Anemia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Anemia is not so much a complaint as a diagnosis reached by the doctor after examining the patient. In anemia the blood's power to carry oxygen round the body is reduced by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin. The result is pallor, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath upon exertion. The fingernail beds appear white and an all-pervading fatigue is usually present.

The common causes are inadequate intake or absorption of iron and repeated loss of small quantities of blood, such as from hemorrhoids, a bleeding ulcer or prolonged extra-heavy menstrual flow.

If there is a lack of hemoglobin this will be confirmed by a test on a blood sample of the patient. Do not try to diagnose or self-treat this condition. Consult your doctor!