How To Tell the Difference Between Everyday Fatigue and Anemia

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Tired female entrepreneur yawning in office. Horizontal shot.We have all experienced tiredness or normal exhaustion at several points in our lives.  However, when these feelings persist, it often means we are fatigued.

Everyday fatigue is characterized by an ongoing lack of energy and other symptoms that may include:

  • Brain fog
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Emotional overwhelm
  • Anxiety

Fatigue can be caused by several factors such as:

  • Medications
  • Poor diet
  • Stress
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Sleep disorders
  • Influenza (the flu)
  • Pneumonia

Everyday fatigue is usually temporary and may go away with rest, sleep, or stress reduction. Fatigue that lasts for several weeks and interferes with daily life should not be ignored because it may signal an underlying medical condition.

Ongoing fatigue is often associated with anemia. Unlike everyday fatigue, anemia-related fatigue results from a lack of healthy red blood cells.  Additionally, anemia-related fatigue does not improve with rest and affects multiple body systems because they lack adequate oxygen.   Here are a few symptoms that may result from that:

  • Pale skin
  • Cold hands or feet
  • Shortness of breath
  • Low stamina
  • Frequent headaches
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Persistent tiredness, even after getting sufficient sleep
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Brain fog
  • Unusual cravings
  • Brittle nails
  • Thinning hair

See a doctor if you experience these symptoms. Doctors diagnose anemia with a blood test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which measures hemoglobin and red blood cell levels.  Your doctor may also order a ferritin blood test to check how much iron is stored in your body.

Treatment for anemia depends on the underlying issue. Treatment may include managing the underlying condition, medications that stimulate red blood cell production or suppress the immune system, intravenous (IV) iron therapy, bone marrow or cell transplants, iron or vitamin supplementation, or dietary changes that include key nutrients.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

 

 

 

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All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.