Anemia or the deficiency of iron is a minor health issue, but it can have serious repercussions if not treated timely. It is a condition where there is an absence of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in the body. It is not a disease but signifies the presence of some other underlying illnesses. The irony is that the symptoms of anemia appear to be stress-related, so they often go unnoticed and hence, remain untreated.

It is best to check yourself for symptoms of anemia and consult a physician if needed.

1. Fatigue
Hemoglobin, a pigment present in red blood cells, carries oxygen and distributes it to the various parts of the body. When you are anemic, your body is deficient in iron that is needed to produce red blood cells. As there are not enough red blood cells, it signifies a lack of oxygen. Fatigue or consistent lack of energy sets in when oxygen does not reach vital organs and cells. All the cells of the body need oxygen to function optimally.

2. Pale skin
Pale and yellowed skin is caused by the shortage of hemoglobin in red blood cells and a shortage of red blood cells in general. With a limited supply of red blood cells, blood is diverted to the vital organs instead of being supplied to the skin, making the skin appear pale. Pale skin may not necessarily be a symptom of anemia, but when combined with brittle nails, it can be a sufficient indicator.

3. Mouth ulcers
Ulcers or sores develop in the mouth, indicating a deficiency of iron. Sores will be painful and cause difficulty in swallowing.

4. Palpitations
Palpitations or irregular heartbeats occur when there is a lack of oxygen in the blood, and your heart must work harder to circulate it through the body. It makes breathing a strenuous activity with a feeling of breathlessness as enough oxygen does not reach from the lungs to the heart.

5. Ringing in the ears
Ringing in the ear or tinnitus are noises in the inner ear. Though the noises are generally in the form of ringing, some people can hear different noises. If you are anemic, your heart works harder to pump blood to the brain because of the increased blood flow in the jugular vein. It results in blood rushing through the middle ear resulting in such noises.

6. Headaches
Headaches usually indicate an inadequate supply of oxygen to the brain. In such a case, arteries swell, causing pain. If the supply of oxygen remains affected, the frequency of headaches may increase. Headaches alone do not indicate anemia but do not brush them off if they become abnormally frequent.

Iron is vital for the body to function efficiently. It helps in the transportation of oxygen-rich blood, which is vital for body cells to work. In some cases, iron deficiency can be covered by eating supplements and foods rich in iron. If the symptoms of anemia are present for too long, then it is time to visit the doctor.