Anemia is caused by the lack of iron or red blood cells in the body. It may also be caused by lack of hemoglobin or the inability of hemoglobin to bind oxygen and deliver it to the organs of the body. There are a multitude of types of anemia and the symptoms vary accordingly. Sometimes, anemia is associated with underlying medical conditions such as ulcers, menstrual problems or even cancer.
People with mild anemia or anemia which developed over a long period of time might not notice symptoms because the body has the incredible ability to compensate for early anemia.
Although different types of anemia present different kinds of anemia symptoms, they still have some general or universal symptoms. These are sometimes difficult to identify because they are normally experienced without any severe medical condition. However, these anemia symptoms are great indicators that you should consult a doctor regarding anemia. Some of the common symptoms for different types of anemia are fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, leg cramps, insomnia and difficulty concentrating. Unusually rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and headache especially when exercising or doing physical activities is also common in anemic people.
Pica, or hunger for strange materials and substances commonly not eaten like paper, ice or dirt, upward curvature of the nails, and soreness of the mouth with cracks at the corners are all symptoms of iron deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia patients often experience tingling sensations in the hands or feet, lost sense of touch, difficulty walking, stiffness or weakness of arms and legs, dementia, hallucinations, paranoia and schizophrenia.
Chronic lead poisoning can also lead to anemia. Symptoms for this are abdominal pains, constipation, vomiting and a lead line or a blue-black line on the gums.
Chronic red blood cell destruction-caused anemia entails jaundice, abdominal pain, small bruises under the skin, seizures, brown or red urine, leg ulcers, failure to thrive in infancy and symptoms of gallstones or kidney failure.
Symptoms of sickle cell anemia are fatigue, susceptibility to infection, delayed growth and development in children, severe pain episodes in the joints, abdomen and limbs.
The symptoms that you should look out for are very heavy menstrual periods, symptoms of ulcer, gastritis, hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer. If any of these signs and symptoms of anemia are experienced, you should call a doctor and consult with him or her. Poor diet or inadequate intake of dietary minerals and vitamins may also lead to anemia. It is also best to consult with a doctor if anemia is hereditary in your family and if you have any concerns regarding environmental exposure to lead.