Signs and symptoms of anemia can vary from mild to severe depending on the cause. Early anemia may not show any symptoms at all. Consider discussing your risk factors for anemia with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of anemia may include:
- Lack of energy/fatigue
- Headaches
- Foggy thinking
- Lightheadedness/dizziness
- Decrease in/loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Numbness/tingling in hands/feet
Additional/advanced signs and symptoms of anemia may include:
- An intense craving to chew and eat ice, eat non-food items, or both (pica)
- Pounding sound in ears
- Sluggishness
- Apathy
- Depression
- Poor memory
- Pale or sore tongue
- Pale or yellow skin color
- Hair loss
- Spoon-shaped or brittle nails
- Frequent infections
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
- Cold hands or feet
- Extreme tiredness
- Weakness
If you experience these more severe symptoms, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION:
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Heart flutters
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest pain