When the red blood cell count or the hemoglobin levels in the body is inadequate, the condition is known as anemia. The condition is usually caused by decreased production or an increased loss of red blood cells in the body. There are different types and symptoms of anemia. Here’s what you need to know about them.

Symptoms of anemia
The symptoms of anemia can depend on the type of condition a person is suffering from. There are several other factors such as the underlying condition or the severity of the underlying condition can also play a major role in the type of symptoms a person has. 

In cases where anemia is in its early stages or is mild, there might not be any noticeable symptoms.

Some of the common symptoms of anemia include:

  • Low energy in the body
  • Feeling fatigued easily
  • Abnormally high heart rate, especially after a workout
  • Breathlessness and experiencing headache, especially after exercise
  • Problems with concentrating
  • Paleness of skin
  • Cramps in legs
  • Dizziness
  • Sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Types of anemia
There are certain symptoms of anemia that are specifically associated with the type of anemia a person has. These are listed below.

Symptoms of anemia caused due to iron deficiency
When a person suffers from iron deficiency, they may notice the following symptoms:

  • Cravings for strange things such as dirt, clay, ice, etc. This condition is known as pica
  • Nails having an upward curvature. The condition is known as koilonychia
  • Experiencing soreness in the mouth and cracks appearing in the corners.

Symptoms of anemia due to lower levels of vitamin B12
People with anemia that is caused due to vitamin B12 deficiency can experience the following symptoms:

  • A tingling sensation that feels like needles pricking in the feet or hands
  • Losing a sense of touch
  • Problems with walking
  • Stiff legs and arms
  • Clumsiness
  • Dementia.

Symptoms of anemia due to chronic lead poisoning
This type of anemia can cause symptoms that include:

  • The appearance of a line on the gums that is blue-black in color and is known as a lead line
  • Pain in the abdomen area
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation.

Symptoms of anemia caused due to chronic destruction of red blood cells
The symptoms caused due to this type of anemia can include:

  • Jaundice, which causes yellowness in the eyes and skin
  • Urine, which is brown or red
  • Ulcers in the legs
  • Lack of development during infancy years
  • Symptoms associated with gallstones.

Symptoms caused by sickle cell anemia
The symptoms of this type of anemia will include the following:

  • Fatigue
  • The person will become more prone to infections
  • Development and growth problems in children
  • Severe pain that affects parts such as limbs, abdomen, and joints.