This sounds significant, and it certainly can be.

Many people with mild anemia actually do not have any signs or symptoms at all.

Or if they do, they may attribute some of them to other causes.

Woman with high fever at home.

VioletaStoimenova / Getty Images

Fatigue is an anemia symptom that’s commonly overlooked.

Complications, such asheart problems, can become life-threatening.

The signs and symptoms of anemia tend to gradually increase as the anemia gets worse.

Anemia pruritis markings on a person’s back

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.

A rare form of vitamin-deficiency anemia calledpernicious anemiais the result of an inability to absorbvitamin B12.

Aplastic anemia also has its own distinctive and uncommon signs and symptoms.

These can range from mild to very serious.

They include:

Signs and symptoms vary widely based on the pop in and severity of the anemia.

A desire to eat non-food substances and brittle nails can be signs of iron deficiency anemia.

Muscle weakness or tingling can happen with pernicious anemia.

Reproduced with permission from A DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.

Anemia can also worsen other underlying medical conditions and lessen the efficacy of treatments for them.

It pumps harder to ensure oxygen-filled blood is moved around the body.

It can also increase your babys risk of having anemia during their infancy.

Further, anemia can put you at risk of experiencing blood loss during labor.

Depression

The nerve damage in some form of anemias like pernicious anemia can lead to depression.

This is a nervous system condition which produces the irresistible urge to move your legs.

This is usually felt in the evening and nighttime.

Impaired Development

Many studies show that iron is needed for the brain to develop properly.

It can cause pregnancy complications or developmental problems in infancy and childhood.

If possible, get someone else to drive you.

You may be experiencing heart problems, including heart failure.

Symptoms may include tiredness, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, feeling cold, or dizziness.

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