What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia?

Signs and symptoms of anemia depend on the severity of the condition. People with mild anemia or anemia that has come on very slowly may have no symptoms at all. However, if the anemia is severe, the symptoms increase and become more serious. Many of the signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are true for all kinds of anemia.

Major Signs and Symptoms of Anemia

The major symptom of all types of anemia, including iron-deficiency anemia, is fatigue (feeling tired). Fatigue is caused by having too few red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body. This lack of oxygen in the body can cause people to feel weak or dizzy, have a headache, or even pass out when changing position (for example, standing up).

Since the heart must work harder to move the reduced amount of oxygen, signs and symptoms may include shortness of breath and chest pain. This can lead to a fast or irregular heartbeat or a heart murmur.

In anemia, the red blood cells don't have enough hemoglobin. Common signs of lack of hemoglobin include pale skin, tongue, gums, and nail beds.

Other Signs and Symptoms of Anemia

Other signs and symptoms of anemia can include:

• Cold hands and feet as well as brittle nails
• Swelling or soreness of the tongue and cracks in the sides of the mouth
• An enlarged spleen
• Frequent infections

Signs and Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include unusual cravings for nonfood items such as ice, dirt, paint, or starch. This craving for nonfood items is called pica.

Another symptom of iron-deficiency anemia is developing restless legs syndrome (RLS). RLS is a disorder that causes an uncomfortable feeling in the legs that can only be relieved by movement. Sleep is difficult for people with RLS.

In infants and young children, signs and symptoms include a poor appetite, being irritable, and a slower rate of growth and development.

Some of the signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are related to its causes, such as blood loss. Blood loss is most often seen with very heavy or long lasting menstrual bleeding or vaginal bleeding in women after menopause. Other signs of internal bleeding are bright red blood in the stool or black, tarry-looking stools.