What is Anemia and its Continual Symptoms?
Posted by Medical Fan - 23/12/08 at 08:12 amWHAT IS ANEMIA AND ITS CONTINUAL SYMPTOMS
Anemia is a medical condition wherein there is a low number of red blood cells in the body. It may also be caused by the insufficient amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin is an element of the red blood cells that are rich in iron and protein. These proteins help the red blood cells transport
the oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
As a common condition, signs and symptoms of anemia may arise in all age groups and gender. However, women at childbearing age are at higher risk because they regularly lose blood during menstruation.
Signs and symptoms of anemia may vary according to the type of anemia, its causes and other health problems suffered by the patient. The most common signs and ones are fatigue and weakness. Anemic people usually do not have enough energy to last them the whole day. They may also experience unusually rapid heart beat especially during workout trainings, accompanied by shortness of breath and headaches. Some also experience difficulty in concentration, dizziness, pale skin, leg cramps. Other cases involve sleep disorders.
Other specific signs and symptoms of anemia are related to which vitamin or nutrient the patient is deficient or to the underlying causes. For instance, anemia caused by iron deficiency may involve hungers for strange things such as paper, ice or dirt. There may also be upward twist of the nails or soreness of the mouth with cracks in the corners.
Anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency may involve a tingling sensation in the hands or feet. There may also be loss of the sense of touch and difficulty in walking. Dementia, hallucinations, paranoia and schizophrenia may also occur.