Anemia is a condition that involves your body’s red blood cells. When the red blood cells in your blood are not adequately carrying oxygen to your body’s tissues, the term for this condition is anemia. The cause for this condition could be because the red blood cells in your blood aren’t functioning properly, you’re lacking red blood cells, blood loss, or red blood cell destruction. Pregnant women and older people are at a higher risk for anemia.

Some of the most common types of Anemia are: Sickle cell anemia, Iron-deficiency anemia, Vitamin deficiency anemia, Aplastic anemia, and Hemolytic anemia. Here are some of the common symptoms and warning signs of anemia:

1. Fatigue
The protein in our body that is responsible for carrying the adequate amount of oxygen to our body’s tissue is called hemoglobin. When we don’t have the adequate amount of hemoglobin in our blood this can cause fatigue. Fatigue is a very common symptom of anemia. It makes the individual feel very weak and very tired. Usually they don’t feel up to doing the activities they would normally do. This is most common with iron-deficiency anemia.

2. Cold hands and feet
Since this condition causes a lack of oxygen to the body’s tissues, this also means that there is a lack in an individual’s blood circulation in the body. Poor blood circulation causes an individual to feel cold frequently, and causes them to have cold hands and feet.

3. Shortness of breath
The body needs adequate oxygen in order to perform your daily duties. Because of the lack of oxygen being supplied, difficulty breathing or breathlessness may occur when engaging in intense exercise or movement. An individual may frequently feel shortness of breath. This could be a sign of anemia.

4. Irregular heartbeat
Oxygen is important for a lot of the organs in the body, including the heart. An individual may have a fast or irregular heartbeat. This is because the heart is working overtime as a result of the lack of oxygen. This could cause serious health complications.

5. Dizziness or lightheadedness
Another symptom of anemia is dizziness and lightheadedness. Lack of adequate oxygen to the body also means a lack of adequate oxygen to the brain. This can make an individual feel very faint, dizzy, and lightheaded. This can interfere with normal daily tasks.

6. Pale or yellowish skin
Anemia causes a lack of blood flow and oxygen. Your organs need adequate blood and oxygen, some organs more than others. An individual’s skin may lose color and look pale or yellowish because the body took from the skin’s blood flow, and provided it to more important organs.

7. Chest pain
Chest pain is also a symptom. An individual may have chest pain because of the lack of oxygen to the heart.

These are the common symptoms of anemia. If you have any concerns you should consult with your doctor.