Anemia, or low hemoglobin, is a condition caused by a decreased number of red blood cells in the body. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to different organs, and low levels of this important protein in the red blood cells decrease the oxygen supply. This results in body pain, fatigue, and other weakness-related conditions. Let’s take a look at the different types and symptoms of anemia.

Anemia Due to Iron Deficiency
Iron is important for making red blood cells in the body and insufficient iron hampers this function. As a result, the cells and organs don’t receive enough oxygen and you feel tired most of the time. The symptoms of anemia due to iron deficiency are

• Extreme fatigue
• Chest pain and shortness of breath
• Tongue soreness or inflammation
• Headache and dizziness
• Cold hands and feet
• Pale skin and brittle nails
• Poor appetite

Aplastic Anemia
This is a rare and serious condition in which your body does not produce enough red blood cells. The common symptoms of aplastic anemia are

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Pale skin and rash
• Frequent infections
• Headache, dizziness, and fever
• Nose bleeds
• Prolonged and excessive bleeding from cuts and injuries

Sickle Cell Anemia
This is an inherited condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells for carrying oxygen to the organs. The normal red blood cells are round and they move easily through blood vessels. In this condition, the blood cells are shaped like crescent moons or sickles, which restricts their easy movement. The warning signs of sickle cell anemia are

• Fatigue
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Recurrent infections
• Chronic pain in the bones, joints, chest, and abdomen
• Vision problems

Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
Not eating enough foods containing vitamins C and B12 and folate often results in vitamin deficiency anemia and lack of healthy red blood cells. It may also happen if your body is having trouble absorbing these vitamins. The symptoms of anemia due to vitamin deficiency are

• Dizziness and fatigue
• Shortness of breath or irregular heartbeats
• Muscle weakness
• Weight loss
• Mental confusion and unsteady movements
• Numbness in the hands and feet
• Pale skin

Thalassemia
This is an inherited blood condition that lowers the levels of hemoglobin in the body. So, the organs do not receive enough oxygen and this causes fatigue and other conditions. The warning signs of thalassemia are

• Weakness
• Slow growth
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Facial bone deformities
• Pale skin

If you feel fatigued and notice the symptoms of anemia, check with your doctor and get the necessary tests done. Also, follow a healthy lifestyle and eat foods that can raise your hemoglobin levels.