Symptoms and diagnosis of anemia

What is anemia?
Anemia is defined by an abnormally low hemoglobin rate. This substance is present in the red blood cells. It allows them to transport oxygen to all organs of the body.

The normal rate of hemoglobin varies according to sex and age. The diagnosis of anemia is carried when the hemoglobin level is below these threshold values:

• 14 grams per deciliter of blood (or G/dl) in the newborn;
• 13 g/dl in adult males;
• 12 g/dl in adult women;
• 10.5 g/dl in pregnant women, from the second trimester of pregnancy.

Anemia causes different symptoms depending on its severity. The dosage of hemoglobin in the blood makes it possible to diagnose it. Other blood tests are useful to understand its causes.

Symptoms of anemia
The symptoms of anemia vary depending on its severity. For example, mild anemia with low hemoglobin levels gives little or no symptoms. This is especially the case if it has moved slowly, as the body has had time to get used to it.

If anemia worsens, symptoms appear:

• Paleness, well visible inside the eyelids, at the level of the fingernails and lips;
• Shortness of breath at exertion and then at rest;
• Persistent fatigue;
• Palpitations
• Dizziness, dizziness, weakness in rising from a chair, sensation of dizzying head;
• headaches;
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, reading
• Lack of motivation, spirit;
• Decreased sexual desire (decreased libido);
• Difficulties in carrying out its usual activities
• Physical, emotional or psychological exhaustion.

In front of one or more of these symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

If anemia is severe, has been installed quickly or lasts for a long time, it can have consequences:

• (aggravation of heart disease, such as angina, heart failure);
• Pulmonary disease (e.g. aggravation of respiratory failure of COPD).