How to tell you are anemic?

If you’re feeling tired and weak all the time, there’s a chance that you could be anemic. No need to go on WebMD though, we’ve got your back! This guide will help you understand if you’re dealing with Iron deficiency anemia or Human deficiency anemia. Before going any further let me clarify ‘anemic’ is pronounced ‘uh-nee-mik’ not ‘ahn-eh-mik.’

Understanding What Anemia Is

Anemia is a medical condition where your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells (RBCs). These little guys are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. In simple terms – no RBCs means less oxygen which leads to heart palpitations, fatigue and decreased mental clarity.

Hemoglobin for Dummies (and non-dummies too)

What do iron-deficient individuals lack? Hemoglobin (Hb), it’s kind of important because like I mentioned earlier those tiny red blood cells carry Oxygen around in our bodies. Guess what makes hemoglobin possible – yep Iron (Fe, don’t worry Chemistry was always overrated anyways).

On the other hand, human deficiency anemics aren’t able to produce sufficient amounts of o2-carrying RBC’s due to their DNA composition. Humans aren’t really superheroes after all!

Signs / Symptoms Common For All Types Of Anemics

These symptoms below are common amongst both types of anemics:

  1. Fatigue
  2. Weakness
  3. Pale skin
  4. Chest pain
  5. Difficulty breathing
    Out here trying not to diagnose myself already.

Now onto how internally discriminated we can be!

AmIAneMIC?

I’m sure by now some symptoms may seem familiar but hheyeeeyy, That’s life – it’s not always easy to know if we’re dealing with anemia or just in desperate need of a comfy couch and health snacks. Who are we kidding? Heavy eyes, slouch posture… let’s be real it is mostly about the couch!

Symptoms that scream Human Deficiency Anemia

As I already mentioned earlier, this type of anemia is due to DNA composition therefore symptoms may include up to other genetic disorders associated with certain inherited conditions/characteristics:

  1. Brittle nails / spoon-shaped
  2. Cravings for out-of-place items such as paper (non-food i.e dirt, sand could have been included but will spare your taste buds today)
  3. Shortness of breath
  4. Cold hands and feet
    I guess you didn’t need mittens after all, huh?

According to “What To Expect” If left unaddressed [HDA] can lead to deafness / blindness” – oh my! Heeeyy now! Don’t worry If you’re looking at this screen while hearing read it aloud (assuming you’ve managed not go completely crazy yet) then You’re safe from these two.

Indicators For Iron-Deficiency Anemic Babes

Iron Deficient individuals experience a decrease in hemoglobin levels which as previously discussed makes RBC production difficult leading up to those nasty symptoms lingering on our day-to-day ‘to-dos’. Here’s what else they might look forward too:

  1. Pale skin often alongside light skin around eyelids “OOOH sign me up!, sounds oh-so-fabulous!”
  2. Rapid heartbeat or chest pain with elevated exercising intensity
    3.Fatigue (ever feel like taking a nap during work hours?)
    4.Crave anything crunchy like ice/paper because chewing rocks right?
    5.Tongue swelling (so sexy) don’t confuse danger zone here ’cause thats an allergic reaction.

Secret Tip: I know a quick way to spot someone with IDA, effortlessly – no fuss; the desire and love of eating GHOST CHILI will be directly proportional to iron deficiency.” Don’t quote me on this though! Please

Diagnosis / Diagnosis-Like Measures

By now you may have narrowed down whether you’re at risk for iron-deficiency or human-deficiency anemia. Even so always consult your doctor before treatment-matching any diagnosis/not-diagnosis (get it?) online.

Sorting Out Human Deficient Anemia From Iron-Deficient Anemias

The first step in determining which type of anemia you may have is getting blood test results from your care provider along with reviewal of personal medical history. In addition, genetic testing, too could establish solid grounds for heme deficient analysis.

Taken into account that Hemoglobin levels tend to decrease gradually over time hence co-initial stages can actually overlap making ultimate distinction very difficult based off just symptoms alone.

Ferritin Test: Iron/Underrated Marvel Superhero?

You’ve heard physicians inspect Hb levels but ferritin? Yes indeed! The main function of ferritin – storage protein found most often inside cells such as liver/spleen muscles – acts as vast storehouse for iron(Fe) keeping checks and balances allowing for continuous change-up.
So yeahhh don’t underestimate f-baboominerrr-tin!

Treatment Is Key But Add Some Side-Eye Just-In-Case

After accurate diagnosis procedures are completed then medication restoration plans should begin ASAP!. How long will i take!, NotSureButSoonImPromise-O-Clock ! Medications offered include:

  • Vitamin B supplements
  • General multivitamins
    iron-rich foods/diets prescribed by physician (you’d think under the circumstances these would probably qualify as “Super Foods”)

Keep rolling right along without jumping on a questionable web-ride adventure via your trustworthy specialists directions. But HEY, side-eye still remains for some trends swooping through the internet (Jilly Juice anyone..?).

(Standing Ovation) We made it! You’ve been equipped with all you need to know about Anemia…just don’t forget to hydrate in-between researching pica on google.

P.S: I always knew playing with my extensive chemistry set would pay off just never thought saying fe AND hb together in sentences until now!

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