunately, anemia is usually fairly simple to treat with either B12 supplements or through prescribed medication in more serious causes of the condition. However, it cannot be ignored as your body needs enough red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body.
