What Are the Iron Deficiency Anemia Symptoms

Iron deficiency is the most common type of anemia. It is caused by the lack of iron in the body. Without iron, the blood cannot produce enough hemoglobin or healthy red blood cells. Since the red blood cells transport oxygen to the body’s organs, this can become severe if not treated. The first step in treating it is knowing what the iron deficiency anemia symptoms are.

One of the most common iron deficiency anemia symptom is extreme fatigue. Without iron the oxygen cannot be transported to the organs so the organs need to overwork to function properly. This will cause the body to become weak and tired. This can also cause dizziness or decreased energy. You may even notice yourself becoming lightheaded and on the verge of fainting.

Pale skin is another common iron deficiency anemia symptom. It is caused by the poor circulation or blood flow. Without enough healthy red blood cells the blood will not flow properly through the blood vessels and will cause the pale skin. It can also cause another common iron deficiency anemia symptoms, cold hands and feet.

Headache is often associated with this disorder. It could be caused by the lack of oxygen to the brain or the poor circulation. It can also be caused by the organs not functioning properly which is directly caused by the decreased oxygen. Shortness of breath and increased heart rate could also be symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. Most likely, these are caused by the decreased amount of oxygen. Some other possible iron deficiency anemia symptoms include irritability, brittle nails and an inflamed tongue. These are not as common, but if present, can help diagnose the disorder.

Iron deficiency anemia is very common and can easily be treated by taking a simple iron supplement. However, if it is not treated quickly, it can become more severe and lead to other health problems. Knowing what the iron deficiency anemia symptoms are can help you diagnose the problem and get treatment right away. If you notice any of these symptoms speak with your doctor so that you can get a diagnosis quickly. Doing so will help reduce the chance of developing other health problems.