Symptoms of Low Blood Levels
The term “low blood levels” is commonly used to refer to the medical condition known as anemia. This condition is characterized by a decreased number of healthy red blood cells below the normal range, which prevents sufficient oxygen from reaching various body cells. Anemia can range from mild to severe and may be temporary or persist over extended periods. Regardless, the symptoms associated with this condition can be categorized as follows:
General Symptoms
While the symptoms manifested by individuals with anemia can vary depending on the type of anemia, there are several common symptoms shared among affected individuals, which include:
- General weakness and fatigue.
- Paleness or yellowing of the skin.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Shortness of breath.
- Dizziness and feelings of heaviness in the head.
- Cold extremities.
- Headaches.
Specific Symptoms
Certain types of anemia present unique symptoms. The following are examples:
- Aplastic anemia: Symptoms include skin rashes, increased susceptibility to infections, and fevers.
- Folic acid deficiency anemia: Symptoms may consist of diarrhea, irritability, and changes in the appearance of the tongue.
- Sickle cell anemia: Symptoms typically include jaundice, swelling in the hands and feet, and general fatigue.
- Hemolytic anemia: Individuals may experience abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, and darkened urine.
Causes of Low Blood Levels
There are over 400 types of anemia, all of which can be classified under one of the following causes:
- Anemia.
- Insufficient production of healthy red blood cells.
- Destruction of red blood cells at a rate that exceeds normal levels.