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    Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia

    While it is normal to feel tired after a long day at work or a heavy exercise session, when you’re anemic, you feel weary after shorter and shorter periods of exertion as your body’s cells become starved for oxygen. As anemia worsens, your body can experience visible physical changes – your skin become pale and your hair and nails brittle.

    Learn to spot the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia19 which may include:

    VERY FREQUENT

    Paleness

    Paleness (45–50%)

    Fatigue

    Fatigue (44%)

    Headache

    Headache (63%)

    FREQUENT

    Hair loss

    Hair loss (30%)

    Inflamed tongue (27%)

    Inflamed tongue (27%)

    Restless legs syndrome (24%)

    Restless legs syndrome (24%)

    Dry and rough skin

    Dry and rough skin

    Dry and damaged hair

    Dry and damaged hair

    Cardiac murmur (10%)

    Cardiac murmur (10%)

    Abnormal rapid heart rate (9%)

    Abnormal rapid heart rate (9%)

    Neurocognitive dysfunction

    Neurocognitive dysfunction

    Chest pain

    Chest pain

    Vertigo

    Vertigo

    RARE

    Circulatory shock/advanced heart failure (2%)

    Circulatory shock/advanced heart failure (2%)

    Fainting (0-3%)

    Fainting (0-3%)

    Spoon-shaped finger nails

    Spoon-shaped finger nails

    Difficulty swallowing (<0-1%)

    Difficulty swallowing (<0-1%)

    REFERENCES:

    • 19 Lopez, et al. Iron Deficiency Anaemia. www.thelancet.com Vol 387 February 27, 2016