The physical symptoms of anaemia are often quite vague and can go undetected in many people. One of the most common signs is a feeling of weakness or fatigue, whilst severe anaemia (where an adult's haemoglobin has fallen below 8 grams per decilitre) may cause shortness of breath. Severe anaemia can also cause the body to increase its cardiac output (making the heart beat faster and stronger) to compensate for the low levels of blood oxygen; this can cause palpitations and sweatiness, and may even lead to heart failure. Early indications that the heart cannot cope with this extra strain include swollen ankles and shortness of breath without exertion.
Whilst anaemia may cause pale skin, this may only be notable in severe cases; a more reliable check is made by examining the nail beds or the inside of the lower eyelid. Sufferers may also be subject to loss of sexual drive, mental fatigue, headache, irritability and dizziness. They may become nauseated and vomit, and their bowels may become either too loose or constipated. Women may suffer from very heavy periods, or their periods may stop completely.
Summary of Symptoms
- Breathlessness after exertion
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Faintness
- Headaches
- Heart may beat faster
- Irritability
- Mental fatigue
- Nausea
- Pale nail beds or inside of the eyelids
- Reduced sexual drive
- Swollen ankles
- Very heavy periods or stopped periods
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