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Anaemia sign and symptoms

What is the symptom of anaemia?
( 4 Mar 2008)

Anemia is a condition that involves the bone marrow, the part of the body that is responsible for the generation of red blood cells. Red blood cells are entrusted the responsibility of transporting oxygenated blood to various tissue and organs in the body. Anemia is the condition that is brought about, when the hemoglobin or red blood cells count is lower than normal.

Any process, which disrupts the regular life span of one’s red blood cell could cause anemia. Red blood cells have a normal life span of about 120 days, after which they die and new ones are formed to take their place. Anemia can essentially be caused on two accounts; one, when there is a reduction in the production of hemoglobin or red blood cells or two, when there is a severe loss of blood.

The body requires several nutrients for the production of red blood cells; some of the more important one’s being iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. If on some account, the body is not supplied with these essential nutrients, then the production of these red blood cells is affected, as a result of which the bone marrow may be unable to generate new cells, or the ones that are generated may be abnormal. The symptoms associated with anemia tend to vary, depending upon the severity of the condition. Anemia that is caused due to excessive bleeding can result in a fall in blood pressure levels and the amount of oxygen being supplied to various body parts is also lowered, due to a substantial loss of red blood cells. This can lead to kidney failure, stoke, heart failure or even death.

This condition otherwise, typically causes weakness and fatigue and gives a person a pale and drawn appearance. As the count of red blood cell decreases it may lead to rapid breathing, rapid pulse, sweating and light headedness and dizziness. A person may experience these symptoms even while resting. Individuals may experience painful leg cramps, particularly while exercising, breathlessness and chest pain or angina. At times a persons mental functioning may also get impaired by this condition. When anemia is a result of Vitamin B12 deficiency, then patients may feel a tingling sensation in their hands and feet, there is a weakening of the muscles and walking could at times get difficult and a person could also become depressed or irritable. The symptoms generally tend to get more severe as the condition develops rapidly.

answered by G M on 1 Apr 2010, 6:24:28

Anaemia sign and symptoms

If your body does not have enough red blood cells then you are suffering from anemia. As a result of this your blood finds it difficult to carry oxygen. That is why you experience extreme fatigue. Your body experiences a reduction in red blood cells when fewer red blood cells are being produced. Another reason could be that there is an increase in the red blood cells that you are losing.

Women are more likely to suffer from anemia and in most cases this is something that has its origins in the childhood. For women who develop this condition later in life, usually smoking or a diet that lacks sufficient iron are the reasons for anemia.

The first signs of anemia are extreme fatigue. This is usually accompanied by palpitations. You may also notice that you experience shortness of breath. You may also have some fainting spells and feel dizzy. In severely anemic patients there is also chest pain. Headaches and pain in the legs are other symptoms. These are the general symptoms of anemia. However, a patient suffering from severe anemia resulting from a long term iron deficiency will notice a burning sensation on the tongue. Such a person will also notice a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat. Extreme anemia can also result in the appearance of sores at the corners of the mouth and hair that looks unhealthy and brittle.

answered by G R on 5 Mar 2008, 5:46:32

Anaemia sign and symptoms

What is the symptom of anaemia? ( 4 Mar 2008)

What is the symptom of anaemia?
( 4 Mar 2008)