Anemia is a condition in which your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues. While some symptoms of anemia are obvious, others can be quite subtle, often mistaken for stress, poor sleep, or a busy lifestyle. If left untreated, anemia can lead to serious health complications. Here are 12 silent symptoms of anemia you should never ignore:
Constant Fatigue
One of the earliest and most common symptoms of anemia is persistent fatigue. You may feel tired even after a full night’s rest or exhausted after doing tasks that never used to wear you out. This happens because your body isn’t getting enough oxygen due to a lack of red blood cells.
Pale or Yellowish Skin
Your skin may lose its healthy color and appear unusually pale or slightly yellow. This is especially noticeable in the face, inner eyelids, and fingernails. Pale skin indicates a lower red blood cell count, a hallmark of anemia.
Shortness of Breath
If you feel winded after climbing a short flight of stairs or walking a moderate distance, it may be due to anemia. The body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen by increasing your breathing rate, causing breathlessness even with mild exertion.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Frequent dizziness, especially when standing up quickly, can be a sign of anemia. When your brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen, it can result in feelings of lightheadedness or even fainting in severe cases.
Cold Hands and Feet
Poor circulation caused by anemia can lead to cold extremities. The body prioritizes sending oxygen-rich blood to vital organs, which reduces blood flow to your hands and feet.
Frequent Headaches
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