Anemia is a condition that lowers healthy red blood cells in the body, causing a deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood. Due to this, there is not enough oxygen transported to the tissues and muscles of the body. As a result, a person starts experiencing several symptoms. Early diagnosis is the key to curing or efficiently managing anemia symptoms. Read on to know the six early warning signs of anemia.

1. Feeling tired all the time
Constant fatigue is one of the tell-tale symptoms of anemia. The feeling of tiredness mainly arises due to iron deficiency anemia. Due to the lack of iron in the body, enough hemoglobin is not produced. As a result, tissues and muscles do not receive an adequate amount of oxygen. This brings about a constant feeling of being drained all the time. Moreover, the heart needs to work harder than usual due to the lack of oxygen. This additional effort also leads to fatigue.

2. Paleness of skin
The blood gets its red color from hemoglobin. This is what makes the skin look healthy, giving the skin its natural glow. However, due to anemia, the level of hemoglobin in the blood lowers steadily, affecting circulation and making the skin look pale. One of the early warning signs is the skin under the lower eyelid becoming pale or white. In some cases, the lips, gums, face, and nails also begin to appear pale.

3. Frequent breathlessness
It is the function of hemoglobin to assist the red blood cells in carrying oxygen around the body. With hemoglobin levels decreasing due to anemia, it becomes difficult to supply oxygen-rich blood to the body. The heart begins to work extra hard to pump the limited oxygen through the body. Due to the additional strain on the heart, a person may experience frequent breathlessness.

4. Insomnia
Another early warning sign of anemia is insomnia. The low levels of hemoglobin in the blood may cause interferences in the sleep cycle. Since red blood cells are unable to carry sufficient oxygen, various functions of the body are severely affected, including sleep.

5. Dizziness and headache
This is one of the early warning signs of anemia that is generally observed in women. Headache and dizziness generally occur due to a deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood, causing a lack of oxygen flowing to the brain. This causes the blood vessels in the brain to swell, causing intense pressure. As a result, a person with anemia will experience lightheadedness, headache, and dizziness.

6. Leg Cramps
Those with anemia often experience frequent cramping sensations in the legs. In addition, they may also feel restless in the legs. This is a syndrome that causes a strong urge to constantly move the legs, even while sitting or lying down. It generally worsens at night, disturbing sleep. Some people with anemia also experience itchy and unpleasant sensations in their feet and legs.