Anemia Symptoms May be the Clue to a More Serious Condition?

Answer 1

Anemia is a medical condition that affects approximately 2-10% of United States residents with numbers in other countries being consistently higher. For some of these people, anemia is an ongoing concern that is most often part of a larger medical condition. For others, anemia is only a temporary condition, caused by a thinning of the blood consistent with weight gain during pregnancy, or bleeding from a wound. People can guard against anemia by cultivating a healthy lifestyle and taking ordinary safety precautions. Proper functioning of the kidneys and bone marrow, along with proper nutrition, can help guard against anemia. Nonetheless, anemia still afflicts thousands of people, with women being twice as likely to be anemic as men. Although anemia can occur in people of any age, elderly people are more likely to exhibit symptoms of the ailment because of complications resulting from other medical conditions. Rather than being a condition that exists on its own, anemia is usually the sign of another, underlying, medical problem. Because of this, it is especially important to seek treatment by a physician if symptoms of anemia are presenting themselves chronically.

Chronic anemia will likely present fewer symptoms and be less noticeable than acute anemia. Sometimes the result of long-term poor nutrition, or a prolonged battle with a disease such as cancer, the symptoms of chronic anemia may be more difficult to identify than other forms of anemia. Many of these symptoms can be attributed to other causes, which is why it is important for individuals to be aware of changing patterns in their level of energy, and the amount of sleep they need. People with chronic anemia may experience symptoms like fatigue, general weakness, paleness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or palpitations. Individuals who experience these symptoms should consider having a routine check up with a physician to determine whether anemia, and perhaps another problem, is causing these issues.

Acute anemia is often the result of a sudden blood loss or other medical emergency. The symptoms can be similar to those of chronic anemia, and also include fainting, chest pain, and jaundice. Anyone presenting these symptoms should seek immediate medical care.