The deficiency of healthy red blood cells is termed anemia. Several factors can cause it, but all types of anemia lead to certain early warning signs of anemia that can help diagnose and treat it in the early stages. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues throughout the body, so their deficiency and any signs of anemia should not be ignored. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

1. Pale skin
Skin color can speak volumes about one’s health, and pale skin is one of the most common early warning signs of anemia. It’s a clear indication of a lack of oxygen and hemoglobin, and it requires a visit to the doctor.

2. Cold feet and hands
One’s hands and feet are normally warm, but the limbs feeling cold to the touch may be a warning sign of anemia. This happens due to poor blood circulation throughout the body as patients lack healthy red blood cells to circulate oxygen-rich blood.

3. Fatigue and weakness
Feeling tired after a long day or intensive physical activity is normal, but feeling fatigued even with minimum physical work or after a normal day is a cause of concern. This fatigue can result from a lack of energy due to less oxygen reaching body tissues, and this early warning sign of anemia shouldn’t be ignored. Persistent fatigue can also lead to lethargy, and it’s best to visit a doctor and get checked for iron deficiency in such cases.

4. Breathlessness and chest ache
Yet another warning sign that can be associated with anemia is shortness of breath. Hemoglobin is a protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to every other part of the body. In people with anemia, the body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood, causing an individual to experience shortness of breath, dizziness, recurring headaches, or an irregular heartbeat. One may also experience chest pain due to this blood disorder.

5. Loss of appetite
This early warning sign of anemia is common among infants and children. Kids tend to have a low appetite if they have an iron deficiency, but adults may also experience it. After all, persistent weakness and tiredness do not stimulate a healthy appetite.

6. Strange food cravings
Craving to eat non-edible things like ice, clay, dirt, paper, or chalk could indicate iron deficiency, which is the most common cause of anemia.

7. Swollen tongue
Iron deficiency can cause several symptoms in the mouth. These include a swollen, inflamed, pale, or strangely smooth tongue.

8. Brittle nails
This blood disorder can also manifest in the form of brittle or spoon-shaped nails. This symptom requires medical attention, especially if it’s accompanied by pale skin.

Keeping an eye out for these early warning signs of anemia can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment before it becomes severe.