Being anemic can be extremely dangerous. The type of danger you may face depends largely on the type of anemia you have. The six types of anemia include sickle cell, iron deficiency, thalassemia, vitamin deficiency, aplastic anemia and anemia caused by chronic diseases. The common dangers of becoming anemic are as follows.
1. Vulnerability to Infections
Anemia means that there is a shortage of red blood cells in your body. This means that your body cells are getting lesser than their share of oxygen and nutrients. If anemia lasts for a long time, the continual shortage of nutrients can make your body cells weak and vulnerable to infections, by hampering the proper functioning of your immunity system.
2. Weakness and Fatigue
Similar to the previous point, one of the dangers of becoming anemic is becoming weak and easily fatigued. When the cells are starved of their required nutrients for an extended period of time, they lose their strength, leading to weakness of the body.
3. Low Blood Pressure
One of the most common dangers of becoming anemic is low blood pressure. This is also associated with lack of oxygen in the blood that is a common symptom of anemia. This consistent lack of oxygenated blood can lead to low blood pressure which leads to a number of complications of its own.
4. Dizziness and Fainting
One of the many consequences of low blood pressure as well as low levels of oxygen in the blood, especially to the brain is that it makes you prone to sudden spells of dizziness and fainting. This is dangerous because it could easily lead to accidents.
5. Severe Chest Pain
The conditions of anemia make the heart beat much faster than its regular pace. Over extended periods of time, this can lead to severe chest pain. But, it can also lead to more serious problems like angina and heart attacks, requiring hospitalization and specialized treatment. If anemia is left untreated, it can lead to chronic heart problems and even death.
6. Concentration Lapse and Confusion
When the level of oxygen in the blood is low, one of the biggest problem areas is the brain. When the brain does not receive sufficient oxygen, it has trouble in fulfilling its tasks and you are likely to experience concentration lapses and spells of confusion.
7. Severe Nerve Damage
This is one of the biggest dangers of becoming anemic. When the blood does not get sufficient nutrition, the task of cell regeneration gets badly affected. This typically affects nerve function and regeneration process and can have severe long term effects.
Different types of anemia require different types of treatment. In cases of nutrient deficiency, the problem can be easily fixed by ensuring that you have a healthy and nutritious diet. In other cases, you may require medical intervention. But remember that the dangers of becoming anemic are very real and if anemia is left untreated, it could lead to serious medical conditions and even death.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is anemia and why should women be concerned?
- Anemia is a condition where your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells, leading to fatigue and weakness, which can particularly affect women's health.
- What are common symptoms of anemia in women?
- Symptoms include tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats.
- How can anemia affect pregnancy?
- Anemia during pregnancy increases risks of premature birth and low birth weight, so it's important to monitor iron levels.
- What causes anemia in women?
- Common causes include heavy menstrual bleeding, poor nutrition, pregnancy, and certain chronic conditions.
- Can anemia impact daily energy levels?
- Yes, anemia often leads to persistent fatigue and decreased stamina, making daily tasks harder.
- How is anemia diagnosed?
- Doctors diagnose anemia through a simple blood test measuring red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.
- What foods help prevent anemia?
- Iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, lean meats, and fortified cereals can help keep anemia at bay.
- Is iron supplementation safe for all women?
- Iron supplements are generally safe but should be taken under medical supervision to avoid side effects or overdosing.
- Can anemia cause hair loss in women?
- Yes, in some cases, iron deficiency anemia can contribute to hair thinning or loss.
- When should I see a doctor about anemia?
- If you experience persistent tiredness, weakness, or unusual symptoms, it's best to consult your healthcare provider for evaluation.