Anaemia symptoms - Symptoms & Causes

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:23 PM IST

Anaemia develops when your red blood cells aren't producing enough or aren't functioning correctly. Your body gets oxygen from your red blood cells. Your cells are given energy by oxygen. Your body can't get the energy it needs to function if it doesn't have healthy red blood cells that do their job. Anaemia is one of the most important topics in biology. The chapter carries a weightage of 2% of the total marks in NEET and 1-3% of the weightage of other entrance exams like Paramedical and Pharmacy.

This Story also Contains

Types of Anaemia
Symptoms of Anaemia
Causes of Anaemia
Risk factors of Anaemia
Diagnosis of Anaemia
Treatment of Anaemia
Types of Questions Asked from Anaemia
Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Anaemia

What is Anaemia?

Your body cannot create enough healthy red blood cells to adequately oxygenate your tissues when you have anaemia. You could have fatigue and flimsiness if you have low haemoglobin, or are anaemic. As a result, experiencing cold and exhibiting signs of weakness are common.

Although anaemia can take many different forms, iron deficiency anaemia is the most common. By increasing your intake of iron, you can start to reduce the symptoms of this type of anaemia. While some forms of anaemia are mild and transient, others can be lifelong. Some basic facts about anaemia are discussed below:

Anaemia is diagnosed using several types of blood tests to know the exact diagnosis.
The treatment may be involved that we change supplements medication or even blood transfusion in severe cases.
Some of the basic symptoms of anaemia are fatigue, weakness, pale skin, breathlessness and dizziness.
Some types of anaemia may include iron deficiency, vitamin b12 deficiency, and folate deficiency and even it can be related to some kind of chronic disease.

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Types of Anaemia

Anaemia can take many different forms. A few prevalent forms of anaemia include

Hemolytic anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia
Aplastic anaemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia

All of them are discussed below in the table.

Type of anaemia	Explanation
Hemolytic Anemia	A condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced.
Iron Deficiency Anemia	A common type of anaemia is caused by to lack of iron and it leads to a reduction in the production of haemoglobin.
Aplastic Anemia	A rare and serious condition where the bone marrow fails to produce a sufficient amount of blood cells which includes RBC WBC and platelets.
Vitamin B12 Anemia	A common type of anaemia which occurs due to lack of vitamin B12. This is essential for the formation of red blood cells.

Symptoms of Anaemia

The most common symptom of anaemia is fatigue. symptoms vary from person to person. Mild anaemia can cause some people to have few or no symptoms. Other common symptoms include

Pallid complexion
A fast or irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Headache
Lightheadedness

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Causes of Anaemia

To survive, the body needs RBCs. They move haemoglobin, a sophisticated protein that binds to iron atoms. From the lungs, these molecules transport oxygen to the rest of the body. Low RBC counts and anaemia can be brought on by a variety of medical disorders. Some common grounds are discussed below:

Contributing Factors	Explanation
Blood loss	Excessive loss of blood can lead to iron deficiency which can be followed by anaemia.
Reduced or damaged RBCs	Bone marrow is responsible for producing RBCs and any dysfunction of bone marrow can lead to a reduction in RBC production.
RBC destruction	Premature RBCs are destroyed due to autoimmune diseases. This leads to anaemia.

Risk factors of Anaemia

According to the following factors, you are more likely to have anaemia:

Factors	Explanation
Menstruation	Premenopausal women often have a higher risk of iron deficiency anaemia than postmenopausal.
Pregnancy	If you are expecting and do not take a multivitamin with folic acid and iron, your risk of developing anaemia rises.
Intestinal disorders	Gastrointestinal problems have the risk of developing anaemia. If you have an intestinal condition like Crohn's disease or celiac disease that interferes with the absorption of nutrients in your small intestine.
Family background	Family history of anaemia that is passed down through generations, such as sickle cell anaemia, may also be more prone to the condition.
Chronic illnesses	Cancer, kidney disease, or any other chronic illness, you may be at risk for anaemia or other chronic diseases. These conditions may lead to a lack of red blood cells.

Diagnosis of Anaemia

Anaemia can be diagnosed in several ways, but the most popular option is a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). This examination evaluates several elements, including,

Hematocrit levels are calculated by contrasting the volume of RBCs with the total amount of blood.
levels of haemoglobin.
RBC count.

Anaemia can be treated in a variety of ways. Each seeks to raise an individual's RBC count, which raises the blood's oxygen content.

Treatment of Anaemia

The type of anaemia a person has determines the necessary treatment. The following are some common anaemia treatment options:

Types of Anaemia	Treatment options
Hemolytic Anaemia	Immunosuppressive medications Anti-infection medication Plasmapheresis ( filtration of entire blood)
Iron- Deficiency Anaemia	Iron supplements Dietary modifications Treatment of excessive bleeding
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia	Vitamin B12 supplements Vitamin B12 injections
Aplastic Anaemia	Bone marrow transplant Blood transfusions

Types of Questions Asked from Anaemia

During exam preparation, different types of questions about anaemia are asked. The table below contains the different patterns of questions asked in different exams.

Exam Type	Types of Questions Asked	Weightage
CBSE	Definition and symptoms of anaemia Types of anaemia (iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, hemolytic, aplastic) Role of iron in RBC production Causes and effects of anaemia on the body Treatment options for anaemia	2%
NEET	Types of anaemia and their causes (genetic disorders, dietary deficiencies, autoimmune diseases) Mechanism of RBC formation (erythropoiesis) Role of haemoglobin and its importance in oxygen transport Diagnostic criteria for anaemia (blood tests, haemoglobin levels)	2%
Paramedical	Anaemia as a public health issue (prevalence, at-risk populations) Nutritional causes of anaemia (iron, vitamin B12, folate deficiency) Anaemia about chronic diseases (kidney disease, cancer, infections) Anaemia's impact on pregnancy and child development	1-3%

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Anaemia

It takes effort to remember everything in a single go. We made the entire problem easy. Some of the tricks regarding Anaemia are given below which you can use to memorise the important points.

Types of Anemia

"HIB-V: Hemolytic, Iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, Aplastic"
H: Hemolytic anemia
I: Iron deficiency anaemia
B: Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia
V: Aplastic anaemia

Causes of Anemia

"BIR: Blood loss, Insufficient RBC production, RBC destruction"
B: Blood loss
I: Insufficient RBC production
R: RBC destruction

Symptoms of Anemia

"FATD: Fatigue, Anemia (low haemoglobin), Tiredness, Dizziness"
F: Fatigue
A: Anemia
T: Tiredness
D: Dizziness

Treatment of Anemia

"SIFT: Supplements, Injections, Food, Transfusions"
S: Supplements (iron, B12)
I: Injections (vitamin B12 or iron)
F: Food (iron-rich foods like spinach, and red meat)
T: Transfusions (blood transfusion in severe cases)

Diagnosis of Anemia

"BCF: Blood tests, CBC, Ferritin levels"
B: Blood tests

C: Complete blood count (CBC)

F: Ferritin levels

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the primary reason for anaemia?

Some forms of anaemia may be inherited, while others may result from certain chronic conditions. Iron deficiency anaemia, the most common type of anaemia, is brought on by a poor diet.

2. What does fatigue due to anaemia feel like?

Anaemia may be the cause of your weakness, fatigue, and inability to handle even mild exercise while you're awake. When your body doesn't produce enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body, anaemia sets in.

3. Can anaemia cause one to die?

Anaemia is a condition in which your body lacks sufficient numbers of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout it. Anaemia may be persistent or transient (chronic). Anaemia is frequently moderate, but it can occasionally be significant and even fatal.

4. What happens when anaemia persists for too long?

The signs and symptoms of anaemia will get worse over time if untreated. These symptoms include lightheadedness, weakness, heart palpitations, exhaustion, and weakness. If anaemia is not treated, the heart must continue to beat more forcefully to supply the body with oxygen.

5. What causes anaemia in females?

Loss of blood iron resulting from heavy menstruation or pregnancy is a major cause of iron deficiency anaemia in women of childbearing age. Iron deficiency anaemia can also be brought on by a poor diet or specific intestinal conditions that interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron.

6. What is anemia and how does it affect the body?

Anemia is a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to tissues. This results in reduced oxygen delivery to organs and tissues, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms as the body struggles to function with less oxygen.

7. Why might an anemic person experience restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome in anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia, is thought to be related to the role of iron in regulating dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is involved in controlling muscle movement, and its disruption due to iron deficiency may lead to the uncomfortable sensations and urge to move associated with restless legs syndrome.

8. How can anemia affect menstrual cycles in women?

Anemia can both be caused by and affect menstrual cycles. Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Conversely, anemia can cause irregular or heavy periods. This creates a cycle where anemia worsens menstrual symptoms, and menstrual symptoms worsen anemia.

9. Can anemia cause headaches, and if so, why?

Yes, anemia can cause headaches. This is primarily due to the reduced oxygen supply to the brain. As the brain receives less oxygen, blood vessels may dilate in an attempt to increase blood flow, potentially leading to tension headaches or migraines in some individuals.

10. How does anemia affect hair health?

Anemia can negatively impact hair health by reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to hair follicles. This can lead to hair loss, thinning hair, or dry and brittle hair. Iron deficiency anemia, in particular, is associated with hair loss as iron is crucial for hair growth and maintenance.

11. How can anemia affect bone health?

Anemia can negatively impact bone health, especially in cases of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is crucial for the production of collagen, an important component of bone. Chronic anemia can lead to reduced bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis, particularly in older adults or those with long-standing anemia.

12. How does anemia impact the immune system?

Anemia can weaken the immune system because many immune cells require iron to function properly. Iron deficiency anemia, in particular, can lead to reduced production and function of immune cells, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

13. What is the connection between anemia and bruising easily?

Easy bruising in anemia can occur due to several factors. In some types of anemia, particularly those affecting platelet production, blood clotting may be impaired, leading to easier bruising. Additionally, the weakened blood vessels resulting from chronic oxygen deprivation may be more prone to breaking under minor trauma, causing bruises to form more easily.

14. How can anemia impact sleep quality?

Anemia can negatively impact sleep quality in several ways. The fatigue associated with anemia might lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and napping, disrupting normal sleep patterns. Additionally, symptoms like restless legs syndrome or shortness of breath can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.

15. Why might an anemic person experience chest pain or angina?

An anemic person may experience chest pain or angina because the heart has to work harder to pump oxygen-poor blood to meet the body's needs. This increased workload can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle itself, causing chest pain or angina, especially during physical exertion or stress.

16. Why do anemic patients often feel tired and weak?

Anemic patients feel tired and weak because their bodies aren't getting enough oxygen. Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues, and with fewer healthy red blood cells, less oxygen reaches the body's cells, leading to fatigue and weakness as cells struggle to function optimally.

17. How does pale skin relate to anemia?

Pale skin in anemia is due to reduced hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin gives blood its red color and carries oxygen. With less hemoglobin, blood appears less red, making skin look paler, especially in areas like the face, gums, and nail beds.

18. Can anemia cause heart palpitations, and if so, why?

Yes, anemia can cause heart palpitations. When there's not enough oxygen in the blood, the heart tries to compensate by pumping faster and harder. This increased heart rate and force can be felt as palpitations, as the body attempts to circulate the limited oxygen more quickly.

19. Why do some anemic patients experience shortness of breath?

Anemic patients may experience shortness of breath because their bodies try to compensate for the lack of oxygen by breathing faster and deeper. This is an attempt to increase oxygen intake and delivery to tissues, resulting in the sensation of breathlessness, especially during physical activity.

20. How does anemia affect brain function?

Anemia can affect brain function by reducing oxygen supply to the brain. This can lead to symptoms like difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and in severe cases, confusion or dizziness. The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen to function properly, and anemia compromises this supply.

21. How does anemia impact exercise tolerance?

Anemia significantly reduces exercise tolerance because muscles require more oxygen during physical activity. With fewer red blood cells carrying oxygen, muscles fatigue more quickly, leading to decreased endurance, increased breathlessness, and faster onset of muscle fatigue during exercise.

22. What is the relationship between anemia and chest pain?

Chest pain in anemia can occur when the heart has to work harder to pump oxygen-poor blood. This increased workload can lead to angina (chest pain) as the heart muscle itself doesn't receive enough oxygen. In severe cases, this can even lead to heart damage or heart attacks.

23. How does anemia affect wound healing?

Anemia can slow wound healing because the process requires adequate oxygen supply to tissues. Oxygen is crucial for cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and fighting infection - all key components of wound healing. With reduced oxygen delivery in anemia, these processes are impaired, leading to slower healing.

24. How does anemia impact cognitive function in children?

Anemia can significantly impact cognitive function in children by reducing oxygen supply to the developing brain. This can lead to decreased attention span, reduced learning capacity, and slower cognitive development. Long-term anemia in children has been associated with lower IQ scores and poorer academic performance.

25. How can anemia affect a person's appetite?

Anemia can affect appetite in various ways. Some people may experience a loss of appetite due to fatigue or weakness. Others might have an increased appetite as the body tries to obtain more nutrients to produce red blood cells. The specific effect can vary depending on the underlying cause of anemia.

26. How does anemia affect the liver?

Anemia can affect the liver in several ways. In some cases, liver disease can cause anemia. Conversely, certain types of anemia, like hemolytic anemia, can put extra stress on the liver as it tries to process the increased number of broken-down red blood cells. This can potentially lead to liver enlargement or dysfunction.

27. Can anemia cause changes in skin color other than paleness?

Yes, besides paleness, anemia can cause other skin color changes. In severe cases, it may lead to a yellowish tint (jaundice) due to the breakdown of excess red blood cells. In some types of anemia, like pernicious anemia, the skin may appear slightly yellow or lemon-tinted.

28. Why might an anemic person experience mouth sores or a sore tongue?

Mouth sores or a sore tongue in anemia, particularly in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, occur due to the rapid turnover of cells in the mouth lining. Without adequate vitamin B12, these cells can't replicate properly, leading to inflammation, soreness, and potentially ulcers in the mouth or on the tongue.

29. Can anemia cause changes in taste perception?

Yes, anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia, can cause changes in taste perception. Some people may experience a metallic taste in their mouth or a decreased sensitivity to taste. This is thought to be related to the role of iron in the health of taste buds and in the production of certain enzymes involved in taste perception.

30. How does anemia affect the digestive system?

Anemia can affect the digestive system in several ways. It can lead to a loss of appetite, nausea, or constipation due to reduced blood flow to the digestive organs. In some cases, particularly in iron deficiency anemia, it may cause a craving for non-food items like ice or dirt (a condition called pica).

31. What is the connection between anemia and cold hands and feet?

Cold hands and feet in anemia occur because the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs when oxygen is limited. This results in reduced blood flow to extremities, making them feel cold. Additionally, with less oxygen-rich blood circulating, the body may have difficulty maintaining normal temperature in these areas.

32. Why might an anemic person experience dizziness or lightheadedness?

Dizziness or lightheadedness in anemia occurs due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain. When there's a sudden change in position (like standing up quickly), the brain may not receive enough oxygenated blood fast enough, leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure and causing these symptoms.

33. How can anemia affect nail health?

Anemia can affect nail health by causing them to become brittle, spoon-shaped (koilonychia), or pale. This is due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the nail beds. In some cases, vertical ridges may appear on the nails as a sign of chronic anemia.

34. What is the connection between anemia and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?

Tinnitus in anemia is likely due to the reduced oxygen supply to the inner ear. The structures in the inner ear require a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to function properly. When this supply is compromised in anemia, it can lead to tinnitus or other hearing-related issues.

35. Can anemia cause vision problems?

Yes, anemia can cause vision problems. The retina, which is crucial for vision, has a high metabolic demand and requires a constant supply of oxygen. In anemia, the reduced oxygen supply can lead to retinal dysfunction, potentially causing blurred vision, light sensitivity, or in severe cases, damage to the optic nerve.

36. What is the relationship between anemia and body temperature regulation?

Anemia can disrupt body temperature regulation because oxygen is crucial for metabolic processes that generate body heat. With reduced oxygen supply, the body may have difficulty maintaining its normal temperature, leading to feeling cold more easily or having an intolerance to cold temperatures.

37. How does anemia affect muscle function?

Anemia affects muscle function by reducing the oxygen supply to muscle tissues. This leads to decreased muscle endurance and strength, as muscles require oxygen for energy production. Anemic individuals may experience muscle weakness, cramping, or fatigue more quickly during physical activities.

38. Can anemia cause mood changes or depression?

Yes, anemia can cause mood changes or contribute to depression. The chronic fatigue and weakness associated with anemia can lead to feelings of frustration, irritability, or sadness. Additionally, the impact of anemia on brain function can affect neurotransmitter balance, potentially contributing to mood disorders.

39. How does anemia impact the respiratory system?

Anemia impacts the respiratory system by causing an increase in breathing rate and depth. As the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood, it increases respiration to take in more oxygen. This can lead to shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.

40. How does anemia impact the cardiovascular system in the long term?

Long-term anemia can have significant impacts on the cardiovascular system. The heart continuously works harder to pump more blood to compensate for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Over time, this can lead to an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly), heart murmurs, or even heart failure in severe cases.

41. What is the relationship between anemia and dizziness upon standing?

Dizziness upon standing, or orthostatic hypotension, in anemia occurs because of reduced blood volume and oxygen-carrying capacity. When an anemic person stands up quickly, there may not be enough oxygenated blood reaching the brain fast enough, causing a temporary drop in blood pressure and resulting in dizziness or lightheadedness.

42. How can anemia affect nail growth and appearance?

Anemia can affect nail growth and appearance in several ways. It may cause slow nail growth, brittleness, or changes in nail shape. In iron deficiency anemia, nails may become spoon-shaped (koilonychia). Pale nail beds are also a common sign of anemia, as there's less hemoglobin to give the usual pink color.

43. Can anemia cause swelling in any part of the body?

Yes, anemia can cause swelling, particularly in the legs and ankles. This is more common in severe or chronic anemia. The swelling (edema) occurs because the heart, weakened by the constant strain of pumping oxygen-poor blood, may not be able to circulate blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lower extremities.

44. How does anemia affect the spleen?

Anemia can affect the spleen, particularly in certain types like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia. The spleen may enlarge (splenomegaly) as it works harder to filter out abnormal or damaged red blood cells. In some cases, an enlarged spleen may trap and destroy normal blood cells, potentially worsening the anemia.

45. What is the connection between anemia and increased susceptibility to infections?

Anemia can increase susceptibility to infections because many immune cells require iron and other nutrients for proper function. In iron deficiency anemia, for example, there may be reduced production and function of certain white blood cells, weakening the body's ability to fight off pathogens and increasing vulnerability to infections.

46. How can anemia impact growth and development in children?

Anemia can significantly impact growth and development in children. The reduced oxygen supply can slow physical growth, delay puberty, and impair cognitive development. Iron deficiency anemia, in particular, can lead to decreased attention span, reduced learning capacity, and potentially long-term cognitive deficits if not addressed early.

47. Why might an anemic person experience tachycardia (rapid heart rate)?

An anemic person may experience tachycardia because the heart tries to compensate for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood by pumping faster. This increased heart rate is the body's attempt to circulate the available oxygen more quickly to meet the tissues' oxygen demands.

48. How does anemia affect the kidneys?

Anemia can affect the kidneys in several ways. Chronic kidney disease often leads to anemia due to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Conversely, anemia can strain the kidneys by reducing oxygen supply, potentially exacerbating existing kidney problems or contributing to kidney dysfunction over time.

49. Can anemia cause changes in blood pressure?

Yes, anemia can cause changes in blood pressure. Initially, it may lead to a drop in blood pressure due to decreased blood volume. However, as the body compensates, it may result in increased blood pressure as the heart works harder to pump blood. The specific effect can vary depending on the severity and type of anemia.

50. How does anemia impact the endocrine system?

Anemia can impact the endocrine system by affecting hormone production and function. For example, iron deficiency can impair thyroid hormone metabolism. Additionally, the stress of chronic anemia can lead to increased production of stress hormones like cortisol. These hormonal imbalances can further contribute to the symptoms of anemia.

51. What is the relationship between anemia and exercise-induced asthma symptoms?

Anemia can exacerbate exercise-induced asthma symptoms. The reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood in anemia means that during exercise, when oxygen demand increases, there's even less oxygen available to the lungs and airways. This can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath during physical activity.

52. How can anemia affect oral health?

Anemia can affect oral health in several ways. It may lead to pale or swollen gums, increased risk of oral infections, and a sore or swollen tongue (glossitis). In some cases, particularly with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, it can cause burning mouth syndrome or increase the risk of oral ulcers.

53. Can anemia cause changes in urine color?

Yes, anemia can cause changes in urine color, although this is more related to the underlying cause of anemia rather than anemia itself. For instance, in hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells break down rapidly, urine may appear darker or cola-colored due to the presence of hemoglobin breakdown products.

54. How does anemia impact wound healing in diabetic patients?

Anemia can significantly impair wound healing in diabetic patients, who are already at risk for poor wound healing. The reduced oxygen supply to