12 Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Anemia can be tricky to identify. Here are some signs to look for.
Anemia is a blood disorder that affects more than three million people in the United States. It’s the most common blood disorder and has multiple possible causes, including diet, blood loss, pregnancy, problems absorbing iron, and iron deficiency.
What Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia?
There are many types of anemia, but iron-deficiency anemia is the most common. With iron-deficiency anemia, your body doesn’t make enough iron. Without iron, your bone marrow can’t produce enough healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body, so your tissues and organs become deprived of the element.
The signs and symptoms of anemia are often hard to spot because they can mimic those of depression and other illnesses.
Fatigue is the most common symptom of anemia, and it’s likely the most noticeable. With anemia-induced fatigue, you may feel too tired or weak to carry on with your daily activities.
Fatigue happens because your body doesn’t make enough iron to produce a protein in red blood cells called hemoglobin. Without hemoglobin, your tissues and muscles don’t get enough oxygen, which means they have to work harder. Your heart also has to compensate by moving more blood around your body. The result of all of this extra effort is that you feel exhausted.
If you feel very tired for several days despite getting ample rest, consider talking to your doctor.
2. Feeling Out of Breath
Shortness of breath is another symptom of anemia. You might feel like you can’t catch your breath or take a deep breath. You may notice breathlessness with mild activity or even when you are at rest.
Breathing issues happen because your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to your lungs. Tell your doctor if you have this symptom, as it could also be a sign of a medical emergency.
3. Headaches
Headaches are a problem you might experience if you have anemia. One study found nearly 80 percent of people with iron-deficiency anemia said that they’d had headaches in their lifetime, and 36 percent met the criteria for migraine.
Headaches can occur when low hemoglobin levels prevent enough oxygen from reaching your brain. This can cause blood vessels to swell, which may trigger pain or other neurological problems.
Headaches can be a symptom of several other medical conditions. If they are severe or don’t go away, you should see your doctor.
4. Pale or Yellowish Skin
A pale or yellowish complexion is a possible symptom of anemia. The paleness may result from decreased blood flow to your skin. Most of the time, it will affect your whole body.
Paleness alone isn’t necessarily a sign of anemia, but if you have other symptoms, it could be an indicator.
5. Dizziness
The lack of oxygen to your brain can cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy. You may even feel faint or pass out if you stand up too quickly.
Dizziness can be a symptom of other disorders, such as infection, injury, or poor circulation. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor if you feel dizzy often.
6. Heart Issues
With anemia, your heart pumps more blood to make up for the lack of oxygen. This can disrupt its natural rhythm and cause a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, a condition known as arrhythmia. Or, you might notice chest pain.
Over time, an irregular heartbeat can lead to an enlarged heart or even heart failure. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor if you develop this anemia symptom.
7. Cold Hands and Feet
Cold hands and feet are a common symptom of anemia that occurs because the body’s tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen. The poor circulation can compromise your ability to sense normal temperature. You may feel cold even if it’s hot outside.
8. Odd Cravings
Having low iron may trigger pica, the urge to eat or chew nonfood items with no nutritional value. Some people say they crave ice, dirt, clay, chalk, or paper. Doctors are unclear why these strange cravings affect people with an iron deficiency.
Research shows that the urge to eat or chew on ice affects about 25 percent of people who are iron deficient.
9. Irritability or Depression
If you’re feeling unusually irritable or down, it could be a sign of low iron. One study found that adolescents with iron deficiency reported more irritability than their counterparts.
Other research has shown that older adults with depression are more likely to have iron-deficiency anemia. Researchers are continuing to study the link between mental health and low levels of iron.
10. Loss of Appetite
A poor appetite is a common symptom of anemia. Studies suggest that some people with an iron deficiency don’t feel like eating because the condition causes changes in the hormone ghrelin, which helps increase hunger. Talk to your doctor if your appetite doesn’t improve or you start losing weight without trying.
11. Dry Skin and Hair
Dry skin or hair can be a sign of anemia. Iron is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. And research suggests iron deficiency is also linked to hair loss.
You can keep your skin and hair hydrated by using moisturizing products and avoiding hot showers.
12. Frequent Infections
You might get sick a lot if you have iron-deficiency anemia. That’s because when iron levels are low, your body’s immune cells don’t work to fight off infections like they should.
It’s important to wash your hands often and stay up to date on your vaccines if you have anemia.
Can You Be Iron-Deficient Without Having Anemia?
Yes, about twice as many people have iron deficiency without anemia as those who have iron deficiency with anemia. People who frequently lose blood, such as regular blood donors and women who are menstruating, may have low iron levels. And people who don’t get enough iron from their food, which often happens when people eat a vegan diet, may become deficient.
In addition, athletes and people performing in demanding sports need more iron, but they also lose more of it through their urine and while sweating during vigorous activity. Meat, seafood, beans, dark leafy green vegetables, and dried fruits like raisins and apricots are all good sources of iron.
The Takeaway
Fatigue, cold hands and feet, and shortness of breath are among the common signs and symptoms of anemia, a blood disorder in which the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body. It’s important to know the symptoms and to alert your healthcare provider to them as soon as possible if you suspect you may have the condition. Without adequate oxygen, the body cannot function as it should, and severe complications could result.
