Why Anemia May Be the Reason Why You Are Always Tired

Have you been feeling like you’re always tired for some time or just recently? Well, it may not just be that you are not getting enough sleep. In fact, there are several conditions that can make an individual feel this way. One of the relatively common conditions that can be attributed to tiredness is anemia. Take a look below to see how anemia can contribute to always feeling tired and this condition is addressed. 

What is Anemia?

Anemia involves two possible situations related to your red blood cells. The first is when your red blood cells do not carry enough hemoglobin, which is an important protein. The second is when you have a lower amount of red blood cells than normal. Both of these lead to less than optimal amounts of oxygen going to various parts of the body. As mentioned above, tiredness can be a key symptom of anemia, with other symptoms including:

• Shortness of breath
• Skin paleness
• Headache
• Cold extremities
• Lightheadedness or Dizziness
• Weakness
• Chest pain
  

Three Primary Causes of Anemia

Blood Loss

Anemia can be caused by a few different situations. The first of these is a major loss of blood, which can bring about an iron shortage, which leads to your body having difficulty creating more red blood cells. Blood loss could come about from quick means like surgery or injury, or it could come from chronic means such as ulcers or other internal conditions. 

Decrease in Production of Red Blood Cells

Certain internal factors can lead to your body not making as many red blood cells as it needs to, which in turn leads to anemia. This can come about if you have an iron or vitamin deficiency, which makes it harder for your body to make an adequate amount of red blood cells. This can also be caused by conditions that affect bone marrow, as this is where red blood cells are made. 

Autoimmune Disorder

There is an autoimmune disorder called AutoImmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA). This is where your immune system sees red blood cells as a foreign cell, which causes it to attack them. AIHA leads to a situation where more red blood cells are being destroyed than are being made, which brings about anemia. This condition will require medical intervention to get under control, so be sure to consult with your doctor if you continue to have extreme symptoms. 

Treating Anemia

The best treatment for anemia can depend on the exact cause of the condition. Although, changes to your diet can often help significantly. You should begin consuming foods that are rich in iron, which includes meats, fish, eggs, beans, and more. Taking an iron supplement may also be a good idea to ensure that you are getting enough. You should consult with your doctor if your symptoms of anemia do not improve or continue to get worse, as it may be a more serious case. Your doctor will be able to prescribe you medication that can help with red blood cell production or do tests to find any underlying conditions contributing to anemia. 

Seeking a Good Primary Care Physician?

Are you experiencing symptoms of anemia and would like to consult with a doctor? At BASS Medical Group our expertly trained physicians are standing by ready to help and provide you with the best possible care to get you feeling better. Give us a call today at 925-350-4044 or visit our website to schedule an appointment online.